After years of service the Smallsword AHF by HFA has been updated with some interesting new features. They can be ordered at the link below. hf-armory.com/...
smallswords really are an under appreciate part of hema even though the basic design was massive popular for more then a hundred years. Its also such an interesting system.
I have the infinity gloves and they do work with this smallsword (a friend just received one from HFA). What won't work are the Destroyer Modz gloves, those are huge.
@@Charlie-nj9ne I already have one of the old ones. Plus a Feather smallsword. One of these should be sufficient that I never feel the need to buy another sword 😆
@@dexterbelmain589 How different does the Feather smallsword feel from the HF smallsword you have? Did you order both with epee blades or one/both with musketeer blades?
What makes originals feel as well as they do is the short hilt and guard, which enconpass the hand. the pinky resting on the d guards end makes them very wieldable. that would be taken away by the "glove friendly" big spaced guard, no?
The grip length on these is the same as an original, so only the guard could be an issue in that regard. However, I don't find I ever brace against the knucklebow, and I don't they were ever intended to. Doesn't mean you can't of course, but plenty of smallswords didn't even have them and the trainers they all used to practice with didn't either. For me the only factor which changes from the originals is most had a bulbous pommel which rests into the wrist and I kind of like that feel. but its a minor issue and they can be upgraded easily if people want that.
I would like an "active/live" smallsword. Would HFArmory straighten out the tip and and make make it pointy and sharp if I ordered one? Please let me know..
You'd have to ask them but I have never known them do anything sharp as of yet. This would be very easy to do yourself though with a bench grinder or disc cutter and some files.
I just checked out the website and the prices and quality look great! How is the current delivery experience, given the terrible situation in Ukraine? Anyone had a recent delivery?
The product I am reviewing is a recent deliery, it arrived on the 11th of June. They are back in production of some products, including these smallswords, which they now have stock of and ready for immediate shipment. We also recieved another parcel of gloves from them recently as well, everything it getting through fine
We work from Angelo simply because it is the recommended smallsword source within the Roworth manual which is our primary sabre/broadsword/spadroon source. I also really like Angelo's manual. I'd also recommend McArthur. See both available freely below Angelo - smallswordproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/angelo_-_school_of_fencing_1787.pdf McArthur - smallswordproject.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/mcarthur1780_ptcpj_18.pdf
Try these books -"The Art of Fencing; Or, The Use of the Small Sword" - Maître D'Armes L'Abbat -"The Art of the Smallsword featuring P.J.F. Girard Treatise of Arms" by Philip T Crawley -"Irish Swordmanship : Fencing and Dueling in 18th century Ireland" by Ben Miller
Are they using better guards? i have two of the older models and the guards bent massively after a few saber matches (Castille eco sabers) Personally i'd rather use a foil for smallsword vs. smallsword training, but something more durable for mixed weapon would be nice (colichemarde trainers would also be nice for this, but i dont think anyones making those)
Yes, they moved to a slightly larger and much thicker steel guard, as opposed to the old aluminium ones. Much tougher now. Kvetun are making a Colichemarde but its obviously a lot more expensive, we will review that soon as we do have one.
Would love to see more smallsword vs other weapons!
That is certainly on the list to do, will try and get some done soon
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing looking forward to it!
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing Smallsword vs broadsword/targe would be cool.
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing Please do! not enough smallsword content out there.
smallswords really are an under appreciate part of hema even though the basic design was massive popular for more then a hundred years.
Its also such an interesting system.
Thanks for video! Only one thing - if you need to have more protected gloves, you can use Firestone, not Red Dragon;)))))
PS. Glory to Ukraine!
Interesting. I saw recently the have a couple of good looking sidesword. Maybe I'll get one
I have the infinity gloves and they do work with this smallsword (a friend just received one from HFA). What won't work are the Destroyer Modz gloves, those are huge.
Oh dear. Now I need one of those 🙄
You know where to ask)))
“One” lol
@@Charlie-nj9ne I already have one of the old ones. Plus a Feather smallsword. One of these should be sufficient that I never feel the need to buy another sword 😆
@@dexterbelmain589 if you say so 😉
@@dexterbelmain589 How different does the Feather smallsword feel from the HF smallsword you have? Did you order both with epee blades or one/both with musketeer blades?
What makes originals feel as well as they do is the short hilt and guard, which enconpass the hand. the pinky resting on the d guards end makes them very wieldable.
that would be taken away by the "glove friendly" big spaced guard, no?
The grip length on these is the same as an original, so only the guard could be an issue in that regard. However, I don't find I ever brace against the knucklebow, and I don't they were ever intended to. Doesn't mean you can't of course, but plenty of smallswords didn't even have them and the trainers they all used to practice with didn't either. For me the only factor which changes from the originals is most had a bulbous pommel which rests into the wrist and I kind of like that feel. but its a minor issue and they can be upgraded easily if people want that.
informative
I would like an "active/live" smallsword. Would HFArmory straighten out the tip and and make make it pointy and sharp if I ordered one? Please let me know..
You'd have to ask them but I have never known them do anything sharp as of yet. This would be very easy to do yourself though with a bench grinder or disc cutter and some files.
I just checked out the website and the prices and quality look great! How is the current delivery experience, given the terrible situation in Ukraine? Anyone had a recent delivery?
The product I am reviewing is a recent deliery, it arrived on the 11th of June. They are back in production of some products, including these smallswords, which they now have stock of and ready for immediate shipment. We also recieved another parcel of gloves from them recently as well, everything it getting through fine
Our club just received its order of HFA smallswords in October 2022. We ordered them in August.
What source do you study for your smallsword training? I am looking to get into it but am not sure which source would be a good starting point.
We work from Angelo simply because it is the recommended smallsword source within the Roworth manual which is our primary sabre/broadsword/spadroon source. I also really like Angelo's manual. I'd also recommend McArthur. See both available freely below
Angelo - smallswordproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/angelo_-_school_of_fencing_1787.pdf
McArthur - smallswordproject.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/mcarthur1780_ptcpj_18.pdf
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing Thanks so much for the quick reply and the sources. Time to get studying!
Try these books
-"The Art of Fencing; Or, The Use of the Small Sword" - Maître D'Armes L'Abbat
-"The Art of the Smallsword featuring P.J.F. Girard Treatise of Arms" by Philip T Crawley
-"Irish Swordmanship : Fencing and Dueling in 18th century Ireland" by Ben Miller
Are they using better guards? i have two of the older models and the guards bent massively after a few saber matches (Castille eco sabers)
Personally i'd rather use a foil for smallsword vs. smallsword training, but something more durable for mixed weapon would be nice (colichemarde trainers would also be nice for this, but i dont think anyones making those)
Yes, they moved to a slightly larger and much thicker steel guard, as opposed to the old aluminium ones. Much tougher now. Kvetun are making a Colichemarde but its obviously a lot more expensive, we will review that soon as we do have one.
Any good smallsword replicas on the market?
the way We can help Ukraina
"You should always worry about your tip."
~ That's what she said.
Couldn't help myself. 🫣