Sunday, 4 May 2014

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.

1326%20 %20Black%20Prince%20Sword The Black Prince Medieval Sword (#1326)

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")