[S_Daedalus]

As an avid fencer, I couldn't agree more! My first instinct, trained into me for years with fencing has to do with scoring points on specific areas, in specific ways, not killing or surviving. It might look a little similar to the uninitiated, but it's basically night and day. Never mind that I've trained with little metal foils, sabers and epees, that probably weigh a fraction of a proper steel blade, I just wouldn't know what to do with it to literally save my life.

[JulianMorrison]

If you want to experience the difference, maybe look into any local HEMA groups.

Full weight steel swords aren't all that heavy, especially if well balanced, but they have inertia and aren't whippy and flexible.