{"title":"Battle Tested Swords","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"bt-2701-bi-01","title":"Broad Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e36.5\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e29.25\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7.25\" HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLEATHER WRAPPED SCABBARD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180235649081,"sku":"BT-2701-BI-01","price":349.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2701-BI-01.jpg?v=1735653861"},{"product_id":"bt-2702-bi-01","title":"Viking Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e36.25\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e29.75\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6.5\" HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLEATHER WRAPPED SCABBARD \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180237353017,"sku":"BT-2702-BI-01","price":349.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2702-BI-01.jpg?v=1735653955"},{"product_id":"bt-2703-bi-01","title":"Medieval Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e47\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e36\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11.25\" HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLEATHER WRAPPED SCABBARD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTWO-HANDED\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHANDMADE \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180249444409,"sku":"BT-2703-BI-01","price":339.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2703-BI-01.jpg?v=1735653986"},{"product_id":"bt-2704-bi-01","title":"Great Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e63\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e43\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19.25\" HANDLE \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLEATHER SCABBARD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTWO-HANDED\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHANDMADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180251607097,"sku":"BT-2704-BI-01","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2704-BI-01.jpg?v=1735654023"},{"product_id":"bt-2705-bi-01","title":"Fancy Roman Gladius Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e28\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8\" BLACK \u0026amp; GOLD METAL HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e22\" BLACK LEATHER SCABBARD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180263960633,"sku":"BT-2705-BI-01","price":210.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2705-BI-01.jpg?v=1735654135"},{"product_id":"bt-2706-bi-01","title":"Long Battle Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e50.75\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13.75\" BLACK POLYMER GROOVED HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e37\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSTAINLESS STEEL GUARD AND POMMEL \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e39.75\" BLACK LEATHER SCABBARD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180272447545,"sku":"BT-2706-BI-01","price":379.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2706-BI-01.jpg?v=1735654270"},{"product_id":"bt-2707-bi-01","title":"Broad Battle Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e41\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e31.5\" CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10\" BLACK POLYMER GROOVED HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSTAINLESS STEEL GUARD AND POMMEL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e34\" BLACK LEATHER SCABBARD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44180275527737,"sku":"BT-2707-BI-01","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/BT-2707-BI-01.jpg?v=1735654329"},{"product_id":"bt-2708-bi-01","title":"Crown Western Medieval Sword (Battle Tested)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e42\" OVERALL LENGTH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e33.5\" 1060 CARBON STEEL BLADE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLEATHER WRAPPED HANDLE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSTAINLESS STEEL GUARD \u0026amp; 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The type X was in common usage from the time of the Vikings throughout much of the middle ages, and is recognizable for its broad blade with full-length fuller. This version has a distinctive “Brazil nut” pommel, common to the mid-1200’s and beyond but most clearly represented on the type X to type XI transitory blades. The Monarch has the long, tapered blade typical of the cut-and-thrust swords that evolved to counter the increasing advances made in armor protection, and the curved guard is consistent with the numerous surviving 13th century Brazil nut swords found in museums and collections. The Monarch is a classic design that will be a unique presence in any collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Leather Wrapped Wood Core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 38.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2 1\/8″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 4.75″ inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3.0 lbs \u003cbr\u003ePOB: 5.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“There are two powers by which this world is chiefly ruled: the sacred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    authority of the priesthood and the authority of kings.” Pope Gelasius I\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince ancient tribal times, humans have tended to organize themselves into hierarchies. These would at first have been nomadic bands of hunter-gatherers, though as agriculture led to the rise of cities and more stabilized, centralized cultures there would be individuals who sought to lead. Those who led larger groups of people could gather immense amounts of power, and when that power gained enough momentum to pass the boundary of generations it created a monarchy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost records from early civilizations indicated monarchies were incredibly common, and typically follow the hereditary structure with the power passing from