The Squire Sword (#1304)
A.460 French, c. 1375-1400, Type type XVIII sword.
Arming swords were intended to be used with a single hand. As a result, these swords needed to be heavy enough to be effectively useful in combat, but light enough to move quickly and not be tiring for the wielder. For this purpose, the Squire is a perfect fit. Light and nimble, this sword is incredibly responsive and effortlessly flows from guard to cut and back again. While exquisite to handle, the Squire is strong enough to inflict considerable damage if used in combat. A far cry from the hefty two-handed swords wielded by armored and mounted knights, the Squire is the perfect sword for anyone who wants an agile, attractive sword that is just as battle ready as one twice its size.
Length : 33.5”
Handle Length: 4 ½”
Blade Length: 27”
Blade Width: 2 1/16”
Crossguard Length: 8 5/8”
Guard Depth: 7/8”
Handle Circumference: 4 ¼”
Weight: 2.4 lbs
P.O.B.: 3”
USD580.00 – USD725.00
c. 1375-1400, Type XVIII sword.
The new Squire Sword now available. Watch the first video review by scholagladiatoria.
The process of becoming a knight has been depicted in fiction and pop culture many times. Most people in Western culture who have been exposed, even tangentially, to historical fiction are aware that a knight follows a code of honor, and may even know its name: Chivalry. Most people are probably aware that knights wear full plate armor to ride into battle or the joust. They would also be aware that knights we not born, but made, in a ceremony involving a sword being tapped on their shoulders – and some may even know that before knights undergo this ceremony, they are known as something else – squires.
The process to become a knight was this: a noble-born boy, younger than 10 years old, would be put into service learning manners, etiquette, art, weapons, and about the essential duties of knights in society. At a certain age – usually 13 or 14 – the age would graduate to become a squire, or a knight-in-training. The squire would be apprenticed to a knight, and at this point their true training would begin. The squire would help the knight care for his armor, horse, and weapons, wait on their personal needs, and generally support them as staff on a daily basis. The knight, in turn, would train the squire in the arts of war needed to be an effective combatant on the battlefield. In fact, some squires would even accompany their knights into battle, defending them and learning to wage war in the most hands-on way possible. And, when they were ready, the squire would take his final step toward becoming a knight.
The Accolade – that holy ceremony in which a young man died to their old self and was “reborn” symbolically as a knight – was a revered coming-of-age ceremony in the Middle Ages. The ceremony itself was relatively simple: at the age of 21 a squire would undergo a ritual cleanse on the eve of his knighting ceremony, then stay awake the entire night in a prayer vigil. In the morning, the squire would take his vows of obedience to his lord and to the Church, and he would arise from his knees a knight. The knight would go on to act in service, to display courtesy to ladies, and to be a force for good in the world for decades to come (at least, this was the ideal). As long as the knight was alive, though, he would always remember the squire he had once been.
The Darksword Armory Squire Sword is designed with those apprentice knights in mind. A mid-length, double-edged blade crafted from tempered 5160 spring steel provides a durable and resilient striking edge. The blade is hollow-ground with a stiff spine for added strength. The simple, curved guard sets this sword apart from the standard cruciform hilt sword, and the wheel pommel is a classic design. What sets this sword apart, though, is its handling. Weighing in at less than a kilogram, the Squire is a startlingly fast and responsive sword. In the hands of a growing apprentice knight, the Squire would be a suitable training or combat weapon; in your hands, it would be a lively sword that begs to be put through its paces.
Being specifically designed for close quarter combat, the Squire handles beautifully. It is a very responsive sword that feels “alive” and light in the hand. Easily wieldable even in novice hands, the Squire sword 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 motions.
