The era of the long sword spanned almost three centuries (approximately 1350 to 1650). This, undoubtedly, was because it really worked! It featured a distinctive cruciform hilt and a long, double edged blade and was equally adept at opposing both light and heavily armored foes. You see, its extra long blade offered the reach and leverage for powerful stabbing, cutting and chopping strokes while its long cross guard and heavy pommel were useful for hooking, striking and smashing. When heavy plate armor was encountered, blows with the edge were marginally effective and were often abandoned in favor of a ”Half-Swording” technique; where one hand grips the hilt and the other the blade to better direct the point in powerful jabs, and to more accurately thrust at the small gaps and joints present in a suit of armor.
Modeled on the Italian concept of sword design, the blade and balance slightly favors thrusting attacks, however, its cutting edges are astonishingly effective too and can deliver some down right ferocious blows. Additionally, its simple cruciform hilt is also all business with a long upturned cross guard, leather-over-wood grip, and a counter balancing fish tail pommel.
Please Note: This product tends to suffer from a slightly loose guard and/or minor cosmetic issues on the blade. For years we have tried quality controlling these issues out, but we are now getting close to 100% of them with some kind of issue. Cold Steel does not consider these problems, so we will no longer try to weed them out. Please keep this in mind when ordering. These issues can not be considered defects, it is simply the quality level Cold Steel provides for this product.
Mct –
Ok sword if not for qc issues Arrived very sharp, no secondary bevel. Tight fitting scabbard is a plus. Surprisingly light, and handles pretty well. Excellent for cutting light targets. QC issues: pommel was crooked, guard was slightly loose. Neither issue significantly affects performance of the sword imo.
J Zab (verified owner) –
this was my first sword, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. I loved this sword, it looks elegant and it’s rather good, I chopped around an inch into a piece of dry wood and all that happened to the blade was a miniscule chip. it doesn’t come super sharp, but it’s not dull. I did not have any of the QC issues that anybody pointed out, but I’m not sure if that was just mine or if they fixed the problems. in summary It is a wonderful sword and for the price range I think it’s fantastic.
flip –
A most excellent and functional long sword. Best used with two hands and functionally capable of slaying the average beast that threatens your family or homestead. Sharp, a bit hefty, and definitely functional. I purchase my edged weapons as tools, not decorations. If you, too, purchase swords and knives as tools, then you likely will not be disappointed. The Cold Steel Italian long sword works well and I am happy with my purchase.
no96 (verified owner) –
This is a fantastic sword. Well-made, sturdily put together, and light as a feather- I can handle it with one hand just as easily as a much smaller sword. Everything in the grip is secure, there are no wiggles or bends anywhere in the blade. The only three things I have any qualms about are in the scabbard. First, the leather around the chape is pushed up, which isn’t great to look at. Also, whatever is inside the scabbard consistently leaves dust that looks like sawdust all over the blade. Last, the scabbard is a bit too tight up at the throat- tight is good, but this takes a good deal of force to get in and out of the scabbard. Overall, though, fantastic buy, couldn’t recommend enough.