European Swords

Functional Swords

Blades in this section are constructed from materials, and in a manner appropriate for them to be used Steel-on-Steel.  Generally speaking this is the highest level of construction quality available in the marketplace.   These blades are both durable with good shock-resistance, as well as capable of taking a good edge. 

It is likely that the blade of the original sword was made in Germany a century earlier and re-hilted as basket designs were refined. The Basket-Hilt Backsword dates from about 1760 and has an unusual basket with twin engraved “horned beastie” plaques and a blade with twin fullers running most of its length. Again the original blade is German in origin but the blade and hilt are contemporary. This backsword made by Paul Chen has a wire-wrapped ray skin handle and cloth-covered leather basket liner.  Blade is tempered carbon steel, with a twin fuller, Grips are wrapped in rayskin and then wire.  32.5" blade, 2lbs, 9oz in weight.

Paul Chen Basket Hilted Backsword

$400.00

Known throughout Germany as the "Big Knife"the Grosse Messer hails from central and northern Europe where, in far off days of old, noblemen and peasants alike relied on it to protect hearth and home from the ravages of brigands, cut throats, outlaws and other assorted characters of ill repute. Due to its stout, wide blade and generously sized handle, it could be wielded in one or both hands and was a highly capable weapon as well as a utility blade. Cold Steel's version of this elegantly simple yet remarkably effective weapon sports a hand forged blade of 1050 high carbon steel that's so sharp we have used it to split a telephone book in half, with a single blow! The guard and heavy pommel are made from blued steel and feature rosewood handle scales riveted to the sword's full tang. For convenience and safety, the Grosse Messer comes with a strong, handsome scabbard crafted from wood and covered in black leather. It is reinforced with a steel chape and throat that has been blued to match the guard and pommel.  42.25" long, with a 32" blade, 1/5" thick blade, 4lbs.

Cold Steel Grosse Messer

$325.00

We would be hard pressed to think of a more versatile or effective sword than the "Bastard" or Hand-and-a-Half Sword we offer here. For a sword of this size, it's amazingly light and fast and tips the scales at approximately 3 lbs. Its 33 1/2" long blade is quite wide so it can produce deep shearing type cuts yet pointed enough to be effective in a thrusting attack. Its long handle is suitable for both a one or two handed grip and is fashioned out of wood covered in black leather. To balance the long blade Cold Steel has capped the butt with a beautiful "scent stopper" pommel which can be a lethal weapon in its own right. Every Cold Steel Hand-and-a-Half Sword reflects the highest standards in workmanship and materials and comes fully sharpened and ready for battle! To safely house the blade Cold Steel has also included a very attractive scabbard made of wood covered with black leather and steel throat and chape.

Cold Steel Hand and a Half Sword

$400.00

The Paul Chen single-hand Marshall Sword sets new standards of quality and authenticity in broadsword construction. The sword is based on an original, now in a British musuem, used by one of England's finest knights, Sir William Marshall, who served the crown faithfully under Henry II, Richard the Lionheart and Jack Lackland. The single-hand Marshall Sword is made with a forged high-carbon steel blade tempered to a tough HRC 52. The blade section features a central ridged fuller and full-length distal taper - a tough test for the bladesmith but resulting in a superb combination of speed and strength. The grip is leather wrapped and laced and the guard and pommel are elegant in their functional simplicity. The scabbard is leather-covered with steel mounts. Truly a sword for the connoisseur.  40" in length, 2lbs 2oz in weight.

Paul Chen Marshall Sword

$350.00

Replicated from a sword thought to be that of Albrecht II of Austria, the Hand and a Half Sword represents the pinnacle of beauty,balance, and flexibility of function in medieval swords. Classically simple in design with a flattened diamond-section blade and cruciform hilt, the original dates from the early part of the 15th century. The “Lion Rampant” emblem of the Habsburg dynasty is engraved in the pommel, while the Passau “Running Wolf” guild mark and a marigold maker's mark appear on the blade fuller. Both the grip and the scabbard are leather covered over a cord wrap.  This is a truly devastating weapon with a blade stout enough for deep slashing attacks, and a strong taper to find the gaps in an opponent's defenses on the thrust.  Tempered High Carbon steel blade, 44 1/2" in total length, and 3lbs 4oz in weight.

Paul Chen Hand and a Half Sword

$350.00