Classic Medieval Sword

The Hillside Forge (Blackbutt, NSW)

Proudly Presents its:

Classic Medieval Sword

This sword’s simplicity of decoration calls to mind the early days of the Knights Templar, and shows a sword typical of the 12th and 13th centuries. Throughout the conducted cutting exercises it tracks well into the cut, and recovery is easily accomplished when transitioning back into a defensive posture.

• Weight: 1.541 kg (without scabbard) 
• Overall length: 99 cm
• Blade length: 81 cm
• Blade width: 4.8 cm at base
• Grip length: 10.5 cm
• Guard width: 18 cm
• Point of Balance: 5 1/2 inches from guard
• Center of Percussion: ~21 1/4 inches from guard
• Oakeshott typology: Type Xa blade, Style 4 guard, Type I pommel

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This sword feels very solid in the hand, as if it would be a consummate shield-cracker. It has a pronounced blade presence. Blade presence on these early swords tends to give extra impetus to the cut, though I wouldn't consider this sword blade-heavy. As expected with sword designs of this era, the weight distribution of this sword and the shape of its blade does not make it very suitable for thrusting. This sword is ideal for people interested in crusade-era swords. It is a simple, yet classic and elegant design.

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CAUTION – THIS IS A FULLY FUNCTIONAL MARTIAL WEAPON (SHARP, FULL TANG, CARBON STEEL) – DECOMISSION THE BLADE BEFORE WALL MOUNTING. DO NOT USE FOR SPARRING. DO NOT USE FOR THEATRICAL OR RE-ENACTMENT PURPOSES. CHECK THE LAWS IN YOUR STATE OR COUNTRY PERTAINING TO WEAPONS OWNERSHIP BEFORE MAKING YOUR PURCHASE. STORE SAFELY AND HANDLE WITH CAUTION.

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A Functional Battlefield Weapon

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Full Tang

Tang is a word of Old Norse origin, meaning a sharp point, tongue, or prong. The tang is an extension of the blade that you don't see because it is hidden underneath the handle. Most swords, if they are of any quality, should already have a full tang and it doesn't need to be advertised. It's something to expect. Nevertheless, we do feel a need to differentiate this item, as 95% of swords on the net are either rat-tails or quarter tangs. Such movie/fantasy pseudo-swords are strictly for decoration only, as the much needed support in the handle is missing. They might look pretty on a wall, but they will slowly (or very quickly) come apart if used in simulated combat.

A quarter or half tang means that the blade is partially imbedded into the hilt and does not form a connection with the pommel. It is more difficult and expensive to create a full tang, as the handle and guard have to be manufactured around each individual sword. The most common modern tang fitting, is the rat-tail. It's aptly named, as this tang has something like the length and thickness of a rat’s tail. Rat-tails are long inner threads which run the length of the handle. They screw into a pommel cap and are spot welded to the end of the blade. If a pommel can be unscrewed, this does not always mean it’s on a rat-tail – but it usually is. Almost all swords made in the People’s Republic of China (the ones most frequently seen on the internet) have a cheap rat-tail. Such tangs create a weak-point in the sword, focusing all of the force onto a tiny little weld.

Hand Forged

This is not a mass-produced blade stamped out of sheet metal, it's 100% guaranteed hand forged. The blade is shaped and delicately curved; created with time honoured classic sword making ingredients: hammer, anvil, fire and sweat - traditionally fired, shaped and polished by skilled artisans. This sword doesn’t just look good in the photo – it will actually look and feel good in your hand. The serious collector should aim for no less than hand-forged blades. Factory-made blades are commonplace, but useless for combat. Even blades factory-produced from 5160 steel are often riddled with slag inclusions. In March 2009, a noted Australian sword expert dismantled and tested one of our standard eBay swords. He wrote: “I was very impressed with its flex- it almost bends to 90 degrees and snaps back without deforming.”

Sharp

This sword has been professionally sharpened.

With Scabbard

Supplied with a unique, custom made, hand crafted scabbard.

High Carbon Steel

We use a traditional bellows-driven charcoal forge to heat the steel, carefully purifying and carburizing each blade, hammering it into shape and then tempering it to perfection. The end result of these efforts is "Living Steel" - a super-high carbon steel blade (typically about one percent carbon) that is exceptionally flexible, very strong, and has the potential to hold an exceptionally sharp edge.

Correct Finish

The blade’s steel is not inappropriately shiny with a mirror finish, but has the authentic bright-gray subdued sheen favoured by enthusiasts.

No Fuss Returns Policy

If you are less than delighted with your purchase, return it to us within seven days, and we will furnish you with a full refund – no questions asked. If the sword arrives damaged, return it to us within seven days, and we will send you another.

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