Balaur Arms – 13th / 14th Century Longsword

This earlier form of the longsword from the late 13th to the early 14th century belies the branch of sword evolution that led to the longsword from its arming sword roots; one can readily see the combination of a longer blade and elongated grip changing the arming sword into a new and revolutionary development of the medieval sword that would truly come into its own as improved armor allowed for combatants to reliably ditch their shield in lieu of a second handhold on a faster, more responsive and substantially more powerful weapon. Able to strike fast and dealing impressive cutting power, this example has its tip profile narrowed to make it a true cut-and-thrust sword to better handle the improved armor seen on the field at the time and striking a balance between thrusting ability while retaining very impressive cutting potential.

Though a large sword, the entire weapon clocks in at less than 3 lbs and is quite easy to wield with a second hand and an agile performer. Its point of balance at about 5″ forward of the guard ensures it hits with force and still maintains a strong “presence” in the hand that carries the force of the blow through the target. The sharp blade is forged from 9260 high carbon steel and it is finished with a hardness of about 50-52 HRc. The tang of the sword is stoutly peened over the pommel for a tough and durable construction and its guard and pommel are cast from practical stainless steel. The grip is a tight binding of leather over a hard wood core and the sword is completed with a companion scabbard of wood with a matched leather wrap and a stainless steel chape.