The Black Prince Sword (#1326)
The English Prince Edward of Woodstock, “The Black Prince of Wales”, is well known to scholars of art, history, literature and theater., for his chivalrous and occasionally non-chivalrous actions.
5160 High Carbon Steel, Dual Hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the cutting edge
48-50 At the core
Fittings: Mild Steel
Total Length: 50″
Blade length: 39″
Handle: 8″
Blade width at base: 1.75″
blade thickness: 1.48 mm
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz
POB: 2″
USD590.00 – USD720.00
The Black Prince Sword
The English Prince Edward of Woodstock, “The Black Prince of Wales”, is well known to scholars of art, history, literature and theater for his chivalrous and occasionally non-chivalrous actions. Although eldest son of King Edward III, The Black Prince was never crowned king – Dead before his father, the crown passed to his son Richard instead.
Since the 16th C. Edward of Woodstock came to be popularly dubbed as “The Black Prince.” A name more recognized for Edward’s legacy, possibly issued from his black (blued) armour. This title may also have come from his temper, lack of mercy and derision towards the lower classes, in spite of his chivalrous beliefs.
The popularity of Edward III’s sword was surely affected when a medieval sword, discovered during the mid-20th century, was identified by Ewart Oakeshott as the sword of the Black Prince. Thought to have been stolen from Edward’s tomb centuries earlier, The Black Prince sword became one of the most recognizable artefacts of 14th Century. Simply yet elegant in form, the Black Prince sword reflected the
aesthetic direction of favouring clean crisp lines.
With the progress of the full plated armour of the mounted knight, blade smiths began manufacturing longer two handed sword blades that were stiff instead of flexible, with a diamond cross sections that would reinforce the tip. These swords, engineered to thrust through the gaps in armour, revolutionized medieval warfare techniques during later part of the middle ages. Previous sword types, engineered with an emphasis on cutting, were unable to inflict more than percussive damage against the armoured knight. Hence, the advent of the type XVa longswords became the most essential part of the medieval Knight’s arsenal. The stiff diamond shaped hollow ground needle tip blade was not only capable of powerful cuts, but offered exceptional advantages with their keen ability to pierce through the ever developing plate armour. With its diamond shaped hollow ground cross-sectional blade, the Black Prince sword is representative of the changing role of the sword on the battle battlefield.
From the 14th C. onwards, the sword began to be used not just as a battlefield weapon, but as a civilian weapon as well. Starting in Germany and then Italy, sword masters such as Johannes Liechtenauer (late 14thc) and Fiore dei Liberi (c.1340-1420) trained students in the use of the sword, not on the battlefield but in the judicial duel against unarmoured and armoured opponents. With the type XVa We see the development of a true cut-and-thurst sword and one of the most successful sword types in Europe. In a period where art, status and functionality was of prime importance, the XVa longsword was a coveted weapon of war and social status.
During the preliminary steps of the making of the Black Prince sword, we set out to create a medieval sword worthy of the aristocracy. We set to design the sword with minimalist and clean lines while preserving the historical character of the guard and pommel . While great importance was bequeathed to the elegance and symmetry of the fittings, considerable attention was set on the blade’s performance, flex and balance. These elements easily made the Black Prince sword a favorite among our customers. Not only for its exceptional handling characteristics but also for its elegance and simplicity.
Being an historical piece, we carefully examined the original in April 2016 at the Royal Armoury in Leeds, England. While creativity was kept to a minimum, given the historical character, we wanted the sword to have a deep hollow ground diamond shape blade specifically designed to penetrate plate armour with searing strength.
Its resilient hollow ground blade provides this sword outstanding thrusting force and an extraordinary balance. Making 
the Black Prince sword a light, superbly responsive and very well balanced medieval weapon. While being a two handed sword, the Black Prince sword combines the cutting capability of its predecessor while the added benefit of being a devastating thrusting weapon against the heavy plated armour of the day. Specifically engineered for armoured combat, we wanted the Black Prince sword to have superb handling capabilities, an exceptional response and a very good PoB (point of balance). Despite its long blade and size, the Black Prince is an exceptionally easy sword to handle for both experienced and amateur sword enthusiasts.