While historically made for the noble elites, the Squire is perfect for beginner and advanced students of the sword. The diamond cross-section of the blade results in a thick spine that sharply tapers to the edge, providing good stiffness without sacrificing structural integrity. This makes the arming sword light enough in the hand to be wielded easily, yet resilient enough to withstand actual use in combat.
| Weight | 4 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50 × 8 × 2 cm |
6 reviews for The Squire Sword (#1304)
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Sir Robin (verified owner) –
Don’t let the size fool you The Squire Sword is a formidable piece of weaponry. What you lose in length and weight gets made up in speed and agility. The Squire is nimble and well balanced and makes it easier to do two strikes instead of one. The picture of it and actual sword look really identical, the blade has a polished mirror like finish on it. Pommel and Guard are pretty good as well. I’m going to use a word I very rarely if ever use to describe it’s aesthetic badass look as Elegant. If a person was going to own only one excellent battle ready sword (which to me seems impossible) The Squire would be the one to get. It’s smaller size is more … apartment friendly so to call it. Don’t have to be keeping a eye as much on the tip to not accidentally bump and put a knick something. Females(the very few I showed) seem to favor The Squire over hand and a half and two hand swords. It’s a must have to round off any collection beautifully.
Judge Joe Brown –
As a sword, this one is excellent; fast, light & well balanced. I took away a star on account of the central ridge on one side being quite noticeable being off center; a cosmetic flaw. This is most likely nothing that would have been unexpected in the medieval world. The sword cuts as well as can be expected with its light weight & reads your intent when it comes to the thrust. An excellent weapon even if flawed in appearance on one side.
John Rex Hildebrandt –
This is the most I have ever paid for a sword, most of mine have been from Museum replicas or now Windless Steelcraft’s in the $300 range. I am 100% pleased with this, in every way. The blade itself has always been my first concern and this blade is perfection, perfectly straight and the grind is centered.
The polish on the entire piece is top notch, it’s all tight and all parts line up. The grip is very well done and compliments the sword as well as the scabbard, another pleasant surprise. The scabbard is wood core covered with very good-looking leather and fits the blade perfectly–
This is the first sword I ever purchased from Darksword, and for the price I expected a near perfect piece, and it is. I have had some great swords from other makers, but never anything this close to a high-end sword.
I called checking on the shipping date due to travel plans to find it had already shipped and was here the next day–so, a big thanks to the customer service people. All in all, an extremely pleasing purchase. John H
William Raburn (verified owner) –
This is my first sword from Darksword.
I just ordered my second, a Templar sword.
The Squire is a nice one handed light sword.
There are a couple things that I didnt like.
1st it was clear the blade received its final polish after the guard was put on as the blade had a cloudy look up close to the guard.
The 2nd thing is that there is a slight rattle when i palm strike the pommel.
Also the sword was not as sharp as I had hoped.
These things aside I still think the sword is a good sword, and I can live with these small imperfections.
The sheath is great, the sword feels great and I am happy with it
Matt Perrin (verified owner) –
Just received this beautiful sword from Darksword Armory and I have to say; this sword is absolutely stunning. The quality and craftsmanship is amazing. The balance, weight and feel in the hand is great and it’s light for the size! The mirror polish and fit and finish construction from blade to handle is flawless. Extremely pleased from DSA, as this is my first purchase from them and will definitely be ordering more in the future!
Maverick –
I completely agree with Sir Robin’s review.
The fit and finish is impressive and the sword is a great value overall. The hallow ground blade provides a better balance between the cut and thrust by providing stiffness along with a sharp edge potential. The blade is nimble and well balanced, this does not mean it is weak. An arming sword of this period would cut low armored targets and generally thrust into the gaps of armored ones (pierce mail). On top of that, if you wear armor the sword length is much less relevant. It is sized similar to the Westminster “Henry V sword”.
The sword is very comfortable to hold because of the flat guard sides where you can place your thumb, resisting rotation, and because of the taper and ridge. It locks in well with my gauntlets too. No complaints and I’ve been doing HEMA for many years.
I really like the scabbard. The leather is nice quality and the fit is snug. Looks great together. The short length also means it is convenient to wear, easier to deploy, and acts as great sidearm.