The blades are designed to flex in the last one-third of their length towards the tip, allowing for much safer thrusting than with conventional wooden wasters or shinai. The blade/tang joint is reinforced by a high tensile steel rod running along the full length of the handle, so removing the handle flex typically associated with plastic training swords. These synthetic-bladed swords also provide an excellent option for theatrical use, being inherently safer than steel or aluminum. The variety of interchangeable parts offered by Hanwei also provides an economical means to create many different styles of sword on a single blade. The ball shaped quillon finials and rounded pommels of the Longsword and Single-hand sword are designed for sparring safety, as are the pommel and basket of the basket-hilt sword. The grips are manufactured from a rubber-like thermoplastic elastomer, designed to absorb the impact of strikes and to provide a tight fit on the tangs.These synthetic-bladed swords also provide an excellent option for theatrical use as well. Testimonials The new synthetic swords have been developed by HEMA practitioners for HEMA practitioners, using our experience of the last decade of training and competition. They behave more like original steel swords than other plastic swords, and they handle more like antique swords than many of the steel replicas out there. Being plastic, they offer far greater safety than steel weapons. This increased safety, coupled with realism, should enable us to take our arts to the next level, particularly in competitive bouting. - Matt Easton Schola Gladiatoria -UK The new sparring range is something we have been waiting and hoping on for many years. The first mass produced, affordable and realistic western martial arts simulators available will allow the Western martial arts to be a lot more accessible, whilst allowing our current members to train to very high intensity levels whilst remaining safe.