European 14th Century Arming Sword

#501834
$544.95

This replica one-handed sword is part of the Royal Armouries Collection by Windlass. This sword was reputedly found in a peat bog together with another sword that is now in Rome. Comparable swords have also been found elsewhere across parts of Europe. This type of sword could have been carried at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War, and this particular example features several distinctive features.

In stock

OVERVIEW

Royal Armouries Sword IX.2141. This sword was reputedly found in a peat bog together with another sword that is now in Rome. Comparable swords have also been found elsewhere across parts of Europe. This type of sword could have been carried at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War, and this particular example features several distinctive features. The subtly shaped crossguard curves towards the blade, tapering and then swelling at the terminals, and the pommel has very particular angles and facets. The hilt sits very comfortably in the hand. The broad leaf-like straight blade is of a flattened-diamond cross-section, double-edged, with a narrow fuller to reduce mass. The width swells slightly where it meets the hilt and the gracefully curved edges finish in an acute thrusting tip. The sword is quite light for its size but has a lot of blade presence and power in the hand.

This replica is crafted with a hand-forged blade by an experienced, skilled blacksmith using modern 1080 high-carbon steel that is fully tempered and 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 ornate cut-outs and an acorn tip. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso. Includes a certificate of authenticity on heavy stock, a tin of Windlass Classic Wax, and a polishing cloth. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts, the original can be seen in the Royal Armories Collection, Object Number IX.2141.

  • Overall Length: 39-3/4"
  • Blade Length: 33-1/2"
  • Guard: 7-3/8" wide overall
  • Blade Width at Ricasso: 2-1/2"
  • Blade is distally tapered: 7/32" thick at guard, 1/8" at the tip
  • Weight: 2 lb / 6 oz
  • Material: 1080 High Carbon Steel
  • Edge: Double-edged with a bevel on each side, unsharpened

View more from the Royal Armouries Collection

It is important to note when purchasing a licensed collectible that for legal & liability reasons the licensor may not allow a sharpening service to be performed. This in no way affects the overall value and/or performance of your edged collectible, and unfortunately is not within our power to change.

Should you choose to sharpen your edged collectible after sale, the licensor and licensee are not held liable for any damage or injury that may result from its use or handling.

Official Royal Armouries Licensed Product. The Royal Armouries name is a trademark of Royal Armouries. All Rights Reserved. The Royal Armouries is the UK’s National Museum of Arms and Armour.

REVIEWS

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I would recommend it!
I actually picked mine up from the showroom of MR in Conyers. Since I got mine from the showroom, I did get a little bit of a discount for a display model. Overall I'm very pleased with the sword. The fit and finish could be a little better, but it's also not unacceptable for handmade production swords. I understand that some compromises will have to be made. One big ergo gripe I do have is the guard being quite sharp around the corners so it's not the most comfortable grip when the hand is riding close to the guard, but it's a very easy fix with a file to knock down the corners a little. I absolutely love the pommel. The blade is fantastic. I don't mind the rippling since it's forged instead of being CNCed. The blade geometry is EXCELLENT! Since it's thin behind the edge it was easy to put an edge on because there is less material that has to be removed to form the apex and the edge doesn't have to be laid back nearly as much for a lower edge angle. I have a powered system so it's extra easy, but it's thin enough that it can be sharpened without a powered system whereas some of the swords with thicker edges are nigh impossible to sharpen by hand. The heat treat seems to be harder than the other Windlass swords I've had in the past because the blade feels stiffer. This stiffer blade makes the cuts more forgiving. The balance is definitely favoring more blade presence, but I'm sure this sword was made to pair with a shield or buckler so the balance made sense in that context. The swings feel fast and powerful from the balance and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of it! Of course the most important aspect for most people: yes,  it is a very fun sword for backyard cutting.
- Yi, March 22, 2024
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A Solid Buy
I would agree that this is slightly overpriced at $600, but MRL has coupons floating around everywhere and sales a few times a year.

Addressing the critical review above, yes this sword doesn't fit modern standards of fit and finish, but it greatly exceeds most historical originals. I find the idiosyncrasies charming, but if you're after an art piece, then perhaps look elsewhere. The sword form is correct where it counts.  

The handling and performance however is up there with the best. After sharpening it (took about 20 minutes, the sword comes 85 percent done with a superb primary bevel- I was able to cut a bottle with the factory edge), I've run the sword through many different targets and through quite a bit of drilling- it handles and cuts with the best of them. It's a broad, powerful cutter. Point control is excellent. Expect a war sword.

The CoP is very broad and all vibrational nodes are well placed. The blade geometry is top notch. Being based on an original, the proportions are authentic and probably can pass as a decent wallhanger. Though, the markings on the blade leave quite a bit to be desired and do feel souvenir-ish (which technically this is), but if you're after a hard use sword, it probably won't bother you.

The scabbard is budget plus. The outside of the scabbard looks great, but the core of the scabbard is the same old overweight (but also over built) scabbard you'd get at this price point. It works though.

The presentation and box is premium, but I'd personally wish they'd ship it simpler and pass the savings on. If you're after a gift for someone, though, it'll impress.  The included wax is a nice touch.

This sword is a solid buy at retail and a bargain with a discount.
- Leelund, December 28, 2022 | Verified Purchase
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Well worth the price
The blade is superb!  Well balanced and plays nice in the hand.  Edge is blunt but would not take much to put an edge on it.  Well worth the price for an excellent sword!
- Dirk, December 26, 2022 | Verified Purchase
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Rough
Blade is VERY rippled. Like almost wavy. The fullers are all over the place. On one side, the fuller takes a 30 degree turn in the last inch. It’s pretty crazy.

The above being true, For the money you pay, you’d expect to have confidence that Matt Easton’s measurements were adhered to strictly since the finish is what it is.
I am not privy to what those measurements are, but I am not confident. My rating is generous.
I don’t really think this is a 600 dollar sword.
- Ian, November 06, 2022 | Verified Purchase
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