Smallsword Lesson 6 - Advanced Prises de Fer part 1 (Binds to Line)
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Bind·Skyline Drama
Bind
SubFamilyバインド(Baindo)
Translation: Blade bind
Overview
The Bind is a blade taking action where the fencer uses forte-to-foible leverage to carry the opponent's blade from one line to another, typically from a high line to a low line diagonally. [1] The bind controls the opponent's blade through continuous contact while the fencer's point threatens the target. [1] It requires superior blade sentiment (sense of touch through the blades). [1]
BindLiementTransport
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The Bind remains a core technique in modern competitive fencing and historical swordsmanship. [1]
Lineage
Competition Record
Used in FIE international fencing competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Bind-specific fencing mechanics
Joints Involved — Arm (extension/rotation), wrist (angulation), legs (lunge drive)
Force Vector — Technique-specific
Leverage Principle — Forte-to-foible blade leverage and body mechanics
Position & Entry
From en garde — Execute the bind
From engagement — Transition into bind
Variants
Direct bind
Indirect bind
Compound bind
Videos
HEMA Quick Tip: Solo Bind Training
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Bind·Sword Carolina
One of the most important aspects of HEMA, and one of the hardest to train by yourself, is working in the bind and feeli…
Principles of Fencing with Blade Binds 1
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Bind·Roland Warzecha (DIMICATOR)
Learn more about my work here: https://www.patreon.com/Dimicator You are welcome to get in touch via my Facebook page: h…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
A bind is a blade-to-blade contact in which one combatant gains mechanical and positional control over the opponent's weapon, typically achieved through leverage, edge orientation, and pressure. Skyline Drama describes bind-to-line as a smallsword technique in which a parry (most commonly from tierce or quarte) is converted into a smooth expulsion of the opponent's blade while simultaneously extending into a thrust attack, transitioning from supinated to pronated grip (or vice versa) and moving directly from high line to low line. The technique emphasizes using the fort of the defender's blade against the foible of the attacker's blade. Sword Carolina's solo training method demonstrates that binds generate crucial tactile feedback—the distinction between strong and weak binds—which determines subsequent tactical options; strong binds favor continuing on the same line, while weak binds invite circling movements to the opposite side. Roland Warzecha (DIMICATOR) contextualizes binds within Germanic sword theory, emphasizing that control of the center is more mechanically important than executing the final attack, and identifies three winning principles: turning the edge against the opponent's flat, bringing one's sword over the opponent's, and leveraging a longer moment arm. Warzecha stresses pressure-based probing (Reinspühlen) to test the bind and regain center control if lost. All three instructors agree that the bind is fundamentally a transitional position from which controlled attacks follow, not merely incidental blade contact.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Skyline Drama — Smallsword Lesson 6 - Advanced Prises de Fer part 1 (Binds to Line): Defines bind-to-line as a parry converted into blade expulsion and simultaneous thrust extension, distinguishing it from earlier bind-through cuts; demonstrates execution from both tierce and quarte with supination/pronation transitions; specifies that bind-to-line movements proceed from high to low line.
- Sword Carolina — HEMA Quick Tip: Solo Bind Training: Explains binds as sources of tactile feedback essential for medieval swordplay; distinguishes strong and weak binds and their tactical consequences; provides solo training methodology using pells to simulate opponent blade resistance and teach appropriate responses.
- Roland Warzecha (DIMICATOR) — Principles of Fencing with Blade Binds 1: Establishes theoretical hierarchy prioritizing center control over attack execution; identifies three mechanical advantages in bind winning (edge orientation, sword position, leverage); introduces pressure-based bind probing (Reinspühlen) and rebinding to regain lost control; contextualizes binds within Germanic sword doctrine.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Sport fencing with protective equipment; historically lethal with sharp weapons
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— FIE — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for...
FIE Rules of CompetitionPDFHEMA — Legal in historical fencing competition {src— various organizations
Training Notes
✓Practise with a partner in controlled conditions (Pollock et al., 1902)
✓Focus on economy of motion
✓Develop blade sentiment through slow-speed drills
Common Mistakes
!Over-extending
!Telegraphing the action
!Poor recovery
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1En garde → Preparation → Bind → Recovery
Sources & References
Primary Source
Fencing (Pollock, Grove & Prevost, 1902)
1Book[1] Pollock, W.H., Grove, F.C. and Prevost, C. (1902). Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling. Longmans, Green, and Co. Badminton Library of Sports and Pastimes. [2] Castle, E. (1885). Schools and Masters of Fence. George Bell and Sons.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Pollock, W
2Citation[1] Pollock, W.H., Grove, F.C. and Prevost, C. (1902). Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling. Longmans, Green, and Co. Badminton Library of Sports and Pastimes. [2] Castle, E. (1885). Schools and Masters of Fence. George Bell and Sons.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Pollock, W
Community
Athletics
Requires good arm extension
Quick reflexes
Balance and footwork
Notes
The bind (liement) in fencing takes control of the opponent's blade by maintaining contact and pressure — transporting their blade from one line to another. A fundamental blade action in all three fencing weapons. (Fencing technique manuals; FIE fencing curriculum)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is control of the sword more important than landing the attack in a bind?
Roland Warzecha (DIMICATOR) emphasizes that you cannot safely thrust without first completely controlling the opposing sword and the center line; the attack works better once you have full control of the opponent's blade rather than thinking about hitting too early.
How can I practice bind feel and pressure sensitivity if I don't have a partner?
Sword Carolina recommends setting up two pells or a pell on a target to practice solo, which allows you to feel the difference between hard and soft pressure in binds and develop immediate recognition of these sensations through practice.
What's the correct blade contact in a smallsword bind?
In a bind, you use the fort (strong part) of your blade to wrap around the foible (weak part) of your opponent's blade, then expel and extend as one smooth motion to drive their blade aside.
Why shouldn't I just practice binds by cutting at a single pell?
Sword Carolina explains that practicing against a single pell gives you incorrect angles and doesn't simulate the actual angles and feedback you experience when binding with a live opponent's sword.
How does the Bind work?
The Bind is a blade taking action where the fencer uses forte-to-foible leverage to carry the opponent's blade from one line to another, typically from a high line to a low line diagonally. The bind controls the opponent's blade through continuous contact while the fencer's point threatens the target.
Where does the Bind come from?
The Bind was codified in European fencing treatises from the 16th century onward. Italian and French schools developed the technique into its modern form through centuries of refinement.
Is the Bind legal in competition?
FIE: legal — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for foil, épée, and sabre; HEMA: legal — Legal in historical fencing competition
How dangerous is the Bind?
Danger rating 3/10. Sport fencing with protective equipment; historically lethal with sharp weapons
How do I set up the Bind?
The standard setup chain: En garde → Preparation → Bind → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Bind?
Standard counters include: Counter-parry / Distance management / Stop-hit.
What are the variants of the Bind?
Common variants: Direct bind; Indirect bind; Compound bind.
How effective is the Bind in competition?
Used in FIE international fencing competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Bind?
Top errors to watch for: Over-extending / Telegraphing the action / Poor recovery.
What are other names for the Bind?
The Bind is also known as Baindo, Bind, Liement, Transport.