Good Sword Reviews for Western Martial Arts Swords

Sword Index offers good obective and practical reviews, advice and swords.
Tinker Pearce Bastard Sword Review on SwordIndex.com

HEMA Steel Sparring Helmets

http://westcoastarmoury.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33_25&products_id=177

http://westcoastarmoury.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33_25&products_id=6

http://botn.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/HMB-Rules-for-TOURNAMENT-CATEGORIES.pdf

Ewart Oakeshott The Man and his Legacy: Part IV

An article by Chad Arnow, Russ Ellis, Patrick Kelly, Nathan Robinson, and Sean A. Flynt Compiled and produced by Nathan Robinson http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_oakeshott4.html

Next Sword for my collection

Albion  Burgundian

Oakeshott Type XVIII

HEMA Equipment

http://www.swordsmanship.ca/buying-equipment/

Custom Oakeshott Type XVa Sword

This sword is a hand made custom ordered sword.

The colors for this particular custom sword are : Antique red Scabbard, Black Grip and Black Belt

Overall Length: 112.5cm

Type XVa Blade 1060. Hand Forged with a Temper of HRC 52 to 54

Blade Length:   88.6cm

Blade Width at Guard : 5cm , Grip Length: 18.25cm

Fittings : Hand made Mild steel 

Weight: Around 1.2kgs

This sword is Peened .

Bastard sword in SCA Combat

http://www.scabastardsword.com/

HEMA Practical Armor

Here is what I know about. I'm keen to hear from anyone who has experience with these items, or for you to add addtional items to this thread:

Windrose sparring helmet (stainless steel)
http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index ... cts_id=668

Windrose Fiore sparring helmet (mild steel)
http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index ... cts_id=561

As above, but in stainless steel
http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index ... cts_id=641

That Guy's Products sparring masks (stainless steel)
http://www.thatguysproducts.com/masks.html

Darkwood Armory Longsword trainer helmet (stainless steel)
http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/index.php ... cts_id=314

Zen Warrior Armory rapier sparring helmet (stainless steel)
http://www.zenwarriorarmory.com/catalog ... egory%3D43

Steel Mastery Fencing helmet
http://steel-mastery.com/en/plate-armou ... ing-helmet

Custom Sword Smiths

Ben Potter is a creative sword smith who's passion for turns swords into individual works of art. He has two websites for custom swords:
Privateer Armory
Cedarlore Forge

Custom Sword Smiths with good reputation are:

Kevin Cashen, 
Michael "Tinker" Pearce, 
Al Massey, 
John Lundemo, (http://www.odinblades.com/)
Craig from Arms and Armor...

I'm probably missing a few here too.

The big question is what do you want it for, and how much are you ready to spend? For example, if you're looking for a WMA sword that can withstand a nuclear blast but still remain balanced, I'd suggest Jean-Philippe Henry of the Heimrick Armeor, where you can get a decent WMA sword for about $250-300. If you're looking for a historically accurate cutter, you're probably looking at around $1000 plus; a less expensive option may be to take a Gus Trim or Albion blade and have Christian Fletcher make a custom hilt for you, but you're still looking at upwards of $800 and up once it's all said and done.

For medieval/fantasy style swords - Brendon Olszowy from Fable Blades is easily one of the most skilled and yet affordably priced modern day sword artisans around who takes pride in his work.

Custom Handforged Oakeshott Type XVIIIb

Hand forged by Cedarlore Forge

This beautiful custom sword is called DeargAbhainn-Cu'ra.

DeargAbhainn-Cu'ra, literally meaning "the Red River Guardian" in ancient Gaelic, was forged & crafted by David DelaGardelle out of 1075 high carbon steel, figured bloodwood, and mild steel hilt components.

The sword was commissioned by its owner to represent the rich cultural heritage of his family lineage, while looking forward to the future as a celebration of 25 years of marriage to his wife. The owners last name being "Rushing" literally refers to Rush reeds aka "cat tails" that grow by ponds or streams. So the grip is carved with swirling water motif's and reeds sprouting up amongst them.
The scabbard includes knotwork patterns based off of the owner and his wife's wedding bands, and in between show the intertwining sun and moon.

Finally last on the scabbard you see the ever growing Tree of truth & life or the family tree.

In the blade you read two French sayings engraved on either side.
One side reads "One God" and the other reads: "One Faith"

A sword meant to be historically grounded in its execution but completely unique and organic in its aesthetic feel.


