Affordable Replicas of Medieval Swords

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This page is a quick overview. For detailed information and comparisons between swords currently available on the market, you can jump to your area of interest using the links below.

Sub $200 Medieval Swords

Knightly Arming Swords and Longswords

Big, bad two handed swords

When it comes to medieval swords, fortunately there is a massive and ever changing range to choose from (in terms of sheer popularity, they are second only to the Japanese Katana).

But in our US$300 price range (ignoring the purely decorative pieces that is) I think we can more or less narrow down the selection to three main categories of functional replicas.

The first are relatively cheap battle ready replicas just under the $200 price point, the second category are priced between $200 to $500 and are basically either one handed knightly arming swords or - the most popular - longswords. And the final category are big, mean and heavy two handed great swords..

Beyond this price point, historical accuracy becomes paramount - and we touch on these swords briefly too.

Oakeshott Medieval Sword Typology

The late sword scholar, Ewart Oakeshott, was the first historian to take a serious acamdemic look at the various types of medieval swords and created his own system of classification that is used by both sword makers and collectors to classify them.

To learn this system, check our article 'Oakeshott Typology Made Easy' or the related article which highlights the most important swords in his classification system, '5 Medieval Sword Types that Changed the Course of History'.

So without any further ado, let us begin our foray with the most affordable, many of which are surprisingly good quality..

Type I: Sub $200 medieval swords

What follows is a quick overview.

For a detailed look at sub $200 medieval swords:

In our quest to find some decently priced, battle ready swords it should come as no surprise that we can quickly discount the typical stainless steel "medieval" swords commonly available online for around the $50 price point.

Most of these are medieval in name only and are actually more like decorative fantasy pieces than anything else, with all their inherent weaknesses..

To be able to find truly battle ready swords (click the link if you are unfamiliar what to look for in a real sword) at a decent price point, two companies seem to stand out - both from India.

Deepeeka and Windlass Steelcrafts.

But dig deeper and you will quickly see that apart from their country of manufacture, they have very little in common as you will clearly see from our testing and reviews..

Hands on Reviews

Deepeeka Charlemagne Sword

We never intentionally buy a one star sword you know.. Looks okay at first glance. But.. $147

Hanwei Practical Norman

It's sturdy, blunt and cheap, and a favorite of re-enactors on a budget. $175.95

Deepeeka Spadona

Buying medieval swords at this kind of price point is a big gamble. But sometimes, it pays off.. $115 to 164.95

Windlass Bastard Sword

Extremely well made and a fantastic bastard sword at a bargain price. $193

MRL Create Your Own Sword

Mount it up your way - a decent arming sword with your choice of fittings. $188.95

Clearly, Windlass Steelcrafts comes out head and shoulders as the better choice suggesting that even when looking to buy swords for under $200, you get what you pay for..

Take a tour with us of their Atlanta based, castle like showroom or click the link below to find out why..


Type II: Medieval Knightly Swords

What follows is a quick overview.

For a detailed look at Knightly Arming Swords and Longswords:

There were primarily two types of medieval swords used by European gentry - the single handed arming sword and the longsword - also known as a "bastard" sword or "hand and a half" sword depending on which era you are looking back at them from..

Arming swords were basically designed to be used primarily with a shield, though using them alone was not unheard of - and were the earliest type of medieval sword, coming in many different styles and subtle configurations.

In our $200 to $500 price point, quality and performance varies - some are designed to be beaters, others quite refined. And none truly stand out, which one to choose comes down largely to a matter of budget and personal taste.

Hands on Reviews of Arming Swords

Windlass Classic Medieval

Definitely not a bad sword for the money, and a true Windlass classic. $249.95

Hanwei Sword of St Maurice

A exceptionally good replica of the original, though it had a few teething troubles to get there.. $362.99

Darksword Medieval Knight

It's attractive, fairly historically accurate - and darned near indestructible..! Very tough. $600

Hanwei Marshal Broadsword

Sturdy enough, and a decent replica of a historical type X/Xa.But you either love it or hate it, there really is no neutral opinion on this one $349

KoA Irish Kern

A late medieval sword favored by Irish mercenaries, it borders on the high end in both quality and price. $680

4 Star Rating

When it comes to longswords (and also bastard swords), below the sub $300 price point there are some pretty solid choices.

For the most part however, they are not shipped particularly sharp. But there are some exceptions..

Hands on Reviews of Longswords

Darksword Sovereign Sword

Ornate, attractive, tough and handles so well it's hard to put down - the latest swords from Darksword set a new mid-range standard.. $655

Hanwei 'Tinker' Longsword

Designed by Michael 'Tinker' Pearce, harmonically balanced & handles with the best of them, though availability can be an issue. $249

Hanwei 'Tinker' Bastard Sword

While not the best 'Tinker' Pearce design, it is an excellent sword for the money and is very hard to fault for the price. $234

Windlass 15th C. Longsword

A little to 'whippy' to thrust as well as it should. Average at best and not Windlasses finest, but neither is it their worst. $220

While all of these swords are good and have their Pros and Cons, there are two new lines with a standout selection of Arming Swords and Longswords for under $300 that have recently entered, and dominated, the market..

The first, Ronin Katana (as their namesake suggests), are famous for their range of tough, no-nonsense Japanese Dojo swords but using their extensive network of Chinese based sword forges recently branched out into the world of European swords. The results have been quite exceptional and they have taken what is possible to a whole new and exciting level.

See my hands on review and testing below for the full story..

FEATURED REVIEW

Ronin Katana Euro Swords 1-3

Three medieval swords, one low price - all 3 tested on the rooftops of Hong Kong with Lancelot Chan on a variety of targets - from water bottles, bamboo and even a pigs hoof..

