Balaur Arms – Renaissance Sidesword

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.