The sword is a very responsive sword that feels ‘alive’ and light in the hand. Easily wieldable even in novice hands, the Black Prince sword’s characteristics make it a medieval weapon of choice for all collectors. The sword is perfectly balance for swift movement and powerful delivery in both cut and thrust.
Authentic in every detail, the Black Prince sword is individually hand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel and Dual hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the edge and 48-50 at the core.
Refined yet of elegant simplicity, the Black Prince sword is in a class by itself. Light, responsive and classically styled, the Black Prince sword delivers what it was designed to do ! Backed by our commitment and reputation for forging some of the most durable swords in the industry, the black prince sword is faithfully crafted from the original and stands as a legacy to the perfection of sword making at the crowning of the 14th century.
Photograph of the original sword:
The Black Prince Sword
Type XVa, 1370 A.D.,
Customer Feedback regarding the Black Prince Sword:
-“Eyal, I have received the most magnificent weapon in my collection the other day (The Black Prince Medieval Sword). It took me a few days to let you know because I was to excited to type. A truly beautifully hand made sword and a fine scabbard and belt.I have named it Grey Owl and it will travel with me to Valhalla when the time comes . Thank you for your fine craftsmanship!”
– Lee O. ~ TN, USA.
5160 High Carbon Steel, Dual Hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the cutting edge
48-50 At the core
Fittings: Mild Steel
Total Length: 50″
Blade length: 39″
Handle: 8″
Blade width at base: 1.75″
blade thickness: 1.48 mm
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz
POB: 2″
| Package : | Blunt blade & Scabbard : $590.00, Sharpened blade & Scabbard : $625.00, Blunt blade, Scabbard & Interlaced Sword Belt : $685.00, Sharpened blade, Scabbard & Interlaced Sword Belt : $720.00 |
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8 reviews for The Black Prince Sword (#1326)
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Mike Felix –
I purchased my Black Prince from Kult Of Athena just a few days ago. Mine is the version with the 38 inch blade, instead of the 33.
I’m not a master swordsman by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know some basics, and the Black Prince makes it easy. The
balance is just over 3 inches from the crossguard, which makes this sword very fast & very responsive-exactly what one would need
with a fighting blade. This weapon also cuts very well; I’ve sliced water bottles, paper tubes, cardboard boxes, plastic trash cans, & even
rolled-up carpet remants! Where this blade really excels though, is on the thrust. I didn’t have any really substantial to practice this maneuver
on, but I did wrap carpet around a thick cardboard tube, that I had stuffed a old piece of steel-belted tire inside. The Black Prince just drove right
through it, without any fuss at all. Yeah, I’m giving this sword 5 stars. She looks good, & performs even better. Get this sword. You owe it to yourself!
Steven (verified owner) –
I received my Black prince sword yesterday afternoon and it is beautiful, these guys are definitely masters of their craft. This is my first dark sword I’ve owned and it is something special. The scabbard is very nicely made and fits very well with the sword, looks very good. I
haven’t used it yet as far as cutting, but that will come once the weather clears up a bit. Overall the feel in the hand is very nice. The weight and feel, it is solid and strong. Everything from the pommel to the tip of the blade is beautiful and just looks amazing. I have zero complaints about it, and I love it. This is easily a 5 star sword.
David Mayo –
How do I start this….. Just by it! This sword is amazing, nothing short and the customer service from these guys is hands, the best I’ve ever experienced. Let’s start,
I purchased the 33″ blade version from Kult of Athena and added their sharpening service. After waiting about 2 weeks I received the 39″ blade version, I was not pleased and the sharpening job was a hack job at best. I called KOA immediately and they told me that Darksword must have changed the dimensions and did not notify them. After about a week of them allegedly contacting Darksword I took it into my hands and contacted them myself. I spoke with Steve and he confirmed that they stopped making the shorter version. After speaking with him regarding my experience with KOA he said they would swap out the sword for me and even though they didn’t make the 33″ bladed version anymore they would make one for me!! Are you kidding me, I didn’t even buy it from them and they paid for the shipping to send the KOA one to them and to ship me my new sword. The whole process from me talking to Steve to me actually recieving the new sword was about 2 weeks!
