HEMA Training Swords

Here you will find what training swords we recommend for participation in HEMA activities at the Vanguard Centre.

We will endeavour to keep this list as up to date as possible.
(Last updated 22 October 2025)

Longsword / Feders

Regenyei Feders with Light blade Flex. Standard, Wide, Italian, Light, or Trnava are all fine, but make sure it is light blade flex. Even the medium is stiffer than is ideal for thrusting. The shorty models are good for smaller fencers, or those worried about their power control.
Sigi Forge basically any of these is fine. The King is significantly choppier than other varieties. Concept handles very nicely. Sigi shorties are absolutely delightful, especially for the smaller fencers or those focusing on technique.
HF Light Feder Don’t get the standard, it is too stiff.
Haft Feder Tournament ran by and ex-Sigismith. Similar feel to Sigi but arriving quicker, and very affordable

There are 2 major schools of sabre fencing so we will recommend a few smiths for each.

Regenyei Tournament, Quickly becoming the new standard in UK HEMA. A decent sabre for tournaments sitting between 800g-900g range
Chorna Vatra, Extremely popular in clubs like DDS and for good reason. Unfortunately the smith has recently been deployed to the front line in Ukraine.
Sigi Sabre Big Excellent QC and build quality. Some hands don’t play well with the grip size so make sure to try before you buy.
Fabri Armorium. We only recommend this specific model. A good first sabre but will breakdown quicker than others.
Poker Armoury Poker sabres are love-them-or-hate-them. They have a rather wide range in weight so you might end up heavier than expected
Swordshopv ca Gymnasium Sabre Just within weight for UK tournaments but excellent handling
Black Fencer 3 bar soft steel so it will need a lot more maintenance than others. Also a less protective hilt. However handles beautifully

Black Fencer 1796 INFANTRY Same as the 3 bar BF steel is soft and edges are thin. However this is the only good example of a 1796 style sabre.
Black Fencer 1803 Much the same as above but with a small differences
Silkfencing standard Often available at fight camp. Do make sure you get a blade with a decent amount of flex. Don’t recommend ordering online.

Armourclass The most popular broadsword in Scotland. Great price, fantastic blades and excellent baskets. The Manitoba blade is the blade you are after.

However, be warned the wait time is long and best ordered via direct email instead of from the website.

Landsknecht Emporium Gottfried The messer all others are measured against. The thick edge model will last longer and is the only model good for sparing
Mac armoury An interesting option, handles remarkably well.
Poker Armory Schnorrer Basic model of Poker Messer is perfectly serviceable, but make sure you get the all-wood handle with wood pommel – the steel variant is too short and hooked for best Messer technique. These can also be somewhat stiff compared to other options.

HFA Smallsword cheap, cheerful and standard
Caledonian Craftsman produced locally by Kindred made from brass, they handle well

HFA Any of these with a standard HFA rapier blade in it is a great economy choice
Chorna Vatra Pappenheimer Extremely popular and for good reason. Unfortunately the smith has recently been deployed to the front line in Ukraine.
Bellator very much the premium option but they make beautiful swords

HFA a grand choice if you want a sail dagger
Chorna Vatra Pappenheimer extremely popular and for good reason. Unfortunately the smith has recently been deployed to the front line in Ukraine.
Bellator very much the premium option but they make beautiful swords
Malleus an other high end smith but one of the best daggers out there

HFA the best economy sidesword out there
Malleus the BEST premium sideswords you can buy
Regenyei make very pretty and nice handling offerings, but as with other products from this smith, make sure you select the “trainers” option.
Chorna Vatra Not as common as their other offerings, but still wonderful