Sir William's Training Arming Sword with Double Fuller for HEMA

Sir William's Training Arming Sword with Double Fuller for HEMA

Features and Use of the Training Sword

This weapon is designed primarily for full-contact Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and practicing techniques with a one-handed sword and buckler (e.g., following the famous I.33 manuscript). The broad blade is forged from high-quality 5160 spring steel, expertly heat-treated to an ideal hardness of 49-53 HRC. The double fuller running down the centre of the blade significantly reduces the overall weight to a fantastic 1057 grams (2.33 lbs) without the weapon losing any of its structural strength. For the maximum safety of your sparring partner, the blade has a calibrated flex rating of 6 kg (13.2 lbs) and is finished with a rounded, thickened safety tip.

The hilt consists of a 20 cm (7.9 inches) long straight crossguard made of heat-treated carbon steel for optimum resistance against hard impacts. The 12 cm (4.7 inches) long grip offers plenty of room even for thick fencing gloves and is securely stitched in genuine leather. The massive wheel pommel with a diameter of 5 cm (2 inches) serves as a perfect counterweight, shifting the point of balance to an ideal 9 cm (3.5 inches) from the guard. An interesting feature is the hilt construction—the pommel is secured by a recessed nut (screwed design), which allows for a firm hold and easy maintenance if needed. Included in the package is a sturdy scabbard covered in black synthetic leather, featuring a metal chape and two suspension rings for belt attachment.

Historical Context of the Knightly Sword

This type of one-handed sword, often referred to as an "arming sword", was the standard sidearm of the European knight in the High Middle Ages (roughly the 11th to 14th centuries). With its broad blade profile, straight guard, and wheel pommel, it would likely fall under Type XI or XII in Ewart Oakeshott's typology. It served primarily as a weapon capable of devastating cuts and precise thrusts against mail armour. While the originals were razor-sharp, this replica is adapted exclusively for the safe study of ancient martial arts, retaining the authentic dynamics and appearance of a weapon that the legendary English knight Sir William Marshal might have carried.

Technical Parameters of the Replica

Care, Maintenance, and Safety Guidelines

For the weapon to serve you reliably for many seasons, proper care is required. Carbon spring steel is naturally prone to rust. After every training session, wipe the blade and crossguard with a dry cloth and apply a thin layer of gun oil. Protect the grip and scabbard from excessive moisture. The sword is intended for fencing against other steel training weapons with similar parameters. Under no circumstances should you strike hard, unyielding objects with it (wood, stone, steel pipes). During contact fencing, always use protective equipment, especially a certified HEMA mask, a reinforced gambeson, and special gloves designed for historical fencing.

A high-quality leather belt frog for carrying the scabbard and a reliable fencing buckler are excellent additions to this sword.

The Heritage of Swordier's Craftsmanship

This arming sword is the pride of the premium SWHZ series by the manufacturer Swordier. Weapons from this series are distinguished by the fact that their complete heat treatment takes place directly in the manufacturer's modern factory, ensuring absolutely top-tier and consistent quality. The smiths build upon a magnificent, over 2,600-year-old tradition of steelworking in the Chinese city of Longquan, famous for the production of edged weapons. The people who made this sword "live steel," and the weapon is a symbol of honour and craftsmanship perfection for them. The result is a perfectly balanced, fully functional tool that will not let you down even in the toughest duel.