father to son. Many of these societies started in Mesopotamia or other areas close to the cradle of civilization, indicating monarchies were likely one of the first forms of human government. Monarchy swiftly spread from Humanity’s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ebirthplace across the world, and everywhere it went it tended to have more or less the same characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a monarchy, the monarch – typically a king, though queens could also sometimes rule – was a member of a dynastic royal family in which power passed from parent to child and monarchs tended to rule from the death of the previous king until their own death. When the currently seated monarch would die, the rule of the city-state or nation would pass to their heir – typically the eldest male child. When the eldest male child was not the most suitable ruler, or if no male children were to be had, different systems of hereditary succession could be used to determine the identity of the next monarch within the royal extended family – a nephew, a cousin, even an older relative. For this reason tracing royal lines can be a great deal more complicated than simply looking at parent to child passage of power. Further complicating the transition of power could be competing claims for the throne, where multiple persons with historical ties to the reigning family may make claim to the throne upon the death of the ruler. This led to countless wars of succession across human history, so which resulted in entire branches of royal families being liquidated by prospective kings in order to secure their future rule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonarchies brought several benefits to nations, despite the top heavy concentration of power. One of the benefits was continuity of rule, as upon the death of the previous ruler the next ruler is believed to already be king – even if they have not yet ascended the throne. Another benefit of a monarchical government especially in the West (though it would certainly appear in different forms elsewhere in the world) was the concept of the Divine Right of Kings. This religious dogma legitimized the rule of monarch by establishing a belief system in which the king had been appointed by God to fulfill the role of ruler for his people. That is, God has specifically chosen this ruler for these people, and it is the responsibility of the people to follow their King as God’s representative on earth. This has the added benefit of raising the king over the authority of any Earthly body of power, reducing or completely eliminating his accountability to anyone but god. With both politics and church behind the institution, monarchs ruled Europe for centuries almost without question.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome kings were kinds and just, others were cruel and terrible – but both were mere mortals in the end, and those who took their so-called divine mandate to heart would accomplish some true good in the world. It would not be until the Age of Enlightenment that power would begin to transfer away from hereditary systems of absolute rule into the hands of the people without whom kings would have no power. Yet even to today, monarchs around the world continue to be heads of state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Monarch is inspired by the those kings who became the best that their office would allow. A true example of a 13th Century arming sword, the Monarch shows the fruits of the evolution of the arms and armors of the Middle Ages. As armors dating prior to the 13th century were most commonly composed of mail armor made to withstand early medieval period weapons, there was rapid development of greater forms of protection. By the mid-13th century however, the advances in protective gear inspired a corresponding change in blade geometry. Finely tapered blades, with very pointy tips now served to pierce the weak points in heavily armored foes. The Monarch has one of these blades, double-edged with a long fuller and weighted for cut-and-thrust combat. Its simple, classic curved guard provides an elegant compliment to the no-nonsense blade. It is the Brazil nut pommel, though, that sets this piece apart. A feature indicative of the 13th century arming sword, this is Darksword Armory's best rendition of the Brazil nut pommel, and we believe it is a perfect match for the rest of the sword. May the Monarch be the sword you have been looking for to inspire you to achieve the best you can in this world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171264159801,"sku":"1305","price":630.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13051-7.jpg?v=1763095417"},{"product_id":"alexandria-sword","title":"Alexandria Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Alexandria Sword is a recreation of one of the most famous swords of the 15th century. An Oakeshott Type XVIIIc, this style of sword was heavily influenced by the armor of the day and had a wide-based blade tapering to a thin point. Like many Renaissance swords therefore, the Alexandria is a true cut-and-thrust longsword; capable of piercing vulnerable locations in an opponent’s armor, but also effective as a slashing weapon. The classic steel fittings complete the look of a sword that is in perfect balance between a thing of beauty and a weapon of war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003eDual Tempered HRc 60 \/ 48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 45″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 33.5″\u003cbr\u003eWidth at base: 3 1\/4″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4lbs\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4″\u003cbr\u003eHistorical engraving\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number of historical relics that go missing and are never seen again is unknowable. Certainly, though, it is not a small number – though decay, through carelessness, through the loss of personal collections into estate sales and long term storage many artifacts of bygone days have vanished into obscurity. Finding one of these relics, recovering what was lost with virtually no trail, is incredibly rare – which is what makes the Alexandria sword, also known as the “Harriet Dean Sword,” so unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1414, a peace treaty was brokered between the kingdom of Cyprus and the Sultan of Egypt. After the peace treaty (which ended a long and difficult conflict), the Cyprian King Janus made a gift of several swords to Sultan al-Mu´ayyad Shaykh. By the report of historians Sultan al-Mu´ayyad Shaykh was a humble man and a lover of architecture and scholarship, demolishing a prison and commissioning a mosque in its place as well as many religious monuments. The swords he received as a gift from King Janus of Cyprus were sent to the Arsenal at Alexandria, where a sizable collection of medieval arms and armor existed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1904, medieval armor expert Bashford Dean founded the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Arms and Armor. As a curator of this collection Dean went on numerous trips around the world to purchase relics, both for the Met exhibit and for his personal collection. One such visit brought him into contact with the Alexandria Arsenal in 1919, which even centuries later was in excellent condition due to Egypt’s dry climate. Among the articles that returned with Dean were a matched pair of swords with an Arabic inscription indicating it was a gift of the Sultan to the Arsenal collection. Dean continued to expand both his and the Met’s collection until his untimely death in 1928, at which time one of the matched pair of 15-th century longswords was bequeathed to the Met’s collection (and became known as the “Bashford Dean Sword,” while the other went to Dean’s beloved sister Harriet Dean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarriet kept the sword until her death in 1943, at which point (like so many other relics of European history) vanished without a trace. For over 70 years the Harriet Dean Sword evaded capture, a white whale for so many curators and historians who hunted it for collections both public and private. The sword was thought lost, and became well known in academic circles despite its absence from the public eye. And lost is where it would have stayed, had an arms-and-armor expert working for an auction house not agreed to view a collection of weapons that was being consigned to an estate sale. There, in a small Texas restaurant, he was astonished to be staring at a picture of the Harriet Dean Sword, the last sword of the Alexandria Arsenal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria is truly a magnificent sword, honoring the original “Harriet Dean” longsword of the 15th Century.  Its hallow-ground diamond cross-sectioned blade has a broad base and sharply tapered tip, making it both exquisitely balanced and suitable for splitting links of chain or probing gaps in plate armor. While designed primarily as a thrusting weapon like many renaissance longswords, it would also be highly effective at cutting targets. The leather wrapped oak grip is complimented by a robust tang, and the plain steel fittings and wheel pommel with peen block are typical of the Oakeshott Type XVIIIc. Many of the longsword manuals of that era, such as Fiore Dei Liberi’s famous Flos Duellatorum (“The Flower of Battle”), were written for use with swords such as this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis renaissance longsword is an homage to the lost sword of Alexandria, a sword commissioned by a King, gifted to a Sultan, purchased by a curator, inherited by a sister, lost to time, and finally found again by a collector like so many of our customers. We invite you to hold this reflection of history in your hands. The blade is acid etched with the original inscription:  (translation) “Donation of al-Malik al-Mu’ayyad Abu’l Nasr Shaykh for the Arsenal in the frontier town of Alexandria in the year 822” (1419 A.D.)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171323174969,"sku":"1525","price":690.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15251-11.jpg?v=1763096464"},{"product_id":"mother-of-dragons-sword","title":"Mother of Dragons Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Mother of Dragons sword is inspired by this character. While in the series Queen Daenerys rarely wields a weapon herself, this sword is designed after what she might have wielded as the mother of the only dragons in existence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Solid Bronze\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Textured Ebony Grip\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 26.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 20″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2.1″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs 9 oz.\u003cbr\u003ePOB: at crossguard\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwords forged at Darksword Armory have a variety of sources of inspiration. While the majority of their swords are based on historical models (and whenever possible, models that they have personally examined), others come from books, from myth, and from television or film. These fantasy swords are sometimes more directly based on a popular design (such as their Excalibur sword, inspired by the 1981 film); at other times, their designers are inspired to come up with an original design based on a fantasy weapon or character. This is how the Mother of Dragons was born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire (immortalized on television in the HBO series Game of Thrones), the character of Daenerys is at the center of the story. Descended from the Targaryens, a family who long ago controlled dragons in order to unite the Seven Kingdoms, Daenerys begins her journey in the books as an exiled princess being given in marriage to a barbarian warlord. Dragons have long been gone from the world, but Daenerys comes into possession of three dragon eggs – and unexpectedly is able to hatch them. With the power of her draconic “children,” she becomes a major player in a series of epic wars and changes the course of history. Arguably, she is the single most important character in the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall design of the Mother of Dragons was based on a very unique historical piece. The Wallace Collection, a museum of art, arms, and armor in London, England, contains numerous surviving swords from different periods in European history. The