LK Chen Munich Town Guard sword takes its inspiration from an iconic sword crafted by the famed German sword maker Wolfgang Stantler in the early 17th century which is commonly known today as the Munich Town Guard sword. It has a sharp and well tempered blade of GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel which hits a fine balance between rigidity for the thrust and necessary flex for resilience. Not only is the sword capable of decisive punctures on a target, but it can cut and slash with considerable ability! The complex guard is well-cast from stainless steel with a dull gray finish. The grip is bound in tight braided wire surmounted by wire knotwork. Included with the sword is a wooden scabbard which is bound in leather and completed with a protective stainless steel chape.
These “Town Guard” swords are in essence medieval single-hand arming swords with the addition of protective bars to take the place of the plate gauntlet. While post-dating the Oakeshott’s medieval sword typology, Munich Town Guard typically correspond to Oakeshott Type XV and XVIII blades, balancing cutting and thrusting abilities by starting broad at the guard and tapering dramatically to an acute point. It was a design that was a fine all-rounder with its considerable cut-and-thrust ability and it could be used as readily for the battlefield or for self defense in the raucous city streets at evening.
The Town Guard’s thick forte and tang, strong profile and distal taper, complex hilt and wire-bound grip combine to create a lively weapon that also is heavy enough to withstand and excel at use against armored opponents on a crowded battlefield. Whereas a rapier is often a specialized dueling and self-defense weapon to be used in non-military contexts, the more robust Sidesword has a ready place on the 17th century battlefield. Many of Stantler’s battle swords can be found outside Germany in collections throughout the world including the Royal Armories, Armories of the Dukes of Burgundy and Higgins Armory Museum and Wallace collection.
Please Note: The guard / hilt of the sword has a dull gray finish which looks brighter under studio photography lights. It is normal and common for there to be some minor blemishes, such as scuffs / scratches on the finish present.
James (verified owner) –
First off this type of sword is not my usual purchase but this one appealed to me and I’ve zero regret on my purchase it’s outstanding. If the unpolished basket is a deal breaker don’t allow that to stop you it’s very well made and cleans up easily with some sandpaper to a nice satin finish if that’s what you like..I’d definitely recommend this sword the scabbard is very nice and a good fit..KOA as always with them made it an effortless purchase and a speedy delivery..
Robert1648 (verified owner) –
So I ordered this and the Windlass and I highly recommend the LK Chen (Both are great in their own respect). What made me favor the LK Chen version is that it’s lighter, less bulky and the Guard wire on the windlass digs into my hand (maybe because I have a bigger hand) and the LKChen doesn’t. I personally love the sand blast finish of the Guard it makes it look super cool! The steel in this sword is flexible yet sturdy and I love how sharp it is as well! The Wood core leather stitched scabbard is amazing too! Love how easily it draws and sheaths. The only thing is the tang part of the scabbard the leather was peeling a bit (I think it’s bound to happen eventually from the drawing of the sword and just normal wear and tear) so I just super glued the edges and it was good to go. The handling is amazing! Super easy to wield and great tip control as well as the handle is extremely comfortable and the braided wire wrapping feels good on the hand and not too sand papery or slippery but a cool happy medium. All in all I think in my personal opinion I got the best Bang for my Buck. The price is worth it (for me) for this great piece of quality sword 🗡️. Highly recommend I waited like 6 months for this to be in stock and I wouldn’t wait if I were you. Go getchu some good quality swords!
John Markus (verified owner) –
Just received my Munich Town Guard sword from Kult of Athena!
Several small surface rust marks on the bottom of the ricaso, but nothing a little steel wool and polishing won’t get rid of.
The blade aligns perfectly with the handle and the wire wrap is beautiful. Can’t wait for cutting practice. (Hoping to do a cutting video soon). This military rapier is well balanced, has a great point of percussion and a truly deadly tip.
I’m going to enjoy sharpening yet another sword made by L.K. Chen.
Mine came kinda sharp but no where close to my standards, I have OCD and won’t be satisfied until I can split a hair.
Overall, I’m pleased with my purchase and Kult of Athena will be my only source for blades. Great customer service, a rare thing these days!