Norwich Falchion

“There can be but little doubt that it was the intercourse with the Orient which led to the swordsmith forging a curved blade after the fashion of the scimitar. […] The curved sword, popularly known as the falchion; was mentioned by Guiart, the famous writer of the XIIIth century. It figures in the hands of one of the warriors in the fresco formerly in the painted chamber, Westminster, assigned to the early years of the Xlllth century. […] We can, however, obtain ample evidence as to the character of these swords from extant examples, without being under the necessity of having to derive it solely from the testimony of pictures.”

A RECORD OF EUROPEAN ARMOUR AND ARMS THROUGH SEVEN CENTURIES BY SIR GUY FRANCIS LAKING, BART. C.B., M.V.O., F.S.A. LATE KEEPER OF THE KING'S ARMOURY (1920)

The falchion was chiefly used by archers and men-at-arms in the 1300’s. This falchion is a close copy of an original falchion displayed in Norwich Castle, England. Believed to date from around 1320, it was  dredged from the bed of the River Yare at Thorpe St Andrew in 1833.

The two-dimensional look of this sword belies its heft and blade presence. At almost two kilos, this sword is no lightweight but its mass is not apparent when set in motion. The sword tracks well and this optimal tracking is easy to obtain. Because of its careful mass distribution, with much of the mass being concentrated close to the hilt, the sword is fast to set in motion and quick to recover. The long grip and forward pivot point of this sword (within an inch from the tip) make control very easy and give the feel of a natural extension of the hand during thrusting exercises.

The thick narrow blade is perfect for half-swording. When the blade of the sword is securely grabbed with the off-hand, half-swording techniques are easily and safely executed. The sword can be used with one hand, though the full potential is only unleashed when gripped with both hands. From an overall perspective, the general design of this piece is fantastic – the consummate medieval slasher. The piece's proportions, contours, shaping of the fittings and the profile of the blade are not only pleasing; but approximate the illustrations and photographs of the original.

The falchion gained popularity amongst all classes, from the lowly hired soldier to the most regal of nobility. It continued to be used throughout the centuries, mainly due to the brutal cutting blows it could deliver. Falchions have been widely depicted in artwork and literature, but very few surviving pieces exist: one of the best being the falchion displayed at Norwich Castle.

• Blade: 72 cm.
• Overall Length: 90 cm.
• Guard Width: 20.7 cm.
• Weight:1.96kg.
• Sharp.
• Full Tang.
• Hand Forged.
• EN45 Steel.
• High quality 100% leather scabbard with belt loop.
• Leather for scabbard is 7mm thick.

Important: The leather scabbard that comes with this sword, has a slit halfway down one side. This is to facilitate a quick draw and easy insertion; as the unusual shape of the blade makes a regular-style sheath too awkward for effective use. The sword remains secure in the scabbard by means of a strap that goes around the grip.