This form of the Sidesword clearly shows its evolution from the late Medieval arming sword; remove the protective hilt rings and knucklebar and you can see the cross-hilt late medieval or Renaissance arming sword hilt beneath the additional protection. Sideswords such as this coexisted with rapiers and other divergent forms of the sword and unlike the thrust-oriented rapier the Sidesword sought to find a balance for a blade that could be used to cut and thrust with equal ability. That durable blade form ideal for repetitive parries and binds in a larger melee was also better suited to military and civil militia and guard use over most rapiers which were optimized for a duel or small scale self defense, though certain “military rapiers” did exist.
The Balaur Arms Sidesword has a sharpened blade of GB 60Si2MnA High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel (a steel similar in its properties to 5160) and is tempered to a final hardness of 54-55 HRc. The sword was designed to be a powerful cutter and not a featherweight for its type; the blade has the width needed for efficient and powerful cutting whilst narrowing enough at the tip to be quite a capable thrusting sword. Careful attention was paid to ensure the blade had the stiffness and rigidity needed to puncture with great force. Its wielder can place a finger over the guard and within the protective ring the greater control of the sword is achieved and a light pair of gloves is ideal for maximizing comfort in this position. The hilt is fashioned from stainless steel and the thick blade tang is peened over the pommel for a lasting and durable hilt construction. The grip is wood which is wrapped in tight blue leather. Included with the sword is a wooden scabbard which is fitted with tight, stitched leather to match and a stainless steel locket and chape.
Joshua Barnes (verified owner) –
Its a side sword on steroids. I love it. As long as you understand it’s beefy you won’t be disappointed.
Mike D (verified owner) –
Awesome sword that is well-balanced and lively. The blade is essentially a larger version of the one on the LK Chen Munich Town Guard Sword. Specs may vary, the one that I received weighs a little under 3 pounds, with a point of balance 3.5 inches below the crossguard. Note that the edge of the blade (excluding the rectangular part inside of the rings) is about 32.5 inches. Very fun and great looking sword!
Here’s some cutting: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1bXGtRWlcwU
Tony M. (verified owner) –
I’ve ordered probably north of 30 swords from KOA, so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect in terms of fit and finish, and I have no problem with minor tool marks and imperfections, especially at the 3-600 dollar price range I try to stay within. I would have easily given this sword 5 stars but for one thing: Whoever did the finish work on the metal components of the hilt must have shown up for work drunk that day. It took me a few hours of work with files and various abrasives just to make it look halfway presentable, from a distance! I looked closely at photos on the KOA website and I’m sure that mine was an anomaly. Oh well, I guess it was my turn to get a lemon, but IMO it should have been sold as blemished. I’m actually tempted to sell it and get another one, hoping that lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place.