Simple yet impressive, they have since gone on to cause quite a storm for lovers of quality medieval swords ready to cut straight out of the box $265-285

RK Euro Model 7 Longsword

Arguably the best entry level Longsword seen in years, find out what makes it so great in this hands on review. $285

RK Euro Sword Model 3-2

An impressive newer entry to the line up that has been compared favorably to swords three times the price. $450

The second recent entry to this market is from Windlass Steelcrafts working in collaboration with John Clements from the ARMA (Association for Renaissance Martial Arts) to produce the "Battlecry" series.

Battlecry Agincourt Sword

A serviceable and decent sword for the price, though the blackened finish does put some off. $282

While the blackened, stonewashed blades (done as a cost cutting measure instead of polishing them to keep the price down) may not appeal to everyone, they are emininetly practical and well worth a serious look.

Click here for our overview of the Battlecry Series and decide for yourself if these are the medieval swords for you.


Type III: Big, Bad *ss Two Handed Swords

What follows is a quick overview.

For a detailed look at Two Handed Great and War Swords:

The third main category may not always be the most historically accurate. But they are certainly extremely popular - and is of course Two handed great swords in various shapes and configurations.

While our definition of a two handed sword may at times be less than scholarly, the one thing all of these swords have in common is DURABILITY.

Otherwise though, it is again a matter of budget, availability and personal taste.

Get a big picture overview and see for yourself.

RK Model # 13 Crusader

A solid, well designed two handed sword based on swords of the Knights Templar. $350

Cold Steel Greatsword

It's big, bad and beefy. And actually fairly historically accurate. Anyone in the market for a Zweihander could do a lot worse. $399

Windlass Hero's Warsword

With a blade bigger than the whole length of most two handed swords, this sword is a monster and very affordable too. Loosely based on the historical 'Wallace' Sword. $256

Hanwei Albrecht

Historically accurate, handles well and tough as nails. Pictures rarely do it justice to show how BIG it is really is. Just wish they would keep them in stock.. $289

Hanwei Claymore

Affordable, tough and well made - one of the best Scottish Great swords on the market, period. $259

Hanwei Mercenary Sword

The 'jewel in the junk' of a series some rather clunky beaters by Hanwei - it is actually a great example of a rarely reproduced Oakeshott blade type. $232

Hanwei Bastard Sword

The 'antiqued' version of this classic, slightly sinister looking Hanwei sword design. Another Hanwei that is a lot bigger in person than what the pictures suggest. $223

Del Tin Model 5155

Historically accurate and a typical example of a Del Tin. That is to say, excellent. $487

Darksword Two Handed Gothic

A historically accurate, tough and attractive two handed late medieval Germanic Longsword with distinctive fish-tail pommel. Greatly improved and upgraded over the years. $600

Darksword Armory Templar

Attractive, tough and well made - but a tad on the heavy side. $600

Generation 2 Irish Sword

A great handling and nicely made Irish sword by Gen 2/Legacy Arms. $299.99

Herald Series Two Hander

Looks good - but this DSA offshoot series is nowhere near as tough as a real Darksword blade. $325


A Brief Word on 'Elite'
Level Medieval Swords...

For some people, the most important factor when selecting their swords is strict historical accuracy: not just in appearance, but in handling and design.

And the general consensus in the sword community is if you want a sword that looks, handles and feels as close to the originals as possible (and have the money to spend) - most people in the know recommend Albion Armorers

"These medieval swords are truly as close as you can get to the real thing (without going custom or buying an actual antique) and are very popular with well to do history buffs..."

While the construction methods may be very modern, each of their medieval swords is the result of many countless hours of museum research and testing to produce a sword that weighs, handles and performs the same as the original antiques they are based upon.

Naturally, swords like this command quite a premium, with price tags for their next Generation medieval swords starting at around US$650 and going up well in excess of the US$1000 mark (even the simple, rather plain scabbards cost more than most of the swords reviewed above!).

But THE other name for high performance swords is undoubtedly the legendary Angus 'Gus' Trim (who used to work with Albion in the early days incidentally). Between these two, the market for high end swords is their playground.

Read the reviews below to find out why..

Albion Ritter

Almost perfect, maybe too perfect, and a fairly typical example of a high end Albion Sword. $880

5 Star Rating

Albion Bayuex

Most Albion reviews are done by raving 'fan boys;. Instead, this is an impartial review by your average sword collector. $880

Albion Squire Line

Albion lowers their prices on the Squire Line. But it would seem did not quite hit the mark to dominate the mid-range swords as many had hoped. $473

3 Star Rating

ATrim Competition Cutting Longsword

Review of one of the limited edition releases through Kingston Arms. $1200

DISCONTINUED SWORDS REVIEW ARCHIVE

Click on an image for the Archived Review


Angus Trim Makers Mark XIIa Longsword: Gus doesn't make the makers mark series these days, with this review representing his swords at the pinnacle of production with a move towards a better aesthetic when previously it had all been about performance.


Further Resources

For images and information on actual antique medieval swords (including how they are found, what they are worth and some images and galleries) click here

You can find a whole host of great information on mid to high level production and custom made medieval weapons and armor at MyArmoury.com including numerous cool articles, hands on reviews, wallpapers, forums and much, much more.

Highly recommended and a very nicely laid out and professional site.

It's also recommended that you check out anything written by the late great master sword Scholar, Ewart Oakeshott - in particular his signature work "Records of the Medieval Sword". For a quick and easy to understand guide to his typology of medieval swords, click here.

Finally, we have a whole plethora of information and additional user submitted reviews on our very own SBG sword forum - be sure to drop by, I think you might like your stay..


I hope this information on medieval swords has been helpful. To return to the SBG Homepage from Affordable Replicas of Medieval Swords, click here

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