sword in question (pictured below) is unlike any other in the collection, or in any other collection in London. When Darksword Armory founder Eyal Azard saw it he immediately chose it as the physical inspiration for the sword of Daenerys. Subtle changes were made to the design to bring it more closely in line with the vision Eyal had for the Mother of Dragons sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is short and broad at the base, and its hollow-ground length tapers to a sharp point. This blade construction combined with the larger pommel brings the point of balance right to the guard, creating a sword that is shockingly lively in the hand and suitable for an individual who may be smaller and more suited to speed over strength. The cast bronze guard depicts a curling dragon that protects the hand, and the matching pommel has a high-born, aristocratic feel. The handle of textured ebony wood completes the look of a sword worthy of a queen, even a queen who relies not on the strength of her arm but on the might of her spirit. We hope it will appeal to others who embody her fierce and powerful spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“I will take what is mine with fire and blood.”\u003cbr\u003e— Daenerys Targaryen\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171357581369,"sku":"1549","price":585.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15491-12.jpg?v=1763097413"},{"product_id":"the-doge-sword","title":"The Doge Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Doge (generally translated as “Duke”) was not, unlike most positions of power in Europe at the time, a hereditary office. The Doge was elected for life, it was true, but was forbidden from choosing a successor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Leather Wrapped Wood Core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 40″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 1.85″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 4.5 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs 13 oz.\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Republic of Venice was distinct from many other European states for several reasons. For one, it had an almost unheard-of longevity – the Republic existed as a political and for over a thousand years, from the 7th to the 18th centuries, when many other nations rose, fell, and faded to obscurity. For another, it had a unique governing structure; whereas many nations during its thousand-year existence were ruled by monarchies of varying levels of control and influence, the Republic was overseen by the Great Council of Venice. This parliament was composed of a hereditary ruling class of powerful merchants and aristocrats who together created laws, elected the Council of Ten (the leaders of the city-state), and the elected the head of state – the individual known as the Doge of Venice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Doge (generally translated as “Duke”) was not, unlike most positions of power in Europe at the time, a hereditary office. The Doge was elected for life, it was true, but was forbidden from choosing a successor – this eliminated the possibility of the office becoming a monarchy. The position was not one that provided great wealth or influence; in fact, the Doge was prevented from owning any foreign land, and after the Doge’s death his family was liable for any crimes he had committed in office (presumably as a method of inspiring honesty and integrity). In later years the power of the Doge declined, and though it became a largely symbolic office there were still benefits to ruling Venice – one of which was the ability to live in the Doge’s Palace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Doge’s Palace (Pałaso Dogal in Venetian) is an excellent example of Venice’s take on Gothic architecture. While several iterations of the Palace existed through the years (rebuilt due to age, changes in government, and several notable fires), most of the current structure was completed in the 15th century. After the end of the office of the Doge in the late 18th century, the Palace remained in use by various branches of government for the next century. In 1923 the last public office was removed from the building, and the restored Doge Palace entered its next stage of existence as a museum. The museum, in addition to its breathtaking construction and frescos, contains numerous works of art and artifacts from Venice’s history – including a breathtaking collection of medieval and renaissance swords.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Darksword Armory Doge Museum Sword is based on surviving examples with the Doge museum. Its curved guard with finger protector is common on swords form this area of Europe, and the distinctive-shaped pommel sets it apart from other medieval and renaissance swords. Travelers to Venice will recognize this unique pommel and guard combination from several swords in the Doge collection. The blade chosen for this particular representation is hollow ground with a stiff spine, allowing for good flexibility but retaining the ability to make a firm thrust. The blade’s long, tapering point is common among many blades of the 15th century, which were adapted to thrust into the gaps of full plate armor. An oxblood leather wrapped handle completes the weapon, which would certainly look at home on the hip of any Venetian who walked the streets of one of the longest-lasting republics in history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171380453433,"sku":"1373","price":645.