Practical Arming Sword Review

The Practical Arming Sword by Valiant Armoury represents a recent, and very encouraging trend for the medieval sword enthusiast on a budget.

Designed by the legendary American sword maker Angus Trim, and hand made by a highly skilled forge based in China under license by Valiant Armoury, these swords have revolutionized what is possible in the sub US$300 price point and are engineered to perform to a very high standard.

So let’s see how it stacks up with a quick once over and test run by one of our review team members, Richard Williams.

AT303S Practical Arming Sword

Ever since I got the AT304S I have had my eye on this one. I couldn't resist any longer so I ordered this one on Saturday May 10th in the evening from Arms of Valor. It arrived Wednesday morning May 14th. Kudos to Jason of Arms of Valor for great customer service. Price-$216 plus $14.57-shipping.

Overall length-38 1/4 in. Blade length-31 1/4 in. Weight 2 1/2 lbs.

Blade width-1 3/4 in. at cross. CoP (center of percussion, or 'sweet spot') around 20 in.

Blade thickness-1/4 in. at cross with a slight distal taper.

Pommel is 1 3/4 in. across by 3/4 thick. Grip is 4 1/2 in. long and 1 1/2 wide at guard tapering to 1 in. at pommel.

Grip is 3/4 in. thick.

Hilt assembly is attached by a round nut, removable with screwdriver.

The tang is 3/4 in. wide at shoulders.

Came with a nice wood core scabbard. Sewn neatly up the back.

TEST CUTTING

EDITORS NOTE: The tests were conducted here with the first generation of this sword, which was considered by some to be 'EXTRA sharp'. Since on heavier targets - this additional sharpness COULD potentially be a liability, all VA medieval swords now come with the option of choosing either sharp or EXTRA sharp depending on your taste and how you intend to use it.

VIDEO: Test Cutting on Bottles Rick testing the Valiant Arming Sword on plastic bottles. Notice how he tests for the center of percussion (CoP) with each strike by banging on the pommel and watching the blade vibrate. The part of the blade that vibrates the least (generally somewhere in between the middle of the sword and the tip) is the best part to cut with.

To sum up. Pob is 6 in. This makes it feel a bit tip heavy but I didn't notice it much when cutting. I think it handles well and the cutting was fairly easy, came paper cutting sharp.

I tagged my stand pretty good a couple times with no ill effects to the sword. This speaks well of it's durability I think. This one and her big sister make a good combo for cutting fun and are dismountable for easier modification if one were so inclined. Good value in my opinion.

PROS

Beautifully tempered, and very durable 1065 carbon steel blade

Comes paper cutting sharp out of the box

Very slightly tip heavy, but barely noticebale when in action

WHERE TO BUY

Due to the kind of value for money these swords represent, they are usually never in stock for any length of time. However, we offer them for the lowest authorized price on the internet right here at the SBG Sword Store, for just $215.99 with free shipping in the USA (MSRP is $269.99).