Stats:
Steel: 1075
Guard & Pommel: Mild Steel
Wood: Bloodwood

OAL: exactly 4 feet.
Blade Length: 36 1/2"
Blade Width: 1 1/2"
Grip Length: 9 1/2"
Guard width: 8 1/2"

Cinquedea

The cinquedea is a civilian short sword (or long dagger). It was developed in northern Italy and enjoyed a period of popularity during the Italian renaissance of the 15th and early 16th centuries.

The name means "five fingers", and it describes the width of the blade next to the guard. The blade was heavy, about 45 cm (18 in) in length, and tapered to a somewhat rounded point. The grip was simple with a small pommel, and the guard was curved with the concave side toward the point. There were typically several fullers along the wider sides of the blade to lighten the weapon. The wide blade was useful for decorative etching. This weapon was varied in size, being anywhere in size from 10" to 28". It was often carried in place of a knife or larger sword.

The cinquedea was used primarily as a thrusting weapon. It was carried horizontally next to the buttocks so that it could be drawn laterally from the back.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinquedea

Library and Ref

http://www.sawma.org.uk/Library.html

Cedarlore Forge

http://cedarloreforge.com/

Chineese Broadsword

Cold Steel Chineese Broadsword

HEMA Sparring Armour

http://imgur.com/gallery/3j1jA

http://revival.us/kevlar-reinforcedlightsparringgloves.aspx

Practical HEMA Armour
http://www.trainingsschwerter.com/

SPES _Heavy Hema Glove

http://www.trainingsschwerter.com/en/Training/Gloves/SPES-Heavy-Hema-Glove.html

Saber

1860 Light Cavalry Union Saber

http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-1273-1860-light-cavalry-union-saber.aspx

• Overall: 41"
• Blade: 35" long, 1-1/8" wide, 3/16" thick
• Wt: 2 lbs/5 oz
• Scabbard Wt: 1 lb/10 oz

Confederate Cavalry Officer's Saber

http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-1274-confederate-cavalry-officers-saber.aspx

fully tempered of 1095 high carbon steel

• Overall: 38"
• Blade: 32"

Sword Name Suggestions

Generic
Gemmender
Destiny Ender
Destiny Bane
Bane of Destiny
Sparkbreath
Flamebender
Sparkspawn
Angermanager
Therapy
Angerazor
Steelbane
Steelrazor
Steel Screamer
Angersteel
Neverbreather
Breathbane
Breathsbane
Breathsend
Breathender
Fearsmith
Fearsmitter
Fearspawn
Fatebane
Fate Blighter
Awecutter
Mortivate
Hopesteeler
Red Razor
Redclaw
Redcuter
Psynix
D'Red
Dred
Redarc
Redwrecker
Redrain
Redreaver
Thirsty Red
Red Ripper
Red Razor
Red Bastard Sword


Mythological

Angelical
Azazel
Memaniel
Goriel

Daemononical
Shemyorza
Belialor
Lucifuger
Sator

Reading List

European Sword History
http://www.vikingsword.com/index1.html

Sword Index

Japanese Sword Index
http://nihontoclub.com/swords?page=1

Viking Sword & European Sword Index
http://www.vikingsword.com/vmframe.html

European Sword Index
http://www.swordindex.com/

Hanwei Austrian Albreicht Hand and a Half

length: 45"
blade: 35"

blade width: 2" at base
blade width: 7/8" at 2" from point
balance point: 5 1/2" from guard
grip and pommel: 10"
guard: 7 1/4"
weight: 3 lb 1.6 oz

This longsword (commonly called a hand-and-a-half or bastard sword) is replicated from an original attributed to King Albrecht II of Austria. Classically simple in design with a flattened diamond-section blade and cruciform hilt, the original dates from the early part of the 15th century. The "Lion Rampant" emblem of the Habsburg dynasty is engraved in the pommel. The forged blade of the Paul Chen/Hanwei Austrian longsword is fully tempered high-carbon steel with the legendary Passau, Germany "running wolf" swordsmith's mark reproduced in the fullers. The grip is leather over cord-wrapped wood, and the scabbard is leather over wood with steel fittings. Sharp, well balanced blade. An extremely nice, functional longsword.

Review

Custom Albion Knight Sword

The Knight

Limited Edition Medieval War Sword

Oakeshott Type: XII 

http://www.albion-europe.com/swords/swords-by-productline/nextgeneration/singlehand/model.aspx?model=73

Specifications 

Standard specification
Total length:	97 cm (38,11")
Blade length:	80 cm (31,5")
CoG:	11 cm (4,49")
CoP:	53 cm (20,98")
Weight:	1200 g (2,646 lbs)
Grip length:	10,4 cm (4,094")

The Knight

A sword of type XII, according to Oakeshott´s typology, is defined by having a broad and evenly tapering blade. It should have a good point and a fuller that is 2/3 to 3/4 of the blade length.