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13731-14.jpg?v=1763098923"},{"product_id":"the-duke","title":"The Duke","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Duke sword is inspired by an illustration in Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc medieval encyclopedia, a masterwork of exposition and illustration. A classic knightly sword, the Duke is designed to resemble the cruciform arming sword so often found in medieval art. The straight guard is expertly sculpted and subtle in its smooth lines. A double-edged, single-fullered blade departs slightly from Viollet-le-Duc’s illustration in that it has a less severe taper and termination. The pommel may appear to be a standard wheel-style pommel with peen block, but has in fact been made slightly oversized to counterbalance the blade. This brings the point-of-balance closer to the guard, resulting in a sword that is startlingly lively in the hand and that flows effortlessly from strike to guard. The Duke is one of Darksword Armory's best attempts at recreating the knight’s arming sword, and we hope the great Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc would be proud of them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Leather Wrapped Wood Core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 40″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2 1\/8″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 5 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3lbs 3oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 5.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you ask modern day sword collectors who the most famous and influential scholars of the medieval sword were, the typical answer you will get is Ewart Oakeshott (1916-2002). And it’s true – Oakeshott literally wrote the book on medieval sword types, and a whole system of classification (The Oakeshott Typology) is named after him. More advanced collectors may recognize the names Dr. Jan Peterson (1887-1967), who created a typology for classifying Viking swords, or Sir Robert Eric Mortimer Wheeler (1890-1976), who refined Peterson’s typology. Predating any of these scholars, however, is a man whose writing on medieval arms, armor, and architecture dwarfs many later historians’ bibliographies – though he is largely unrecognized by the modern sword collecting world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc was born in 1814 in Paris, France. He was an architect by trade, a brilliant one by all accounts, and an inspired artist and illustrator. While the architectural world knows Viollet-le-Duc as an architect, restorer of historical buildings and monuments (including considerable work on Notre-Dame Cathedral and many other famous landmarks), and as the first true theorist of modern architecture, he also wrote and illustrated some of the largest volumes in existence on the medieval sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volumes Viollet-le-Duc wrote are breathtaking in their scope and depth. His extensive writings cover not only descriptions of different medieval swords and armor but tracks and explains their evolution throughout history, and his stunning illustrations compliment his writing expertly. Unfortunately, as his works were not commonly translated into English, the largely-anglophone sword collecting population remains ignorant of these incredible volumes and Viollet-le-Duc’s influence on medieval scholarship. Some translations exist, but copies are notoriously hard to find and prohibitively expensive.  In the English-speaking world, many of these works are completely unknown, and the incredible scholarship they contain can only be found by efforts of French-speaking individuals – such as the smiths at Darksword Armory.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171416170553,"sku":"1543","price":630.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15431-11.jpg?v=1763101462"},{"product_id":"the-earl-sword","title":"The Earl Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 13th Century was a turning point in the making of swords and armors of the Middle Ages. Typically, armors dating prior to the 13th century were mainly composed of mail armor, or maille, made to counter the impact of the uniform sword blades of the early medieval period. By the mid-13th century however, the armies of Feudal Europe witnessed not only an increase in plated armour but consequently, witnessed a change in blade geometry. Finely tapered blades, with very pointy tips now served to pierce through ever-increasing plate armor of the military elite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting example of the transitional medieval swords used during the outset of the 13th century. Crowned with a “cocked-hat” pommel, originally found in Scandinavia, this sword hilt was generally mounted on a type X or type XII blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe type X was in common usage from the time of the Vikings throughout much of the medieval age, and is recognizable for its broad blade with full-length fuller. By contrast, the type XII had a shortened fuller and a more tapered cross-section, resulting in both improved handling and increased utility in piercing the armor of the High Middle Ages. Thus, the XII was a cut-and-thrust sword that evolved from previous incarnations of the medieval sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “cocked-hat” pommel, classified by Petersen as Type Y, was used through the 11th and 12th centuries. By the 13th century the “coked-hat” pommel remained in use, but became more massive. Numerous examples are found throughout Europe. During his examinations of various swords of the middle ages, Oakeshott noted identical swords in various sources; from a crucifixion scene in a 13th century manuscript from Goslar, a sword found in Hungary with an identical pommel, another identical sword from Brunau, An example found in a German manuscript and a final example at the end of the 13th century on the grave-slab of Ulrich von Regensburg in Zurich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Earl Sword is a true representation of a classic 13th century medieval sword. A straight guard married to a cocked-hat pommel identifies it as a later example of a medieval sword – sketches of these hilts are visible in Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc’s Medival Encyclopedia. The short fuller and tapered blade is indicative of the Oakeshott type XII, and gives the sword its lively presence in the hand. A leather wrapped handle hides a robust tang, also a hallmark of the cut-and-thrust swords of the 13th century and later periods. For a timeless medieval knightly sword with excellent handling, classic fittings, and a distinctive pommel, the Darksword Armory Earl sword will serve you well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Leather Wrapped Wood Core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 34″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 27.