HEMA Spada da Lato Achille Marozzo, 60Si2Mn Steel Training Sword

HEMA Spada da Lato Achille Marozzo, 60Si2Mn Steel Training Sword

Historical Context and the Bolognese School

This type of one-handed sword, commonly referred to as a Spada da Lato (side sword), represents a crucial evolutionary link in 16th-century European bladed weapons. It stands on the boundary between the medieval arming sword and the later civilian rapier. It was a weapon worn daily on the hip, ready for self-defence in the narrow streets of Renaissance cities as well as for military use. It was precisely for this type of sword that the most famous fencing manuals in Northern Italy were written, particularly by masters of the so-called Bolognese school, such as Achille Marozzo. The complex guard arose from the necessity to protect the fencer's hand, as they no longer wore heavy plate gauntlets. Fencing with this weapon is fluid, dynamic, and heavily utilizes both cuts and rapid thrusts.

Practical Application and Safety in HEMA

This sword is designed from the ground up for practical contact sparring in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). Its blade is blunt and features a safe, rolled tip (spatulated), which effectively disperses the force of impact during a thrust. The flexibility of the blade (flexing at a 12 kg / 26.5 lbs load) is optimized to mimic the real behaviour of steel in the bind whilst safely absorbing dangerous energy upon impact. Although it is a safe training tool, you must fence exclusively with appropriate protective gear. Impacts from steel can cause serious injuries. Always use a certified fencing mask, a solid gorget, a gambeson with sufficient puncture resistance, and dedicated HEMA gloves. Neither the seller nor the manufacturer accepts liability for injuries caused by the incorrect or irresponsible use of this weapon.

Care and Maintenance of Your Weapon

The 60Si2Mn steel used is an excellent high-carbon spring steel with great durability, but it will succumb to rust without proper care. After every training session, it is essential to wipe the blade with a dry cloth to remove sweat and moisture, and then preserve it with a thin layer of gun oil. Keep the leather-wrapped grip, which features beautiful stitching details, dry, and you may occasionally treat it with a leather balm. The hilt, featuring a pear-shaped pommel, is peened over a special steel block (peen block), ensuring an exceptionally secure assembly. Nevertheless, regularly check that no looseness has developed in the hilt after heavy impacts.

Recommended Accessories for Safe Training

For this model, we highly recommend acquiring a quality fencing mask with back-of-head protection. To fully utilise the weapon's potential, a lightweight Renaissance buckler for your off-hand is ideal, as the Spada da Lato was frequently used in tandem with one. Naturally, a durable sword bag will protect your weapon from humidity during transport to your fencing club.

Technical Parameters

Traditional Values and Quality of the Swordier SWHZ Series

This weapon was forged in the workshops of the renowned Swordier brand in the Chinese city of Longquan, an area boasting over 2,600 years of history in metalworking and sword-making. The smiths at Swordier are true enthusiasts who "live by the steel," and the sword stands as a symbol of honour and master craftsmanship for them. This model is part of the premium SWHZ series. This means that the heat treatment process of the spring steel is conducted entirely in-house at the manufacturer's own factory under the strictest quality controls. You can have absolute confidence that you are holding a fully functional, superbly forged, and resilient weapon designed specifically for the demanding needs of modern fencers.