A prototype sword for training armored combat

Today we take a look at a prototype training sword for Harnesfechten, or armored combat. The training swords typically used in HEMA, normally called feders, are replicas or derivations of 16th century European training swords specifically designed for blossfechten, or unarmored combat. They were designed not to kill unarmored fencers competing in a contest of skill. The characteristics that make them relatively safe include having a rebated edge and a flexible tip.