European Swords

Windlass Steelcrafts Discontinued European Sword – arguably one of the best sub US$300 production swords ever made

When it comes to European swords, it would be accurate to say that the market is almost flooded. Unfortunately though, especially at the lower price points – very few manufacturers truly understand, or bother to make, a sword that is based closely on the historical originals.

Deepeeka make a wide variety of European swords, however they tend to be overly heavy, poorly constructed and many lacking even a basic heat treatment (though for under US$100, this is largely to be expected).

CAS Iberia/Hanwei make some decent $100 rebated swords that are very popular with re-encators, though their $200 to $300 sharpened swords have been plagued by problems, from weak tangs to hollow pommels, shattering blades and partially sharpened blades. They are attempting to address these issues and more information will be available via the newsfeed as it happens.

Windlass steelcrafts make a huge variety of European swords, though very few are in production long enough to be able to judge them well enough before a new design replaces them. Some of their Euro designs are actually amazingly good value for money, though many more have overly whippy blades and hilt problems. Prices on these are in the US$150 to $300 category for the most part.

Generation 2 make a fairly simple design, though stand out from the sub US$300 crowd by continually attempting to refine their products to make them better handling and more authentic.

Darksword Armoury hand make some very tough swords designed for the rigours of steel on steel combat, and many are actually quite accurate in appearance when compared to a period sword, though tend to be over 1lb heavier.

Darksword Armoury Medieval Knightly Sword

Darksword Armory Medieval Knight Sword

Cold Steel have a small selection of European swords that have a reputation for extreme durability and sharpness. Their designs are often a little contemporary, but on the whole – with one notable exception (that is being addressed) perform very well and set the standard for heavy duty medieval cutters.

VALIANT ARMOURY are THE COMPANY TO WATCH in 2008... While their original designs were heavy and contemporary looking tanks, this company is currently redesigning the line in association with some of the biggest names in the sword industry.

Valiant Armory Kreigschwert

One of the Prototypes for the new Valiant Armoury/Christian Fletcher collaboration

Angus Trim, what more needs to be said than the name... Angus Trim is one of the premier makers of emineltly functional and beautifully balanced European swords around. Priced at around the US$300 to $600 mark, his blades define what medieval swords should be.

And last but not least, at the top end of the market – Albion swords rule the roost of the market for production European swords, with designs slavishly copying the form and function of the historical originals.

CONCLUSION

While it would seem that just about every man and his dog in the production sword world has a finger in this pie, there are a few real stars.

Valiant Armoury are set to revolutionize this end of the market, however at the current moment, it is Generation 2, Angus Trim and Albion who create swords closest to the originals. Cold Steel and Darksword Armoury make the toughest beater blades, with the others tending to be lagging behind at this point in time.

A very dynamic part of the sword industry.

FURTHER RESOURCES

For a much more detailed overview of sub US$300 European swords, visit our sister site:

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