This is perhaps the most classic of all blade styles. So much so that it is close to being the very archetype of the European knightly sword.

We wanted this sword to be an homage to those splendid examples of the ancient sword makers art. A weapon that is broad and bold with understated elegance in shapes, lines and volumes.

The heft of the sword is managed by an effective use of nonlinear distal taper and a deep and well defined fuller. This results in a lively and responsive feel that invites you to strike with the sword.

The pommel of this sword is of type J: a deep wheel pommel with concave bevels. It is crowned by a high rivet block. The cross is a version of style 2: a straight type of octagonal section that swell at the ends and in the middle.

The outer third of the blade towards the point curves gradually to a sharp point. This gives a visual balance to the broad base of the blade and also helps in establishing sweet handling characteristics.

A Limited Edition Hand Crafted Collectible Sword

This sword is offered in a limited edition of only 1,000 collectible swords worldwide.

Sword design/specifications ©2003/2007 Peter Johnsson.

Custom Atrim Sword

Custom Atrim Sword - Battle Ready

Functional Sparring Helmets for HEMA

http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=561

Good Comparison reviews on Type XVa Swords

Black Prince Sword: Darksword Armoury

Black Prince Sword by Darksword Armoury

http://darksword-armory.com/products-page/medieval-swords/the-black-prince-sword-1326/

The Black Prince Medieval Sword
Type XVa, 1370 A.D., currently held in private collection.

The English Prince Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, lived from June 15, 1330 to June 8, 1376. He is a well known historical figure; well known for his chivalrous (and occasionally non-chivalrous) actions, and for never being crowned king despite being the eldest son of King Edward III – he died before his father, and the crown passed to his son Richard instead. Edward would also later come to be known by a nickname of indeterminate origin – “The Black Prince,” a name well known to scholars in the fields of art, history, literature and theater.

This popularity was surely affected when a medieval sword that was discovered in the mid 20th century was identified by Ewart Oakeshott as the mediebal Sword of the Black Prince. Thought to have been stolen from Edward’s tomb centuries earlier, The Black Prince battle ready sword became one of the most recognizable artefacts of 14th Century.

The Black Prince medieval sword has a long, tapered blade that is ideally suited for thrusting, while still remaining able to make powerful cuts. The handle is elongated to provide more leverage, which in combination with the large pommel results in excellent tip control. The original has a Type XVa blade, which is faithfully reproduced here.

Edward’s “Black Prince” title may have come from his distinctive armor, which according to some sources was blackened steel (although the title may also have come from his temper, mercilessness to his enemies or derision towards the lower classes in spite of his chivalrous beliefs). The pommel and guard of this battle ready sword have been blackened to reflect that title, and would match the dark platted armor that Edward may have worn. A black leather wrapped handle and upgraded scabbard completes the look. This is the first time that DSA has interpreted this popular design, and would be suitable for anyone who has an interest in Medieval long medieval swords in general or 14th Century interpretations specifically.

Photograph of the original sword:
The Black Prince Sword
Type XVa, 1370 A.D., private collection.

Customer Feedback regarding the Black Prince Sword:
-"Eyal, I have received the most magnificent weapon in my collection the other day (The Black Prince Medieval Sword). It took me a few days to let you know because I was to excited to type. A truly beautifully hand made sword and a fine scabbard and belt.I have named it Grey Owl and it will travel with me to Valhalla when the time comes . Thank you for your fine craftsmanship!" - Lee O. ~ TN, USA.

1060 High Carbon Steel, Tempered to a Rockwell of 53
Fittings: Mild Steel
Total Length: 45" - Two handed sword
Blade length: 34"
Handle: 8"
Blade width at base: 2"
blade thickness: 1.48 mm
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz
POB: 3"

Black Prince Sword: Gen2/Legacy Arms

The Generation 2/Legacy Arms Black Prince Sword 
http://casiberia.com/product/black-prince-sword/ip-076

The Generation 2/Legacy Arms Black Prince Sword is a Late 14th century Hand and a Half Sword (Type: XVa) - The original sword, which rests in a private collection in England, is thought to possibly be the sword of Edward the Black Prince. The Black Prince, son of Edward III and father of Richard II, was known as a great warrior. The sword was removed from its resting place during the English Civil War, Cromwell being blamed for its disappearance.

