Information on our battle ready blades.

Our swords referred to as battle-ready or practical are designed to suit the needs of historical re-enactment / stage fighting and to practice swordplay. The extremely brutal impact of cutting edge against cutting edge (or any other hard object) cannot be considered an appropriate use of these swords and may eventually lead to the breaking of the blade. The warranty we offer in such a case only covers material defects (e.g. hairline cracks in the blade or processing faults). It does not apply to damages resulting from a destructive or inappropriate handling of these swords. Please also bear in mind that a practical sword is basically and essentially an item subject to wear and tear.

We offer a wide range of various battle ready blades from different manufacturers and brands, depending on the manufacturer there differences in the production method, the used materials, the quality and of course the price. It is often very difficult to recognise the one or other advantage of a blade and to rate it accordingly. All battle ready blades are blunt and have a rounded tip. The battle ready swords sold here are organised into three categories.  


Blade classification for blunt practical swords

The first category SK-A relates to the best blades. The blades are made from high-quality steel, are perfectly balanced and carefully hardened to a high hardness. The swords are suited for professionals who perform on a regular basis and value good quality.

Hardness of the blade: min. 50 HRC
The material of the blade reaches up through the grip and is either riveted or screw fastened at the pommel (screw fastening if blades can be replaced, e.g. 'Tinker' swords)
Lightweight and easy to handle with a well balanced centre of gravity 
Blunt, mostly rounded edges and tip
Warranty on material defects within the legal time limit

Swords belonging to the second category SK-B are also made from high-quality steel, however they are not as hard as category A swords and during a fight with a harder blade notches can occur a lot easier. They are fairly well balanced but might weigh a few grams more. They are the ideal blades for the ambitious beginner as well as for the advanced swordsman.

Hardness of the blade: min. 48 HRC
The material of the blade reaches up through the grip and is either riveted or screw fastened at the pommel
Blunt, also mostly rounded edge and rounded tip
Lightweight and easy to handle with a well balanced centre of gravity 
No warranty

The third category SK-C offers re-enactment novices an affordable but still safe opportunity to own their own battle ready sword and perform first basic exercises. The swords are ideal for anyone who would like to own a battle ready sword but does not use it that often, e.g. for archers. The blades aren't particularly hard and during fights with a harder blade notches can occur.

Hardness of the blade: less than 48 HRC
The material of the blade reaches up through the grip and is either riveted or screw fastened at the pommel
Blunt edge and rounded tip
Can be heavy and not ideally balanced 
No warranty

Information on warranty:

Of course our battle ready weapons are also subject to the legal warranty of two years. It is to be considered that the obligation to prove defects (e.g. material faults), which already existed at the date of purchase and weren't claimed within 6 months, lies with the customer. Therefore complaints after 6 months are difficult and unfortunate for both parties.  
Needless to say a battle ready sword is an item subject to wear and tear. Even the best and most expensive sword will be jagged after intense usage, the cross guard can become wobbly and the grip loose. That is normal, as strong forces act on the material. Even with these blades the unlikely event might occur that they brake, if they have been weakened by a number of possibly deep notches. These are usually not a valid reason for complaint, but normal signs of usage. A battle ready sword, as good as it may be, will not look like new after use.  

Display

Display swords and daggers are predominantly designed to look good. They tend to be ornately decorated and in most cases they will have shiny, maintenance-free stainless steel blades.  They are not usually historically accurate and are not designed to be used in combat. They are also usually suitable for ceremonial use and fancy dress.

Living History

Swords and daggers designed for Living History are made as accurate representations or replicas of period pieces. They usually feature tempered high-carbon steel blades with sharp or sharp enable edges. They usually feature peened pommels but in some cases will have historically accurate screw pommels. They feature historically accurate fittings and materials and are suitable for show and tell and film work. They are designed as functional weapons, but this does not mean they are indestructible. Like their historical counterparts, blades will break, notch or become damaged if abused or are not maintained properly. For combat use we would recommend Battle Re-enactment or HEMA Sparring swords which are safer and more durable.

Test Cutting

Swords and daggers that are designed for test cutting are designed to function like their historical counterparts. They feature tempered high-carbon steel blades that are either supplied sharp, or can be sharpened. They are suitable for test cutting a variety of objects - typically water bottles, vegetables and tatami mats. Most of the swords designed for test cutting are historically accurate but this is not always the case. If you require it to be historically accurate, make sure it is also labelled as being suitable for Living History.

HEMA Sparring

HEMA Sparring Swords are designed to be used for HEMA combat (specifically full contact sparring). They typically feature 2mm (approx.) edges and rolled or fattened tips designed to spread the impact of a thrust. Rapiers, feders and (some) sabres also feature flexible blades that are designed to bend upon impact when thrusting. They tend not to be historically accurate but are a good compromise between historical design and their required function. These features are very specific to HEMA “Sparring” swords. HEMA encompasses sparring, drilling and test cutting. In general, any sword that is suitable for Living History, Battle Re-enactment or Stage Combat will be suitable for most HEMA drilling exercises. But flexible blades with fattened tips are a must for sparring.

Please remember that a sword is a tool and is not indestructible. Over time and with prolonged use, fittings can become loose and blades can break – just as their historical counterparts did.

Stage Combat

Swords and daggers that we advise as being suitable for stage combat must be robust enough for blade on blade combat. They feature blunt, high-carbon steel blades with 2-3mm edges and may have fattened or rounded tips. Stage Combat rapiers tend to be light and durable enough for fast and intense fighting. Longswords and single hand swords, owing to the extra mass of the blades, are slower moving and will feel heavier in the hand. We would recommend that you look at the weight and balance points of these swords before purchasing.

Please remember that a sword is a tool and is not indestructible. Over time and with prolonged use, fittings can become loose and blades can break – just as their historical counterparts did.