Categories
SBA-DEATHBRINGER
Deathbringer: Hand-and-a-Half Mercenary Sword
$125
In Stock!
The extremely wide blade and the scalloped brass crossguard which appear to be talons or skeletal fingers help earn the name for this model. Although not a true hand size, it does have a grip wide enough for some hand-and-a-half work.
SBA-DREADWINDRAPIER
Dreadwind: Swept Hilt Rapier
$106
In Stock!
This one of the finest rapiers that Strongblade sells at this price range. It has a breathtaking, oversized swept hilt, chromed in nickel and swirling like a sandstorm around the hand that wields it.
SBA-GLADIUS-VESPARUM
Roman Gladius Vesparum: Wasp-waisted Roman Gladius
$125
In Stock!
This magnificent gladius features a wasp style blade and a beautifully carved wooden grip. Each segment of the grip is carved deep for a secure hold, and separated with polished brass spacers.
SBA-ROMANGLADIUSIII
Roman Gladius Type III with Double Loop Scabbard
$138
In Stock!
This gladius is an exceptional piece. The carved bone grip and polished wood guard and pommel are unique features. It is light and accurate with the classic V-tip that is deal for thrusting. A sturdy rhomboid cross section gives this blade outstanding strength.
SBCB-MOULNER
Moulner Falcatus Premium Double Curved Short Sword with Carved Wooden Sheath
$283
In Stock!
SBA-GENSTEELSWORD
Gensteel Elegant High-Carbon Steel Arming Sword and Sheath
$120
Out of Stock
The Gensteel is a fine example of the paradoxes of war. It is a beautiful thing to behold. Elegant and tapered, with gracefully curling tips on the guards and a sophisticated, spade-shaped pommel.
SBA-JAEGER-F
Jaeger Rugged Viking Sword - Stage Combat and Live Steel Perfomances
$102
Out of Stock
Designed for stage combat or theatrical re-enactment, the guards and pommels are made from a polished-but-uncoated steel, which prevents chipping when struck. The thicker blade edge and round tip add an extra measure of safety.
SBA-KNIGHTPROTECTOR
Medieval Knight Protector's Arming Sword
$125
Out of Stock
This is a gorgeous reproduction of a medieval arming sword. The blade is made from a high-carbon steel. A long, graceful fuller runs almost the entire length of the blade, giving the sword additional strength and lightness.
SBA-LAKONIA
Spartan Lakonia 20-inch Short Sword with Bronze Grip and Guard
$94
Out of Stock
Based on the traditional Spartan design, this Lakonia features a high carbon blade oak leaf shape blade and a solid brass hilt. It is solid yet well balanced We offer it with both tempered and non-tempered blades.
SBA-NORMAN-TWOHAND
Norman Sword with Molded Leather Scabbard with Belt Hangers
$154
Out of Stock
The Norman two-handed sword is one of our most beautiful pieces. Boasting an impressive overall size of 45 inches with a blade length of 35 inches it still a comfortable weight and very well balanced.
SBA-OSPREYVIKING
Osprey; Viking Raider Battle Sword
$85
Out of Stock
The Osprey features a long 32 inch blade and has an amazing swept guard that stretches a good five inches to each side. Nickled and flared at the edges, the guard give the Osprey a regal appearance.
SBC-SWD-STAGESABRE
Stage Combat Sabre or Rapier
$121
Out of Stock
This 19th Century sabre is designed for stage combat. A military style sabre which is durable enough for sports fencing.
SBCB-LAEONIS
Laeonis - Premium Broad-bladed Short Sword with Carved Wooden Sheath
$279
Out of Stock
Fully tempered, battle-ready and razor sharp. Both the blade and grip of the Laeonis have a forward tilt to them that gives maximum leverage when cutting. The blade itself is wide, but still light and comfortable to hold.
Strongblade Lore
(A Bit of History According to Strongblade)
The knight and his arming sword were inseperable. Though a knight might switch other weapons throughout his life and even during a single battle, the arming sword was his for life. In fact, it was likely that a knight would go through more wives than arming swords, and, when you consider that arming swords were often handed down from generation to generation, it's quite possible that an entire family tree would use the same sword.
Because of this, arming swords were much more than just weapons. They became symbols of the men who carried them. Badges of honor, symbols of rank and nobility, and messages to all that the bearer was both a gentleman and warrior; that he could save your soul or take it in an instant.
The relationship between the knight and his arming sword was similiar, if not so religious, as the relationship between a samurai and his katana. Knights would have sacred or other meaningful words inscribed into the blades of their swords, inlaid with silver or gold. These words served as both an inspiration and personal motto for them. Occasionally, knights would rent out space on their swords to local merchants, and would, with each kill, proclaim "This death was brought to you by Samuel's Bake Shop, where you don't have to spend a lot of bread to get a loaf" or something similar. Actually, I don't think those last two sentences are true, but it would have been a good way for the knights to raise money for their church, now wouldn't it?
As mentioned, arming swords were handed down from generation to generation. The swords, used in combat, often suffered damage or breakage, so the blade would be refitted, or a new pommel would be attached, or perhaps a new grip would be added to replace an old worn one. It's possible that the sword a great-great grandson bore no longer resembled the original.
Arming swords in warfare were used mostly as backup weapons for lances and much larger battle swords. The knight woudl draw these swords when dismounted, or when his other weapons were lost or broken. The arming sword, however, would have been used quite often in one-on-one combat and in smaller scale combats. In some tourneys, knights would first joust with lances, then, when unseated, would draw their arming sword and continue the combat.
Inspired by Model SBA-KNIGHTPROTECTOR