The sword is absolutely beautiful. The fit and finish is amazing. This thing is solid and feels amazing in the hand. The blade came super sharp which is an accomplishment as most companies, including some high end companies, don’t know how to sharpen a European sword. The blades symmetry is flawless and the central ridge is perfectly straight. The scabbard is very well made and a very attractive accompaniment with this beautiful piece. It holds the sword snug and only has a slight rattle at the tip when shaken with some effort.
At the end of the day this is an extremely well made and beautiful sword. This sword beats anything in this price range and slightly higher ranges as well. You will not find a friendlier, more helpful or an as committed to customer satisfaction group of people in any sword manufacturer anywhere. Buy with confidence!
Josh (verified owner) –
Incredible sword. Beautiful and intimidating. The point is deadly. I ordered a blunt but it is surprisingly sharp. Production and delivery was faster than expected. The basic scabbard is more than sufficient. Every think about Darksword and the Black Prince exceeded my expectations. You can’t go wrong. Overall this sword is just exceptional.
Scott Gregg –
After researching several Type VIa swords from various manufacturers. I opted for the DSA version. I watched a video where the owner of the company took questions head on. This speaks volumes about this company and wow the ownership stands behind the product. Based on that and some other reviews of other DSA products, I decided to make the purchase.
1: Blade sharpness: I purchased it sharpened. It is plenty sharp. Easily sharp enough, out of the box, to slice my finger (I did) without much effort. Other cutting test show this to be quite effective out of the box. The hollow grind does make is stiff.
2: Stats: POB is 3″ below the guard. On a 50″ long sword I think this is outstanding. Its point of percussion seems to be about 20″ from guard.
3: Construction: Solid and high quality. All the finishing looks great. The handle is not slippery. The stitching is not proud and feels nice a solid in the hand.
4: Handling: I have an arming sword that is about 10 inches shorter than this sword, and lighter. Yet this sword handles as easily as that.
5: Scabbard: Really nice. If you wanted to buy a bespoke scabbard like this for you sword it would easily run $400+.
Cons: The peen is good but slightly sharp on the edges. That be it.
Conclusion: I have no idea how DSA can craft such a superb item at such an good price.
Sir Anoch –
I was given this sword as a gift. And was amazed at its craftsmanship. The blade is ready for combat but it’s beauty brings peace to its owner. The hilt is perfect for Kendo type wielding. Balance is perfect for me. It’s like the best of two worlds. Light and sharp like a katana, but the strength and power of a broad sword. It’s truly a Knights weapon.
Cedric Regino –
Just got this piece form KOA and I must say it is a 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. As I understand it, you could request additional sharpening from DSA if you buy directly from them as well. The construction feels very sturdy and the grip is comfortable. 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 quality leather and the stitching is well done. Overall a very good solid piece from DSA. I’m very happy with it.
Gavin Holman (verified owner) –
I’d like to start this review with kudos to Darksword’s customer service team, I initially received an item that had an incorrect blade profile and they offered a return despite saying from the pictures it looked correct. I returned the sword and they promptly contacted me after receiving it to say that the blade was in fact incorrect, and asked if I wanted a replacement, I agreed and received my new sword extremely quickly. The 2nd Black Prince I received is immaculate, exactly as I’d hoped, and they even included a scabbard with integrated belt for no extra cost as they were out of the normal ones.
As far as the sword itself goes, its a very light, very easily wielded sword despite its length, with a very fine point that makes it excellent for thrusting when combined with its point of balance being just about 3 inches ahead of the guard on mine specifically. Came very sharp out of the box, scabbard fits nicely, mirror polished, and a well made, well proportioned handle.
Excellent sword and even more exemplary customer service.