On: Fencer Matthias Behr takes in relatives of the opp...

[quartesixte]

The blade bending at insane angles is the result of post-accident engineering to make sure this doesn't happen again at international levels. Training foils and beginner foils are made of cheaper steel that is a lot stiffer and breaks a lot sharper -- you are not allowed to fence in certain levels of competition with them at all.

Also, historical swords also could get very floppy with just the right amount of force...the movies lie to you somewhat.

[inawarminister → quartesixte]

Hehe, Joachim Meyer (1570) showcased techniques where he used the floppiness of his longsword (trainer; Federschwert) to cut around blocks and guards.

Here's the technique if anyone wants to see that.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7yZpqalEOg