Brius Hand-and-a-Half Sword

Brius Hand-and-a-Half Sword for Stage Combat

Gothic Elegance and Battlefield Versatility

The historical design of this sword draws inspiration from European combat gear of the 14th and 15th centuries (High to Late Middle Ages). During this era, the rapid advancement of plate armor led to the rise of bastard swords, or hand-and-a-half swords. Used as a versatile sidearm by knights and heavy infantry, these swords allowed fast one-handed cuts and parries, as well as a firm two-handed grip to increase striking power or thrust precisely into armor gaps.

According to Oakeshott typology, the long blade features a shallow fuller along the upper third to reduce weight while preserving optimal balance. The curved crossguard sweeps slightly toward the blade, aiding in capturing and deflecting opponent strikes. The hilt is crowned by a solid multi-faceted steel pommel that perfectly counterbalances the 92 cm / 36.2 in blade. The tang is encased in a wooden core, tightly wrapped in genuine leather, and reinforced with wire binding for a non-slip grip even when wearing leather gauntlets.

Pavel Leier

About the Significance of the Name Brius

The name Brius traces back to the historic Anglo-Norman house de Brus, from which the famed Scottish king and military commander Robert the Bruce (Robert I) descended. He earned legendary status for his fortitude, chivalric bravery, and tactical brilliance at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Naming this sword Brius symbolizes perseverance, royal authority, and an unyielding warrior spirit.

Technical Specifications

Care and Safety Guidelines

The stage combat version featuring a 2–3 mm edge and rounded tip is designed for contact sparring (Class B). Please note that this weapon is not built for full-contact armored combat such as Buhurt or Battle of the Nations. All activities with this sword are undertaken strictly at your own risk. Always parry strikes with the flat side of the blade and avoid direct edge-to-edge impact. Execute blows with proper, controlled sporting technique without excessive force.

CSN 14260 spring steel is not stainless. Always clean, dry, and apply protective mineral oil (such as Ballistol) after every use. Edge nicks from sparring are standard wear and tear; inspect the blade before each practice and file down burrs using a diamond file or sandpaper. If the crossguard loosens over time, tighten the pommel or temporarily shim the gap with heavy fishing line. Store safely out of children's reach in a dry location.

Directions for the Use of Bladed Weapons from Outfit4Events

Recommended Accessories

To complement your 14th–15th century reenactment kit, we suggest the following period accessories:

• Custom-fit leather or wooden scabbard with belt harness
• Padded or heavy leather sparring gauntlets
• Protective steel oil and leather conditioner for hilt maintenance
• Padded gambeson for torso protection during fencing