This is a replica of the sword attributed to Edward, The Black Prince of England. Thought lost and stolen from Edwards tomb by none other than Oliver Cromwell, the sword was found in the 20th century and historical arms expert Ewart Oakeshott believed the patination matched Edwards other wargear and that markings identify its maker as a royal cutler.
The sword seems to match the reputation of the Black Prince. Noble in its bearing, yet utilitarian and deadly in appearance, this longswords long tapering blade is ideal for thrusting. Its blade retains the mass necessary along its length for devastating cuts, and the lengthy handle gives the hands the leverage needed to deliver powerful attacks.
The nickname Black Prince came either from his blackened steel armor, or from the dread his tactics put into his French foes. A convoluted figure, Edward is imbued with his twin legacies; that of being a re-igniting figure of chivalry who founded the Order of the Garter, (which exists to this day as one of the highest honors awarded by the British Monarchy), and that of a pragmatic tactician whose battle successes both legitimized his efforts and undermined his legacy.
Chivalry was considered to be in decline in his day, and his founding of the Order of the Garter was an Arthurian-esque move to bring knighthood back from Crusading obligations and into a patriotic realm of national knighthood. When he captured other nobles and knights, he treated them with the greatest courtesies. Victor of the battles of Crecy and Poitiers in the Hundred Years War, his chivalric image appears to have extended only towards other nobility, as he is famous for his cruel chevauchee raids that burned and pillaged French villages and countrysides. His record is marred by massacres of the lower class at Caen and Limoges and crippling taxation in Aquitaine. His pragmatism, however dark, did win victories and his supporters defend his reputation as being typical behavior towards the non-noble classes at the time. He gave extensive contributions to Canterbury Cathedral in his lifetime, and now resides there permanently.
This replica, by Darksword Armory is made from 5160 high carbon steel. The tang of the blade is fitted though the mild steel guard and pommel and peened for strength. The wooden handle is tightly wrapped and sewn with black leather. It comes with wood-core leather scabbard wrapped with form fitting, matching black leather.
sgregg –
For as large as this sword is, it sure feels wicked-nimble. I have an arming sword that is about 10 inches shorter and this sword is nearly as easy to wield single-handed. The finish on the blade is nice. The only issue is the gap in the guard where the blade passes through. That being said I have used this to whack a lot of stuff and it is a solid blade. It came pretty sharp. This type of weapon was more for sticking people than slicing people. The scabbard is very well made, the leather is superior to the Ronin Katana scabbards by far. The guard is well proportioned and adds to the POB being great. The Pommel is of a good size that also helps the balance. The peen is a bit too proud but nothing a file cannot deal with. Also the belt system is very nice, though it is about 75 years earlier than the type of sword this is. The POB is great and allows for nice control. Its my favorite long sword full stop.
scedrick73 (verified owner) –
Very very impressive sword for the price. For a long blade it is surprisingly light and agile in the hand. I added the sharpening service from KOA and it came sharp enough for my needs. It even cut the rag i use to clean the sword with as i was cleaning it, I’ve only had 2 other blades do that and those 2 are the sharpest blades I own, so this now makes it three. The construction feels very sturdy and the grip is comfortable. Like others have said, there is a gap in the guard where the blade passes, but for me, it’s not so bad and I don’t have any issue with it. The scabbard is well made with good leather and the stitching is well done. Overall a very good solid piece from DSA. I’m very happy with it.