This new version of the Balaur Arms Type XIV sword comes with a substantial upgrade on steel quality and gorgeous styling that all come together to form a classic and capable knightly sword of the mid 14th century. A true cut-and-thrust blade that evolved against the armors of the time, the widened base and narrowed profile from earlier swords improved its thrust and puncture ability substantially over earlier cutting-oriented medieval swords – a necessary blade evolution for countering improved armors on the 13th – 14th century battlefield.
The thinned tip is not only superior for puncturing, but the very wide base of the blade imparts a great deal of durability for the blade to withstand the force and potential force and leverage that can be exerted on the blade when thrust into a moving target. A fine arming sword such as this would have been every bit as much a status symbol as a tool of war, and knights and anyone else of status who could afford and were legally allowed to wear one likely did and not just for war, but daily duties around fief, town and court.
The forged, polished and sharpened blade is of 9260 high carbon steel with a final tempered hardness of 50-52 HRc. A solidly constructed peen over the pommel anchors the blade tang into the hilt. The guard and pommel are finely cast from stainless steel and the hardwood grip is tightly bound in dark blue leather. The sword is paired with a hard core wooden scabbard which is overlaid in matched dark blue leather and topped with a protective stainless steel chape.
Owen Donohue (verified owner) –
Recently received this sword- the value you receive for the price is absolutely outstanding. I would snatch these and other swords in this line (made by Dragon King) ASAP. Very impressive craftmanship and value.
JC (verified owner) –
Solid build, overall very satisfying, but not perfect, fit and finish. Well balanced and sufficiently sharpened. True dimensions as specified by KoA. Indeed, not a single real quality issue whatsoever.
The only – personal – extra touch (!) would be a more rounded grip.
For my medium sized hands it is a litle too flat to be super comfortable, hence the 4 star rating.
Do not expect Albion level, but the sword actually looks and feels like a great deal for the price, in my opinion.
Jeremy Garren (verified owner) –
I just received mine today, and it is a beautiful blue companion to go with my red Alexandria longsword, both made by Balaur Arms.
First impressions are very positive. The fit and finish are excellent, and I can tell Balaur Arms has continued to improve in small ways over the years.
The blade has a beautiful satin polish, a distal taper, excellent overall geometry, and came quite sharp. The lines of the fuller grinds on each side are a very close match. I can spot only the slightest hint of waviness to the lines, but I had to study quite close to notice. I am not bothered in the slightest, though, I think the subtlety reveals the handcrafted nature of the work without diminishing the quality.
The weight and balance are good, wieldable in one hand as an arming sword should be, and the point of balance is a few inches above the guard. The center of percussion if you hold and strike the pommel reveals itself to be 2/3rds of the way up the blade, right in the sweet spot for cutting, precisely where it should be. The spring temper as well, at least from first impressions, appears to be excellent.
The fit to the scabbard is better than with my Alexandria sword, and the blade does not slide out if upside down, but also is easily drawn. The blue leather of the scabbard and is beautiful, and the raised wire risers underneath that help secure belt straps is a welcome addition.
Overall, there are some very, very minor cosmetic imperfections, but you have to look very hard to notice them, and in my opinion just add handcrafted charm.
The wire and blue leather grip, and the guard are basically flawless in my opinion. Well shaped and attractive lines to the quillons with subtle complexity. The circular depression in the center of the wheel pommel is slightly unleveled on one side, but again, very minor. The peen is also well done – smoothed down to meet the peen block.
Especially for this price range, this appears to be expertly crafted and an excellent historical reproduction example as well – exactly as I had hoped it would be. I definitely recommend, and will continue to enjoy works produced by Balaur Arms.