The Kingston Type XIIIa War Sword was designed by Angus Trim to be a performance cutting Greatsword and Angus hallmark design characteristics ensure that it has excellent weight, balance and handling characteristics that lend itself well to practical and decisive cutting. The Type XIIIa blade is both long and wide and ideal for sweeping cuts that cleanly slice through thick targets; broad, powerful cutting-oriented Medieval swords of this type were in use in the 12th and early 13th century before evolving into more specialized forms intended to deal with the onset of plate armor.
The blade is crafted from 9260 high carbon steel and the crossguard and pommel are antiqued stainless steel. The wooden grip is bound cord and then overwrapped in black faux leather to complete the sword for use. Included is a wooden scabbard which is wrapped in leather and completed with an antiqued stainless steel chape.
Angus Trim is a renowned swordmaker and it was his work, along with Tinker Pearce, which created the foundation for our modern understanding of performance-oriented swords that pay great attention to the harmonic balance of swords and prioritizing and optimizing the practical handling and cutting ability of swords. When Gus was getting started the sword market was awash in swords which were primarily recreating the appearance of historical examples as their primary focus and handling characteristics was a secondary concern, though for many manufacturers it was not a concern at all. Gun and Tinker turned this on its head and prioritized the practical cutting and handling ability of the swords first and designed around that focus and this created swords which were fantastic to use and become a natural extension of the swordsman. A weapon that works with the swordsman and not against them.
Gus has put his hallmark design characteristics into this Kingston Arms sword in order to create an affordable, but high-performing Type XIIIa sword.
Richard Polinski (verified owner) –
This is an excellent sword and I am very happy and completely satisfied with it. I’m not a collector or aficionado and don’t intend to hack apart wet mats in the back yard, I wanted a sword for Renaissance fairs. I’m fussy about quality but also have a limited budget so I was looking in a price/quality related range of between $350 to $550. That included wanting a leather-covered wood scabbard, etc. I did a lot of research online of all descriptions and reviews of this and other swords, paying attention to what was sometimes left unsaid. I found that to be essential as often swords come with scabbards that are plastic though that isn’t immediately clear. Anyway I determined in the end that the details and quality of this sword were what I was looking for and I was not disappointed, just the opposite. I think it’s what it should be at this price and is the middle ground I was looking for and that the scabbard was especially nice including the fact that there is no rattle. It’s balanced as they indicate and finished very nicely. It is sharp though not razor-sharp. However, if you accidentally rub the edge lightly against the back of your hand you will bleed, enough said. I knew it came with the Atrim nut at the pommel instead of being peened and was not thrilled but it is what it is. However, I cut a 1/4” piece off a round metal rod, filed a four-faceted point on one end, and super-glued it on the nut and it looks like it was made that way like genuine swords that sometimes had that feature. If I ever need to take the hilt apart or tighten it I can simply tap it off and then glue it back on but for now it’s perfectly secure and looks great. I also want to mention the great service from Cult of Athena who held my order and shipped it on a date I selected so it didn’t arrive during a time I was away from home for several days. This satisfied my desire for a step up in quality at a price I could still afford.
azhaq (verified owner) –
Just recieved mine in the mail and first impressions are good feels nice in the hand, scabbard fits snugly and either way you put the sword into it without issue.
But I would classify it as a bastard sword more than a war sword, really it is small enough to swing one handed though heavy and for me with medium hands I definitely need to grip the pommel to swing it two handed. The blade is also about 4-5 inches shorter then other long swords I own. Though I am still pleased with it’s Quilty and make, just want to inform those who may not look at the specifications.
The only negative I do have for it is a drop in Quilty in the leather handle it has quite the lip too it which I could see coming undone with use. The scabbard as well seems less detailed and a bit rougher of a finish to it
Daniel Peden (verified owner) –
I recently purchased this sword, and I must say that it is an excellent blade. Came sharp, not shaving sharp, but nothing to scoff at. The fit up on my example is excellent, the blade is dead straight, handle fits my hands perfectly. The guard and the pommel are straight in line with the blade, the leather wrap on the grip is nicely done, could be slightly better. The edge geometry is good, not perfect, the grinds themselves are very even, the fuller is dead center. The point of balance is quite nice, this is a blade heavy sword, but for a two hander it is very manageable with just one hand. And a hand attached to a bad shoulder I might add!
The scabbard is well done, fits the blade well. The leather covering it is tight to the wood core, except at the mouth of the scabbard, but after a little TLC, it’s just fine
The verdict, get it! For the price point you cannot do much better!
Kyle Edwards –
Sword arrived completely dull. I cannot recommend a useless sword that cannot cut.
Matthew Sheffield (verified owner) –
Good sword overall, but the leather on the grip overlaps itself poorly and seems like it will be very prone to pulling apart. Takes what could have been a very fine sword and compromises it greatly.
alientude –
An excellent sword to customize. The bare bones here are outstanding – Angus Trim’s intentionality in design shines through – this is a superb cutter. But only after work has been done on it. Brand new, the edge was lousy, and the leather on the grip was awful. Once I had the grip fixed and the sword properly sharpened, this is one of the best cutting swords I’ve ever used. But that extra work required to get it to that state means additional cost, or effort on your part.
For my full review, check out YouTube: https://youtu.be/RQh5XhjWGlc