The core mission and goal of SIGI is to emphasize the importance and necessity of standardization in the Historical European Martial Arts. By standardization, we refer primarily to qualities that must be consistently replicated in any tool intended for the practice of historical fencing. These qualities include durability, strength, flexibility, and other safety measures. All of this should be complemented by excellent handling, which translates into a better fencing experience.
Below you can find short descriptions for all possible modifications of our products. Feel free to use our Swordbuilder app to create the sword of your dreams. If you want more information about individual models from our lineup, check this article in our blog.
Feders
1. Sword length
We can create sword blades in 4 different lengths:
- Standard– total length of 135 cm (53.1 in), approx. 1600g (3.5 lbs)
- Shorty – total length of 125 cm (49.2 in), approx. 1500g (3.3 lbs)
- Mini – total length of 115 cm (45.3 in), approx. 1400g (3 lbs)
- XL – total length of 139 cm (54.7 in), approx. 1650g (3.63 lbs)
The blade being:
- Standard – 101 cm (39.8 in)
- Shorty – 96 cm (37.8 in)
- Mini – 86 cm (33.8 in)
- XL – 105 cm (41.3 in)
Note: Please note the length can vary a bit (usually 0-0.5cm less) due to the nature of their production.
The handle length is as follows:
- Mini and Shorty – 22 cm (8.7 in) handle without pommel
- Standard and XL – 26 cm (10.2 in) handle without pommel
Our pommels are 5-7 cm long (2 – 2.75 in). Most are 7 cm (2.75 in).
Before choosing your sword length, please consult your club instructors or the tournament rules in your area. Our swords reflect the most typical lengths of training/tournament swords used in most of Europe. Note: As mentioned before, due to the nature of production, these figures may vary slightly within reasonable limits.
2. Schilt types – sword type
In HEMA, the word “schilt” or “shield” (or sometimes “ricasso”) is used to describe the wider blade area that follows the cross and appears on swords to protect the user’s fingers by deflecting blows.
We offer a variety of products with different types of schilts. To better understand their function, characteristics and design, we suggest you read the following article: A practical guide to SIGI feders.
3. Blade flexibility
- All of our feder blades have a standardized amount of flex. Please check the product description of your chosen item.
- For illustration, flex ranges from approximately 12.5 kg (longswords) to 13-14 kg (one-handed swords/katanas).
- This flexibility is intended to ensure safety during thrusting.
4. Crossguards
We offer three types of crossguards for all feders:
- Basic or Default: Elegant, simple, safe, and fully hardened.
- Octagonal Crossguard: An eight-sided crossguard with decorative notches towards the end of the quillons. This is standard on the King and Gothic models and an extra option for the others. It is completely hardened and durable.
- Castillon Crossguard: Inspired by surviving swords found near Castillon, this round crossguard features two balls at the end, offering +10 charisma. It is fully tempered and durable.
All our crossguards are made in two lengths: 28 cm and 30 cm. The normal length crossguard (28 cm) is a regular-sized cross with adequate protection. A longer crossguard (30 cm) provides its bearer with an effective boost in defense and some of the sword’s properties. The decision is up to you, but we suggest the following:
- Normal (28 cm): Suitable for swords of all sizes, but mainly for Mini and Shorty sizes.
- Longer (30 cm): Perfect for Standard and XL lengths.
Occasionally, we are asked to shorten crossguards even more, but please keep in mind that using a shorter crossguard will dampen its protective effect.
Furthermore, you can request the following:
- Rings on your crossguard: You can ask for one or two rings (+20€ per ring).
Rings are currently available only with the Basic crossguard. Please keep in mind that each ring adds roughly 40-50g of weight to your sword.
5. Handle shape, material and colour
Our handles are available in two different shapes:
- Regular: A straight handle with a relatively uniform shape that narrows down to the pommel.
- Waisted: An accented waist in the middle of the handle (+10€).
Furthermore, you can choose between:
- Cord Grip: Made from 100% natural rope, fixed with a special solution to resist impact (default for all swords).
- Leather Grip: Made from real leather, colored according to available dyes (+40€).
Handle material is a choice between aesthetics, personal preference, and pragmatism. A cord grip will resist cuts, aggressive handling, and impact better than leather. Leather, on the other hand, looks amazing.
We offer the following colors:
- Cord Grips: Black, brown, green, red, orange, blue, purple, light blue, white/plain.
- Leather: Black, brown, green, red, orange, blue, light blue.
NOTE: Please be aware that we strive to use as many natural materials as possible. Our ropes and leather are colored in the Forge using natural dyes. Colors might slightly vary from piece to piece due to their natural origin and other conditions (our photos were taken in different light conditions). Some colors are not available with leather.
6. Pommels
For the majority of our regular feders you can choose from the following pommel models:
- Pear: Basic pear shape, versatile and comfortable to use.
- Onion: An onion-shaped upgrade of the basic pear shape.
- Mushroom: Great for people who use larger gloves or prefer a “handle grip” to a pommel grip (+10€).
- Disc Pommel: Similar to the pommel used on our arming swords (+30€).
- Faceted Pommel: A faceted pommel for aesthetic appeal (+30€).
- Faceted Pommel with Stripes: A decorated faceted pommel for a firmer grip (+40€).
- Fishtail: A highly aesthetic special pommel shape (+60€).
- Twisted: A visually attractive, complex pommel type (+60€).
Please note: The disc pommel is 2cm shorter than other pommels, which can move the balance point towards the tip (giving more “presence”, i.e. the sword feels heavier). Pommels can affect the POB in general due to the different distribution of mass.
7. Sword tip
All of our feder tips, including those on our one-handed sword models, are spatulated for improved safety and control. The tips on our Katana, Messer, and Kriegsmesser models are wider than the edge at the end. While we believe our tips are safer than small, folded tips, we recommend using additional tape or other protection to ensure maximum safety during use.
8. Extra – coating
If you’d like to further customize your sword, we offer the option of brassing or blackening your pommel and crossguard. Brassing is the process of coating the hilt and pommel with a film of brass, giving your feder, katana, arming sword, or other product a unique, recognizable look.
In addition, this extra layer creates a protective film that significantly increases rust resistance. It requires minimal maintenance and makes your sword stand out.
Options:
- Brassing a pommel or crossguard only – 50€
- Brassing both the pommel and cross – 100€
- Brassing a crossguard with a ring – 20€ per ring
- Brassing a tsuba and the kashira of a katana – 100€
- Brassing a messer – 100€
- Blackening a pommel or crossguard only – 50€
- Blackening both the pommel and cross – 100€
- Blackening a crossguard with a ring – 20€ per ring
Please note: Brassing is susceptible to wear and tear. Direct cuts or scratches may be visible after heavy use, though with proper care, it will maintain its appearance for years.
9. Extra – Engraving
To enhance the distinctive appearance of your feder, we offer the option to engrave it according to your design. We can engrave anything—whether it’s your name, initials, club logo(s), or a favorite picture. For logos or pictures, please provide us with the source image, preferably in a vector format (like .ai, .svg, .pdf), or specify your desired font for text engraving. The only limit here is your imagination. Some more info about engraving can be found here.
Anyways – if there’s anything you’d like to ask, feel free to contact us via social media or email – we’re always here for you!