Royal Armouries Single-Edged Arming Sword

SWORDS OF EXCELLENCE
FROM WINDLASS STEELCRAFTS
The Royal Armouries Collection

The Windlass Sword Collection is brought to you by a collaboration between The Royal Armouries and Windlass Steelcrafts.
Windlass Steelcrafts is a world leader in the manufacture of swords and armour & The Royal Armouries is the home of the UK’s national collection of arms and armour.
Together they have the skills and knowledge to bring you the most historically accurate swords ever made giving you the truest and most authentic experience of swords of their time.

This new collection starts with a set of six historical swords, each one has been meticulously measured, weighed, and reproduced to an exacting standard under the guidance and approval of The Royal Armouries
Windlass Steelcrafts then using the finest steel and materials and their most skilled craftsmen, have brought every aspect of the original sword to life so you can have a piece of true history in your hand.

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This replica is a reproduction of Royal Armouries IX.2638, a single-edged arming sword of the mid-15th century, reputed to come from the river near site of the Battle of Castillon (1453) and purchased by the Royal Armouries in 1984. Over 80 swords, are said to have been recovered from the same find spot, but this sword is without direct comparison in that group, having a distinctive hilt and very unusual single-edged blade. At first sight it looks like a regular double-edged arming sword with a central tip, but on closer inspection it has a single-edged blade, of wedge cross-section, having a false edge on the back of the blade near the tip. The blade is remarkably wide and thin, with a very acute edge geometry leading to a fine edge.

The quillons end in curled tips which could help to retain an opponent’s blade, the asymmetrical grip is located towards the back edge, and the squat scent stopper pommel makes the short grip comfortable to hold.

This sword feels very nimble, and it is deceptively light compared to its width, due to the thinness of the blade and distal taper. While it could thrust effectively against unarmoured targets, it seems to be optimized for cutting, the tip being broader and the blade more flexible than a typical arming sword of the time.

This replica is crafted with a hand forged blade by and experienced, skilled blacksmith, using modern 1080 high carbon steel that is fully tempered and is distally tapered for proper weight distribution. The sheath is made with a wood body and covered with leather. The tip is reinforced with a brass chape that features a traditional cut-out. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso.

Includes a certificate of authenticity on heavy stock, plus Windlass Classic Wax and polishing cloth.

Dimensions:
Overall: 37"
Blade: 31-1/4", single edge
Guard: 7-3/8" wide
Blade width at ricasso: 2-3/8"
Blade is distally tapered: 5/32" thick at guard, 3/32" at tip
Weight: 2 lb, 15 oz.