The blade of this sword is hand forged from 5160 carbon steel and hand tempered.  The blade is then securely peened onto the pommel.  The contoured handle is wood, wrapped in black leather. This sword also includes a wood scabbard wrapped in black leather with steel accents at throat and tip.

Made by Legacy Arms.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Key Features:

• Wooden handle wrapped in leather
• blackened, solid steel pommel & cross guard
• distilled taper 33 1/4" high carbon steel blade

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall: 44"
Blade Length: 34"
Handle Length: 6 3/4
Weight: 3.2
Point of Balance: 2 1/4" below chape of hilt
Blade Steel: 5160

Black Prince Sword
MSRP: $279.00
Currently out of stockMade In The Philippines

Weapons that made Britain: Episode 1: Swords

Weapons that made Britain

Sword Manufactures and Vendors

Guides:

http://www.sword-manufacturers-guide.com/index.html
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/swords-online.html


Manufacturers:

Albion Armory 
USA http://www.albion-swords.com/
EU http://www.albion-europe.com/


Armor Class
http://www.armourclass.co.uk/

Armory Marek
http://www.armorymarek.com/


Baltimore Knife and Sword
http://imakeswords.com/index.htm

Bugei
http://www.bugei.com/

Cold Steel
http://www.coldsteel.com/

Darksword Armoury
http://darksword-armory.com/

Deepeeka
http://www.deepeeka.in/
http://www.deepeekausa.com/
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/deepeeka-swords.html
http://www.sword-manufacturers-guide.com/deepeeka.html

Privateer Armory
http://www.seekyee.com/privateerarmoury/

Valiant Armoury
http://www.valiant-armoury.com/

Windlass Steel Crafts
http://windlass.com/
US distributor (owned by Windlass Steelcrafts) - Museum Replicas Limited (MRL) - or their Candian one - Reliks.com (who actually often have lower prices, even when shipping is included, than their US counterpart!)
http://www.windlasssword.com/ (not confirmed if official Windlass)


Vendors:

Arms & Armoury
http://www.armor.com/

CASiberia
http://casiberia.com/
Distributor for Gen2/LegacyArms and Hanwei

Knights Shop
http://www.theknightshop.co.uk/

Museum Replicas
Museumreplicas.com
owned by Windlass Steelcrafts

Swords of Might
http://www.swordsofmight.com/

Sword Index
http://www.swordindex.com/

Oakeshott Sword Typology

The distinction between the Type XV and XVa is clear, though the observant reader will note that many actual swords would seem to fall midway between. Much of the means of categorization come from the blade's cross-section and profile taper, and not simply the proportions of its grip. Many swords might have a general appearance of the subtype, but because of the shape of the blade, must be classed as a Type XV.

Both of these types have been regarded by some as highly specialized weapons that completely disregard the cut in favor of the thrust. It could be surmised that their developmental bias went too far into being single-purposed, but the popularity of these swords for well over two centuries goes far into convincing us otherwise.

Though these swords posses a stiff cross-section and reinforced tip, it is clear that the ability to cut was not entirely tossed aside. These very same features that aide the thrust also have the effect of adding strength to the tip-section of the blade, reducing the chance of breakage to the acutely-pointed tip during a cut.

Every sword design must weigh the possible scenarios it may face, creating compromises and picking specifics on which to focus. In this regard, the Type XV and its subtype both seem to have made far fewer compromises than others, while still enjoying versatility in their design. Certainly, this type was not simply effective at its intended purpose, but devastatingly successful.

Available Reproduction in the Market:

Arms & Armor has done a good job at replicating XV.2, shown above, as their model #188 French Medieval Sword. They also have another model, the #086 Duke of Urbino Sword, replicating an Italian sword located in a private collection, Circa 1380-1410. The XVa.3 featured above is available as the #034 Black Prince Sword.
A replica of sword XV.4 from The Metropolitan Museum of Art is available from Del Tin Armi Antiche as their model DT2153 15th Century Sword. They also recreated the XV.5 Monza sword, calling it the DT2150 Sword of Estore Visconti.
Example XV.6 found in The Wallace Collection has been replicated by both Museum Replicas Limited as the "Shrewsbury Sword" and by Del Tin as the model DT5144.
Museum Replicas also has a Type XV available with a strong central ridge that they call "The Guingate Sword".
Albion Armorers makes a few Type XVa models: The Next Generation Castellan, Mercenary, Constable, and Agincourt swords. The Squire Line Late 15th Century Bastard Sword is also a Type XVa. The Poitiers is a Type XV.

