Tod Cutler – Wakefield Hanger Falchion

The Wakefield Falchion and other characteristically English swords of its style date to about the mid 15th to early 16th century and were a common sidearm for English men-at-arms during the Wars of the Roses. The swords were built to be a light and compact cut and thrust falchion that also had greater hand protection than many contemporary swords with its dual knuckle-bow design. Tod Cutler bases their reproduction of this sword type on the IX.144 Wakefield sword which is in the collection of the Royal Armouries. For archers and billmen of the Wars of the Roses and the early Tudor period, a falchion such as this would have been an affordable and highly capable sidearm that was quick and deadly and suitably light for constant wear on campaign.

The blade is forged from tempered EN45 high carbon steel with a stiff and rigid blade with a thick spine and a clipped point tip. The guard and pommel are crafted from steel and the wooden grip is tightly overlaid in quality leather. The sword comes with a wood core scabbard that is bound in leather and completed with a knotted sword belt and finely cast copper alloy fittings.

The swords by Tod Cutler have historical dimensions, proportions and handcrafted aesthetics foremost in mind. The swords show tool marks and minor cosmetic imperfections as part of their handcrafted nature and each has a unique character that is unlike the finish of common modern mass manufactured items. These tool marks and signs of hand finishing do not affect the usability, durability or build quality of the sword but instead form a part of its handcrafted character