Additional information
The Balaur Arms German Longsword is a sword that is both agile in the hands and a hard-hitting performance cutter. We collaborated with swordmaker and martial artist LK Chen to optimize the blade of this longsword to bring it a high level of practical cutting ability and handling characteristics. Great care was taken to optimize the sword to ensure that it possesses excellent performance attributes and a high level of construction integrity and durability. The blade is forged from GB 60Si2MnA high carbon alloy spring steel which gives the blade excellent wear resistance and a spring-temper to ensure that it can reliably flex and return true from impact. The final tempered hardness of the blade is 54-55 HRc and the blade was skillfully ground, polished and sharpened to give it a keen and sharp single bevel edge.
The crossguard and pommel are cast from stainless steel and sturdily mounted onto the thick blade tang. The crossguard resists loosening because it has an internal wedge-shaped channel that ensured a tight friction fit when mounted onto the blade tang and shoulder. A genuine leather rainguard chape is added to the guard and serves its purpose of keeping rain and moisture out of the scabbard with well-oiled leather to act as a rain repellent. The tang was then hot-peened over the pommel to anchor the blade into the hilt and ensure a robust construction. The hardwood grip is crafted from two halves of wood which are glued at the seam over the tang and then bound in tight leather. This construction method for the grip ensures that even if the wood were to shrink slightly it would not compromise the tightness of the sword hilt. Swords with friction-fit peens can loosen over time if the wooden grip shrinks and then leaves a gap in that friction-fit for the hilt. This alternate method used for this German Longsword removes that possibility by keeping the grip fitting separate from the pommel and guard.
A rainguard chape of leather is at the base of the crossguard; these leather attachments were not unusual to see on German, Swiss, Czech and other central European swords of the late Medieval period, but are not often reproduced in replicas because many of these leather pieces did not preserve well with the centuries and thus they are not seen on many of the museum pieces used as reference. Though often called a “rain guard” there is lively debate among sword scholars to its true purpose – practical? ornamental? an early form of protection from specific fencing techniques when not wearing gauntlets? The true purpose is open for deliberation, but these leather attachments were often a focal point for artisanal design and embellishment on high quality swords. Regardless of intended purpose, they do serve to keep rain out of the scabbard.
The sword is paired with a tough and durably built wooden scabbard which is tightly bound in well-stitched black leather and completed with a stainless steel chape.
Evan (verified owner) –
Very nice for the price. Light and quick and we’ll assembled. If you want a functional sword and don’t mind small signs that it is a hand made item. There are small imperfections in the polish, grip wrap is not the best looking but is tight and feels fine in the hand. Very pleased and would(will) buy another.
Ashton (verified owner) –
Overall a very good sword for the price, I have no complaints about the sword itself. The fit and finish is done well, but there are a few minor blemishes on the pommel and crossguard. Namely some marks from the peening but its still polished over well. The blade is sleek, no roughness, and extremely sharp.
The only real complaint I can have is that the scabbard came broken or fractured at the top. It doesn’t run very far and the scabbard is holding together regardless, but it can bend very easily on that side though it does return to shape after. Considering you basically get the scabbard for free, I’m still overjoyed I bought this and the issue with the scabbard really isn’t a deal breaker for me with the price point of this sword.
Eric (verified owner) –
Nailed it good with this one. Glad I pushed the button on this very nice sword. The service and packing form KOA was first class all the way. Very light and well made. Thin blade but not whippy. Handles well and is sharp. Good investment!
Ponodough (verified owner) –
This is my first sharp sword, and I am very impressed! I have handled two Albion swords, and this so far comes close to that quality. The packaging of the sword was very good, being tightly wrapped with brown paper, upon arrival there was no patina or rust on the sword. The fit is exceptional and the finish is very good. The edge is reasonably sharp, and the grind is very precise and straight. There are no hot spots on the hilt except for the very nice looking decorative cutouts on the end of the quillons, which do not come into contact with your hand when you’re handling it, so its not a problem. The scabbard is of fantastic quality. It fits the blade well and the stitching is straight and clean, although there are very small amounts of rattle when shaken vigorously. The sword does not fall out when it is in the scabbard, but the draw is very easy and clean. Overall a absolutely stunning and impressive sword, I will definitely be buying from Balaur Arms soon.
Ray Blundell (verified owner) –
Just received my german long sword by balaur today,Thanks to Mikki ,The person I spoke with.[ Sorry if I spelled your name wrong} thanks for all your help.The pob on my sword is 3and5/8’soz,the weight is 2.12and1/2 oz.I ordered a blemished model, allthough can,t find anything on it that wouldn,t on a standard model.Love everthing about the sword ,The grip,promal,rain guard,scabbard,guard,are all fantastic.The blade has more presents to it than the Italian long sword but handles extremely well.Have only cut a few water bottles so far.The blade is very sharp,looks like it may been sharpened on stones like you would on a katana,and it cuts very well.The ronin katana euperion swords I have came with a similiar edge.I like the balaur swords much better sence I only cut water bottles,mats and different sizes of bamboo,Balaur arms are the swords Iike the best.I allso ordered a 13th century long sword by balaur arms,That would be the fourth balaur arms sword I have purchased recently.All in all for the money on sale or not don,t think you can get a better midevial sword .Rember only cit water bottles ,mats and bamboo,safe cutting Ray Blundell
West Hammer –
I bought one of the custom chape versions of the sword, they are all sold out now so I will put my review here. The sword is sharp, it will cut paper but not as well as in the video. It will cut deeply into the edges of the shipping carton, but bounces off the corners and sides.
Now for all of those who for some reason think it is good that a sword does not slide out of its scabbard when held upside down, I have to sit down put my feet on the crossguard and pull up on the scabbard to get the sword out. Hopefully it will loosen up over time.
It handles very well, it should be no problem using it in one hand.
Ray Blundell (verified owner) –
Up date on single mat cutting,the sword cuts very well,Ray Blundell