Ablion Oakeshott Typology
http://www.albion-swords.com/articles/oakeshott-typology.htm

http://www.oakeshott.org/typo.html

Sword combo for sparring and for cutting

Sword combo for sparring and for cutting

You cant cut properly with a blunt edge blade, and sparring with a sharpened blade is not an option. Therefore you would need two separate swords that handle similarly and is weighted and balanced the same.

For training and sparring you need a blade that is blunt and safe that is intended to take heavy wear. 

For cutting you want a quality blade that will keep a good edge, especially if you want cut more than just plastic bottles or kitami mats.

Bastard Sword High-end Combo

I have long been a fan of the European Bastard Sword because of its versatility and functionality. The Bastard Sword is a fantastic example of martial arts evolution. A history of form follows function while still keeping the utility of its predecessors.

If price is not a problem, then the best option would be the combination of Albion Armorers Next Generation Mercenary Sword and the Albion Armorers Squire Line 15th Century Bastard Sword.

The Albion Mercenary for cutting and the Squire Line Bastard Sword for training and sparring.

Specifications and Comparison:

Mercenary:
Total length: 42.25" (108 cm)
Blade length: 33.75" (86 cm)
Blade width: 2.375" (6 cm)
CoB: 4" (10.8 cm)
CoP: 19.8" (49.5 cm)
Weight: 2 lbs 14.2 oz (1.35 kilos)

Blade Type: Oakeshott Type XVa

Edge: Sharp
Price: EUR 535
Links: Albion EU, Albion USA, Kult of Athena

Squire Bastard Sword:
Total length: 42.25" (108 cm)
Blade length: 33.125" (86 cm)
Blade width: 2.375" (6 cm)
CoB: 3.875" (10.8 cm)
CoP: 19.5" (49.5 cm)
Weight: 2 lbs 15.6 oz (1.35 kilos)

Blade Type: Oakeshott Type XVa

Edge: Blunt
Price: EUR 845
Links: Albion EU, Albion USA

Albion Mercenary Specifications EU:


Alternative to Albion Mercenary: 
The Albion Fiore (limited edition) Albion EU, Kult of Athena

Blade Type: Oakeshott Type XVa

Edge: Sharp

Standard specification
Total length:	118 cm (46,26")
Blade length:	93 cm (36,5")
CoG:	10 cm (3,86")
CoP:	56 cm (22,01")
Weight:	1500 g (3,307 lbs)
Grip length:	19,2 cm (7,559")

Visual Comparison. (Left: Mercenary. Right: Squire Bastard Sword)

 

Read more...

OakeshottType XV Swords @ MyArmory.com

AlbionArmorers SquireLine 15thCentury Bastard Sword @ MyArmory.com

Long Sword Mid-range Combo

Tinker Pierce Longsword Sharp

PRODUCT DETAILS

Key Features:

• 5160 Marquenched Spring Steel
• Dismountable
• Tinker approved

Hanwei/Tinker Longsword, Sharp
MSRP: $345.00

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall: 47"
Blade Length: 35"
Handle Length: 12"
Weight: 2lb 14oz
Point of Balance: 3 1/2"
Point of Harmonics: 21 3/4"
Width at Guard: 2 1/8"
Width at Tip: 3/4"
Thickness at Guard: 25"
Thickness at Tip: .09"
Blade Steel: 5160 Spring Steel
Hrc Edge: 50~53 Hrc
Handle Material: Leather over cord wrap, wooden core

Tinker Pierce Longsword Blunt

PRODUCT DETAILS

Key Features:

• 5160 Marquenched Spring Steel
• Dismountable
• Tinker approved

Hanwei/Tinker Longsword, Blunt
MSRP: $325.00

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall: 47"
Blade Length: 35"
Handle Length: 12"
Weight: 2lb 14oz
Point of Balance: 3 1/2"
Point of Harmonics: 21 3/4"
Width at Guard: 2 1/4"
Width at Tip: 11/16"
Thickness at Guard: .25"
Thickness at Tip: .07"
Blade Steel: 5160 Spring Steel
Hrc Edge: 50~53 Hrc
Handle Material: Leather over cord wrap, wooden core

Tinker Bastard Sword, Sharp

http://casiberia.com/product/tinker-bastard-sword-sharp/sh2400

Tinker Bastard Sword, Sharp, with Fuller

http://casiberia.com/product/tinker-bastard-sword-sharp-with-fuller/sh2411