FIND A SWORD SYSTEM RESULT:
"I'm sick of big, clunky swords - what I want is something really refined, that handles like a REAL medieval sword should - fast, nimble and deadly!"
Yup, the myths that real medieval swords were big glorified can openers doesn't stand up anymore thanks to the works of Ewart Oakeshott and his students. And anyone who has ever handled an actual antique medieval sword will know that they are very well balanced, strong and yet relatively lightweight, and it has taken a while for the sword market to start making replicas that are actually replicas of the real thing in areas others than just appearance.
Until recently, the only real choices for the enthusiast who could not afford an Albion was to either heavily modify a cheap 'beater' or buy a Windlass (which was always a bit hit and miss, some models were are ARE great, but others not so much, and it was hard to pick the winners as they rotate their production so much).
However, several manufacturers came to the fore - lifted their game - and revolutionized what was possible, bridging the gap in the world of real medieval swords. But the most notable was Valiant Armory who worked with the likes of modern day sword makers Angus Trim and Christian Fletcher to design their blades and then have them made in one of the best and most experienced forges in China to a high standard of QC.
Perhaps the best value for money sword that came from this collaboration is their Practical Long Sword - a simply amazingly tempered Gus Trim designed blade (so much so that even Gus himself was surprised by the quality!) that handles like a long sword should - but is just a little too popular for its own good (very hard to keep in stock). But its cousin, the 'Signature Series' Kriegschwert, while a little more expensive, is amazingly detailed with Christian Fletcher designed scabbardwork, intricate sword belt and stunning, well made and assembled fittings with a value for money rating that is off the charts.
At around the same time though, Windlass started to lift their game too - with swords such as the $200 Verneuil that both looked the part and actually handled well too..
Recommended Real Medieval Swords Reviews
"Practical Long Sword"
Valiant Armoury
PRICE: US$239 to $299
OVERVIEW: Probably the best handling, best made and best priced Long Sword on the market of all time - the ONLY real drawback to these swords is that supply doesn't even come close to demand... Simply an amazing piece...
"Signature Series Kriegschwert"
Valiant Armoury
PRICE: US$399 to $499
OVERVIEW: Fantastically light weight, beautifully balanced and extremely attractive - the Kriegschwert is an extremely popular sword, and while at $400 is relatively expensive, the value for money ratio is off the chart with these Christian Fletcher and Angus Trim designed blades.
"Verneuil Sword"
Windlass Steelcrafts
PRICE: US$199 to $265
OVERVIEW: One of Windlass Steelcrafts best swords; extremely attractive, durable and with perfect handling. Very close to a full 5 star rating...
While refinements, new models and other developments are still most definitely in progress across the entire industry, the swords above stand at the current pinnancle of value for money. Windlass are still worth watching though, as every now and again they come up with something truly quite exceptional such as the
European Sword which I loved so much it was part of the original SBG logo design!
I hope that you have been able to find at least one of these real medieval swords that suit you.
If not click here to return to our featured page on Affordable Replicas of Medieval Swords from the find a sword systems page on selecting Real Medieval Swords
