Single Edged Arming Sword -Royal Armouries

Description of the Product

A single-edged arming sword of the mid-15th century, reputedly to come from the site of the Battle of Castillon, near the river Garrone (France) in 1453 and purchased by the Royal Armouries in 1984. Over 80 swords, are said to have been recovered from the same find, 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 crossguard quillons end in curled tips 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 unarmored 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 a 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. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso.

Made by Windlass Steelcrafts, the original can be seen in the Royal Armouries Collection, Object Number IX.2638.

• Official, exact replica of Royal Armouries Sword #IX.2638
• Original is dated to approx 1431-1470
• Includes leather covered wooden scabbard with brass chape
• Includes Windlass Classic Wax and polishing cloth, and a certificate of authenticity
• Comes exceptionally well packaged in a presentation box
• Overall length: 94.0 cm
• Blade length: 79.4 cm
• Guard width: 18.7 cm
• Blade width at ricasso: 6.0 cm
• Blade thickness at guard: 4.0 mm
• Blade thickness at tip: 2.4 mm
• Weight: 1.33 kg
• Material: 1080 High Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Unsharpened
• Manufacturer: Windlass Steelcrafts

About Royal Armouries - Windlass Steelcrafts - Matt Easton Collection

The Royal Armouries, the UK’s national collection of arms and armour, has granted Windlass Steelcrafts license to reproduce historically important weapons from the museum's collection. These will be accurate replicas based on meticulous study of the originals.

Each of these swords has been developed under the guidance of the Master of the Armouries and the museum's team of researchers and curators, who meticulously measured and weighed each original sword and carefully and thoroughly examined these reproductions to ensure the construction and specifications match the original piece.

This new collection comprises a set of six historical swords, manufactured by Windlass Steelcrafts. Using the finest steel and materials, forged by the most skilled craftsmen using traditional methods and modern 1080 high carbon steel, the Royal Armouries collection is truly history brought to life. Every aspect of the original artifact has been considered in production, to deliver the most authentic experience. Whether it be the weight, proportions, edge profiles or feeling in the hand, these replicas are in a class of their own.

The Royal Armouries Collection is brought to you as a collaboration between the Royal Armouries, Windlass Steelcrafts and sword expert Matt Easton.

All the swords come carefully packed in a special presentation box and with Windlass Classic Wax and polishing cloth. Package also includes a certificate of authenticity from the Master of the Armouries.