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Opera Nova Armi Cut and Thrust Sword – Deepeeka

SKU: KOA_AH4239 Categories: , , Tag:
(2 customer reviews)

$132.55$155.95

This early 16th Century Cut-and-Thrust Sword is based on examples seen in the illustrations of the 1536 Bolognese Fencing Manual Opera Nova. Swords such as this are shown in the manual being commonly paired with a buckler, Rotella or dagger. The blade form is a compromise on cutting and thrusting ability and the dual finger rings allow safe fingering of the guard for both right and left-handed use.

The blade is high carbon steel which is mounted into a hilt of steel. The wooden grip is tightly bound in twisted steel wire. Included with the sword is a leather-bound wooden scabbard with a steel chape and locket.

Overall Length39 1/8''
Blade Length33 1/4''
Weight2 lb 3.7 oz
EdgeUnsharpened
Width38.3 mm
Thickness4.3 mm - 3.9 mm
PommelThreaded
P.O.B.7 1/2''
Grip Length3''
Blade [EN45 High Carbon Steel]
ClassBattle Ready
ManufacturerDeepeeka
Country of OriginIndia

2 reviews for Opera Nova Armi Cut and Thrust Sword – Deepeeka

  1. Benjamin Wallace

    Better Than Expected There aren’t that many swords offered that represent the “cut and thrust” blades of the 15th and 16th centuries at this price point. I was pleasantly surprised to find this sword offered and I am suitably impressed with the apparent quality for the money. First, the good: the blade is light and responsive, has a good reach for a single-hand sword, and isn’t too whippy despite lacking a fuller to stiffen it. The handle may look short initially but this is really a design feature as the first finger is meant to slip over the quillon through the side rings to grip the ricasso. This gives very nice point control for the thrust. I was worried from the picture that the shape of the quillon block would cause it to dig into my forefinger but even after handling it barehanded this doesn’t seem to be as much of a problem as I anticipated. The quillon block itself is about half an inch wide at the point your finger loops over it, and the squared off contours give a parallel surface for your fingertip to “grip” on the other side. The fit of the parts also seems to be solid and there is no appreciable loosening, rattling, or pinging noises after vigorous shaking. I haven’t tested it in any more destructive manner. Lastly, as can be appreciated from the pictures, the sword is almost wholly symmetrical, with only a few very minor decorative elements on the side rings not being repeated from right to left, so there is good news for left-handers. Now, for the bad, which is mostly cosmetic and may be individual to the sword I received: the finish of some of the hilt hardware is uneven, with the seating of the handle within the quillon block being uneven (the slot the tang passes through seems somewhat oversized and is just visible beyond the edge of the grip on one side), the quillon block itself being uneven in shape with one side somewhat larger than the other, and the side rings noticeably asymmetrical (both seem slightly bent down at a slightly different angle towards the grip). The side rings actually come into contact with the blade at the top of the ricasso and, upon vigorous shaking, there are some unpleasant, high pitched metal on metal grinding noises. I believe that with many historical examples, the “fork” at the top of the side ring does not actually come into contact with the blade for just this reason. I passed a few pieces of paper between the gap to attempt to clear it of debris (the gap is too small to admit anything thicker) but there was no appreciable change in the noise. Lastly, there is a small inconsistency in the turning of the wire around the handle, amounting to a tiny burr that cannot even be felt when gripped bare handed but is somewhat noticeable and might perhaps get worse over time. All in all, I would say it is definitely a good sword for the low price, better than I expected, and fulfills the very useful niche of a light, maneuverable cut and thrust sword designed for use with the forefinger extending the grip beyond the quillon. In contrast to other cut and thrust offerings, like the Windlass Munich sword, the grip is not encumbered with further bars and rings to protect the hand. This omission makes the Opera Nova sword very light, but it also practically necessitates the use of a buckler or shield in order to protect the hand and wrist, as mentioned in the product description.

  2. Evan Olwell (verified owner)

    I purchased the Opera Nova Armi Cut and Thrust in standard grade. It is my first Deepeeka purchase and I had higher expectations because it’s classified as “limited edition”. Sadly, when I received the sword, its condition was very bad. Raw unfinished metal on the guard, like it should have been filed down, but wasn’t. Also, pitting in the underside of the guards rings. The final third of the blade is badly warped and distorted, not straight at all. I expected a battle ready sword. I got a wall hanger.

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