The Hattin Falchion has a robust blade of 1065 high carbon steel which was both sharpened and heat-treated to possess an overall hardness of 50-52 HRC. As part of the Windlass Battlecry line it was crafted to have a thick, peened tang to ensure it is durably fitted; the unique antique-blued finish which is intended to resist rust.
The crossguard and pommel are blued mild-steel and the grip is wrapped in stitched black leather with a steel spacer in the mid section. The scabbard is leather with a blued locket and chape; it is finished with two integrated belt hanging loops fitted on swivel rivets that allow it to be worn with a sword belt. Also included is a Certificate of Authenticity.
This form of the falchion belies its use; it is clearly a savage chopping blade! The widened tip ensures that it brings great hacking force to bear and the thick spine not only gives it durability, but it powers the blade through the strike. A powerful hacking blade, it is kept from becoming unwieldy by giving it a relatively short blade length. Though the tip is ideal for forceful cuts, it is deceptively good at thrusting into lightly armored targets.
Though the dual-edged sword is the iconic European medieval sword, Falchions were actually quite common weapons in this period and in the later Renaissance. They were popular with men-at-arms who were not noble or well-heeled, for the Falchion was not only effective, but was easier to make than a double-edged sword and thus was less expensive to purchase. On top of this it had a degree of durability due to its design that double-edged swords could not match and an eye-opening efficiency at hacking apart the foe with intimidating efficiency. A trade-off is its shorter length, but such a blade was not intended for a duel, but for the close-in scrum of the melee of the crashed battle-line or the mad fighting at the breached gate of a forlorn citadel.
Aptly named the Hattin, this type of weapon would have likely been well-represented among the Men-at-Arms of the Crusader Kingdoms.
John M. –
This is a fun sword. I bought one of these several years ago and I have been enjoying it ever since. It is not my favorite sword. It is not close to the best looking. What it is is durable and fun. Because it has a thick, blued blade, I don’t have to worry about damaging it. I can cut all day long, wipe off the blade, add some oil, I am good to go. My kids can cut with it as well. My crazy uncle likes to borrow it for the annual pirate festival. I’ve even been know to take it hiking and camping with me. My only two gripes: the guard is so long that it sometimes hits my wrist. Have it sharpened when you buy it; it comes sharp, but not very.