Medieval swords, and swords themselves, have long been an object of fascination. From the Bronze Age to modern times, the sword conjures great inspiration, awe and respect. Attributed to Nobles of history, the sword is considered as an aristocratic weapon. The Roman Empire long considered the “Spartha”, or Roman Sword, as a symbolic focal point of the Army’s supremacy. During in the Middle-Ages, the sword not only elevated squires to Knighthood, but served as a symbol of strength, integrity, honor and tradition.
Literature has often referred to the sword as a source of inspiration, power and honor. Homer, The Iliad, Beowulf and countless Anglo-Saxon Chronicles immortalized ancient Greek and Medieval swords to a level beyond those of mortal men. In modern times, representation of swords as a symbol of power continues. From the swords of ancient Greece and the Roman empire, depicted in such popular films as "The Fall of the Roman Empire", "Spartacus" and "Gladiator"; to the swords of the Medieval era in "Braveheart", "Hamlet" and "The Lord of the Rings"; to the katanas, or Samurai swords, of Feudal Japan, in "The Last Samurai"; To the futuristic "Light saver" of "Star Wars". These examples depict the importance and symbolism of the sword as it transcends culture and time.
Through chronicles and films, the symbolism of the sword continues for decades, not as a simple weapon of war, but as the most venerated symbol of leadership, courage, justice and kinship. Today, medieval swords, as well as other swords of various historical periods are safely kept in Museums and private collections. They continue to conjure images of greatness, fascination, and leadership. The Medieval sword essentially developed from Celtic, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, and late Roman (the spatha) archetypes. The Viking and early Frankish forms (the "spata") are also considered to be more direct ancestors. Medieval swords can be classified (typically by hilt design) into many categories by curators, collectors, and military historians. However, through the last 8 centuries, medieval swords were simply referred to as "swords", or "sword of war", "war-sword" (French Espée du Guerre or Epee du Guerre), and "long-sword". It was only during the crusades, with the massive armies of mounted knights, that Medieval Swords found a new name; the Arming-sword. Arming-swords were also considered "riding-swords" (also parva ensis or epee courte). It is this single-hand form which is so closely associated with the idea of the "knightly sword" (c. 1300).
DARKSWORD ARMORY was founded by Eyal Azerad, whose lifelong dedication to the study of Medieval and Renaissance sword-making resulted in the creation of the business in 1996. Through decades of scholarly research, its founder was able to provide battle ready medieval swords able to withstand the rigors of actual combat, while remaining true to the size, weight and dimensions of the originals. Each replica is researched through examples found in Museums, private collections and other historical sources. The Darksword Armory's team is composed of six individuals, all specialized in the production of historically accurate medieval swords and armors.
The following resistance test were performed by "The Sword Buyer's Guide", an independent Australian based company, whose sole purpose is to test combat ready swords from various sword makers in order to allow collectors, as yourself, make appropriate choices prior to adding to your collection. Darksword Armory swords have been rated as the best swords in the under 600$ market by "The Sword Buyer's Guide". Destructive resistance videos are below. For "The Sword Buyer's Guide" full review, please click on the final link right below the videos.
Darksword Armory forges a wide collection of weapons, with the majority of work composed from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Our goal is to recreate the look and feel of the original in all respects. Our constant commitment to quality bladesmithing and authenticity has made us popular with museums, collectors, and re-enactment groups around the world.
Our Swords
Whereas our main expertise is the forge of Medieval Swords and Medieval Armors, we also forge Renaissance Rapiers, daggers, stilettos, and Fantasy Swords or inspirational pieces based on medieval swords found in various museums and private collections.
Although all our swords are hand forged, we do not forge samurai swords, also known as Katana. The techniques used to forge Samurai swords are quite different than those used by the western world. As such, all the samurai swords or katanas sold on our site are made by Akio Hattari, a Japanese bladesmith now living in China. The Samurai swords or Katanas, wakizashis and Tantos are forged with 1095 High Carbon Steel.
