Belly Dance Scimitar – Balanced Oriental Sword with Brass Hilt

Belly Dance Scimitar – Balanced Oriental Sword with Brass Hilt

Description and Usage

This sword is not just a simple prop; it is a piece of solid craftsmanship. The grip is made of hardwood, wrapped in black leather for a secure hold and aesthetic appeal, and reinforced with twisted brass wire. Both the guard and pommel are cast from pure brass and decorated with intricate floral scrollwork, evoking the opulence of Persian courts. The high carbon steel blade features the distinct curve typical of Eastern weaponry. Near the tip, the blade widens (a feature known as a yelman), which historically increased the momentum of a cut, but here primarily serves to aid balance and visual impact. Please note: While this sword is intended for dance (Raqs al-Sayf), it is made of real steel and has substantial weight, requiring careful handling.

Historical Context

"Scimitar" is a Western term for the curved swords of Southwest Asia, such as the Persian Shamshir, Arab Saif, or Turkish Kilij. These weapons were renowned for their slicing capabilities, facilitated by the blade's curvature. Sword dancing has deep roots in Middle Eastern history, where legends say women danced with their husbands' swords to celebrate victories or demonstrate their strength and poise. This specific model is based on the romanticized 19th-century vision of Oriental weapons, making it perfect for fantasy costumes, pirate outfits, or traditional belly dancing.

Care Instructions

To ensure your scimitar remains beautiful for years to come:

• Blade Care: As the blade is made of high carbon steel, it is susceptible to rust. Wipe it down with a dry cloth after every use (especially after touching it with bare hands) and protect it with a suitable oil (e.g., gun oil or WD-40).
• Brass Care: The brass fittings may oxidize (tarnish) over time. To restore their shine, use a standard metal polish.
• Storage: Store the sword in a dry environment.

Safety Warning

Class C Reenactment Weapon – No Warranty! This sword is primarily a decorative and dance prop. The blade is not hardened for contact combat. Under no circumstances should you use this sword for fencing or blade-on-blade combat (HEMA, etc.), as this could cause the blade to break or the brass hilt to fail. Exercise caution when dancing to prevent the sword from falling on yourself or the audience. Read more about our weapon classification here.

Specifications