This Italian inspired late Medieval sword shares the utilitarian blade of the Alexandria, itself an elegantly simple Italian sword – but the Principe has the more elaborate hilt stylings that are a hallmark of many late Medieval and early Renaissance Italian swords. While more lavish in character, the Principe is no less a weapon than the simpler Alexandria sword.
What makes the Principe and the Alexandria swords stand out from many is the great care that the original crafters of these designs took to create the blade according to specific and harmonious geometric ratios. Medieval and Renaissance drafters, artists and craftsmen of architecture, art, and even some bladesmithing, first envisioned their creation with mathematical ratios. They were Inspired by the geometric ratios commonly found in nature and believed that this mathematical harmony was evidence of God creating the world with specific, logical ratios. Thus they sought to emulate his methods in their own creations, believing this brought their work into alignment with the properties of the universe and perhaps imparting some of the mysterious, the divine and its powers into their efforts. Using this concept, parts of the sword such as the length of the crossguard and the width of the blade were determined entirely by geometry, not by whim.
These geometric principles do make for a well-balanced sword. The wide blade has its center of balance moved closer to the crossguard than its length would suggest because of the strong distal and profile tapering. Albion characterizes its handling as thus; The long grip of the Principe makes for a very lively balance. Its a massive sword, but it does not feel heavy in the hand as it is wielded. Because of the forward pivot point being placed right at the point, a swordsman will keep his opponent under threat as he moves the sword through wards and guards: the point will want to remain stationary as the hilt is manipulated, leading with the forward hand close to the guard. When the aft hand leads, the blade can be brought around quickly in preparation for a cut. The dynamic properties of the Principe makes for a powerful weapon that moves with effortless grace.
This sword by Albion Armorers, has a hand ground and sharpened blade of high carbon steel. The crossguard and pommel are cast from mild steel. The grip is of stabilized birch wood, cord-wrapped and fitted over with tight leather.
The sword grip comes in a selection of colors, please select an option below.
Carlo C. –
Excellent Blade Out of all the Albion blades I’ve seen this is the one I’d most like to get my hands I’ve seen it in action and it is beautiful my only question is does it come with a Green Leather Grip
Zen_Hydra –
The Principe is a beast of a sword, and a veritable cutting machine. The design is another testament to Peter Johnsson’s mastery of the sword-maker’s craft, and the folks at Albion have done a fantastic job executing the Principe’s construction. This sword is very broad and quite hefty, but that weight in the hand seems to disappear once the sword is in motion. The handle and pommel combine to provide an excellent amount of grip space for those of us with larger hands, and the spiral wrapped handle is both comfortable and effective for grip retention. If you are interested in a longsword optimized for cutting tatami mats (and the like), this is a highly effective and well regarded example of such. I strongly recommend it.
Ben Hudgins –
This is by far the nicest sword I own at the moment. The construction is so tight and solid that the entire thing rings if you flick the sword just about anywhere but the grip. It’s the heaviest longsword I have but, it feels lighter in the hand because of it’s superb balance. The grip itself is shaped differently than what I’m used to, not that it’s bad just different. Mostly that it’s noticeably thicker. It is however incredibly comfortable, in my hands at least. The edge comes decently sharp but is just a little sharpening away from becoming VERY sharp. I will admit that before I got the sword, I let the hype about it’s cutting get to me. I’m still a beginner in HEMA so my skills are pretty shotty, so I’ve only managed one good cut with this sword. Though I’ve only used it on one partial tatami mat so your experience will probably be different haha. I highly recommend the sword though, it’s a great piece and it got to me in 6 months.
davidshapiro94 –
I have just received this sword, and in my opinion it is the best sword I own . Although it is broad bladed, the point of balance is so good that it handles like a dream. Also the vaunted fit and finish of Albion is stellar. My red grip came out outstanding. It is a pleasure to swing around and you can change direction and flow into stances without the struggle that other XVIIIC blades demand. Overall I’m incredibly satisfied with this sword, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a big longsword that specializes in cutting.
Wolfgang Schrenk (verified owner) –
Finally got the chance to get an example of this famous sword from Albion:-)!
This one is an absolute beast but also a real beauty!
You can hold this sword with one extended arm for a while but it is almost definitely meant to be used with two hands. The principe makes a powerful sword-wind when swung with medium speed, i love it!
There is no detail about this one that does not impress in my eyes: beautyful cross guard with the hall mark detail in the middle of it, perfect fit and finish of the whole hilt assembly, an allmost unreal hefty blade with both cutting and piercing potential in spades….