Our medieval swords are Hand Forged with 1060 High Carbon steel. The blades are Tempered to a Rockwell of 53. All our blades are oil hardened. The metallurgical content of our blades is:
Our staff preserves our commitment to historical accuracy in the production of armors. We are quite proud of our armor collection. We have research far and wide to find the most interesting and most impressive armors from both the Medieval and Renaissance eras. We generally use 16 to 18 gauge steel for our SCA armors. They are then hammered into shape and polished by hand. For fitting, we use high quality leather straps and period buckles.
Darksword Armory also produces custom work. For submissions, please contact us with a detailed photograph or drawing.
Wooden plank resistance & cutting test
Galvanized Steel Bin
Resistance Test
Solid Brick Resistance Test
Extreme Test ! 55 Gallon
Resistance Drum
To read the entire review by
the "Sword Buyer's Guide" and see all
endurance videos, please click the following
link. Please note that the "Sword Buyer's
Guide", located in Australia, is an
independent company.
Darksword Armory forges a wide collection of
items, with the majority of work composed
from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Our
goal is to recreate the look and feel of the
original in all respects. Our constant
commitment to quality bladesmithing and authenticity
has made us popular with museums, collectors,
and re-enactment groups around the world.
Our
Swords
Whereas our main expertise is
the forge of Medieval Swords and Medieval
Armors, we also forge Renaissance Rapiers,
daggers, stilettos, and Fantasy Swords or
inspirational pieces based on medieval swords
found in various museums and private
collections.
Although all our swords are
hand forged, we do not forge samurai swords,
also known as Katanas. The techniques used to
forge Samurai swords are quite different than
those used by the western world. As such, all
the samurai swords or katanas sold on our site
are made by Akio Hattari, a Japanese bladesmith
now living in China. The Samurai swords or
Katanas, wakizashis and Tantos are forged with
1095 High Carbon Steel.
Our medieval swords are Hand Forged with 1060 High Carbon
steel. The blades are Tempered to a Rockwell of
53. All our blades
are oil hardened. The metallurgical content
of our blades is:
Our
Medieval Armours
Our staff preserves our commitment to historical
accuracy in the production of armours. We are
quite proud of our armour collection. We have
research far and wide to find the most interesting
and most impressive armours from both the Medieval
and Renaissance eras. We generally use 16 to
18 gauge steel for our armors. They
are then hammered into shape and polished by
hand. For fitting, we use high quality leather
straps and period buckles.
Darksword Armory also produces custom work.
For submissions, please contact us with a detailed
photograph or drawing.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you ship internatinally ?
Yes, we ship internationally and to APO
addresses (military boxes). In order for us to get the
shipping cost from our cargo agent, we will
require your full address. If you email it to us
along with the model number, we could get a quote within 2 business
hours.
Do
I need a special permit to own a sword?
No. There are no permits required to own a sword.
Medieval Swords are classified as historical artifacts or
Museum reproductions.
Do
you sharpen your swords before shipping?
We do offer a sharpening service. The cost for
a one handed sword is 30$, a two handed sword is
35$ and the sharpening of a dagger is 15$.
do you make custom swords ?
Yes, we made custom swords based on your
specifications. We will require a detailed
sketch or photograph in order to provide you a
quote.
If
I buy one of the armours from your catalogue,
can it be made specifically to for my size?
Although our armours generally fit most people,
if you require special modifications the armour
will fall under the “Custom work”
category. This requires more time as new patterns
will have to be made. As such, the cost will
also increase.Our Medieval Armours however will generally fit anyone up to 6"1 with a waist up to 36" and chest up to 44".
Do you accept custom work ?
Absolutely. We can forge any sword or armor
from the Medieval and Renaissance period. We
do not, however, forge Oriental swords as
the forging techniques are considerably different.
15th. C. 2-Handed Gothic Sword
15th. C. 2-Handed Gothic "S" Sword
13th. C. English Medieval War Sword
14th. C. English 2-Handed Sword
15th. C. English Agincourt Sword
5th. C. Visigoth Early Medieval Sword