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2 1\/8″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 4.75″ inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3.0 lbs \u003cbr\u003ePOB: 5.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171520307257,"sku":"1314","price":605.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13141-7.jpg?v=1763103436"},{"product_id":"the-eindride-lone-wolf-sword","title":"The Eindride Lone Wolf Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Eindride is a sword for the lone wolf, the wanderer, the outcast. Someone who, for a time at least, is separated from their pack. This sword’s cast bronze guard features snarling wolf heads on the hilt, accented by traditional knotwork. A simple bronze scentstopper pommel and wooden grip complement the elaborate hilt. The blade has a thick ricasso that transitions into a single fuller double edged design that has norse runes inscribed, reading, “One Who Rides Alone” – a snarl from the indomitable heart of the lone wolf. The Eindride was designed with these people in mind, in honour of their unbreakable spirits, to be their companion when no one else is. We hope it will keep you safe on the journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Oak, leather wrapped\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 43″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2.5″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4 lbs 5 oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4″\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Eindride (“One Who Rides Alone”) In Norse mythology and legend, there are few symbols more prominent than the wolf. A wolf pack was representative of attributes like strength, loyalty, and a stark reminder of the mortality and doom of man. Across the whole Nordic world you would be hard pressed to find a greater symbol of royalty and power than this most graceful and deadly creature. The wolf, and the wolf pack, feature heavily in the Icelandic sagas and other stories throughout human history. Wolves are known as social animals. Their greatest strength is not their speed, their claws, or their fangs, but their ability to work together to bring down greater foes. It is this pack mentality that defines their being and has captured the imaginations of cultures around the world for centuries.\u003cbr\u003eIt is also why the “lone wolf” concept is so simultaneously fascinating, and heartbreaking. A lone wolf may have lost their pack, or left it behind, or been cast out – but they still persevere. Running in the moonlight, fighting for survival, refusing to give in to loneliness or despair. Lone wolves, while rare in nature, have become symbols for people who feel they are on the “outside” – of society, family, or the social norms that constrain them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171555401785,"sku":"1545","price":820.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15451-12.jpg?v=1763104745"},{"product_id":"the-erland-sword","title":"The Erland Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Erland fantasy sword is the quintessential fantasy sword of the lone warrior. Individually Hand Forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel and dual Hardened, the Erland sword is the new evolved edition of the Guardian Sword. It is a powerful, functional fantasy sword of the ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkilfully engineered to take considerable abuse, the Erland Fantasy sword is a resilient sword that is virtually indestructible! Designed with a dragon claw like guard a broad engraved blade which reads “One Who Rides Alone” , the Erland fantasy sword delivers devastating blows. Inspired by the myths and legends of the fantasy realm, the Erland is a robust and affirmative sword of heroes among mortals!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eFittings : Solid Bronze\u003cbr\u003eThickness: 1.34 mm\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 44″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length : 32″\u003cbr\u003ePOB:3″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4.5 lbs \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“In normal times, evil would be fought with good. But in times like these, well, it should be fought by another kind of evil.” – Aereon, The Chronicles of Riddick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we read fantasy stories, we often do it to escape. A rousing adventure story filled with danger, epic quests, and heroic escapes can distract us from the drudgery (or the difficulty) of our everyday lives. These tales are most often filled with heroes – people who seek to rescue the princess, save the kingdom, find the magic sword, or undertake whatever obligations the tale might require. These heroes are people we look up to, who we idolize, and who we would like to come and rescue us if we needed it one day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, some stories are not about heroes. Heroes are generally good, and operate with overall positive systems of morality. Anti-heroes, on the other hand, aren’t necessarily good. They might even be bad – just pointed in a direction that furthers the plot and might bring down the villain’s plans. Maybe we don’t actually want the anti-hero to come and save us, since we know that when they do things don’t always go so well. Things get messy and there’s collateral damage, and the anti-hero doesn’t always care about the people they are rescuing necessarily – they might care more about killing their enemies or getting revenge than anything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany classic anti-heroes exist in fantasy fiction, and their tales fill us with fascination. Conan was one of the earliest, depicted as a barbarian and a thief as opposed to a knight in shining armor. Fitzchivalry Farseer from Robin Hobb’s Elderlings is a royal bastard and failed assassin whose lies and poor choices wreck his every relationship. Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher book, game, and Netflix series is a killer for hire and initially has little interest in destiny. Thomas Covenant from Stephen R. Donaldson’s Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series might be the best (worst?) example, a prophesied saviour who winds up being a foul tempered, unrepentant rapist. And then there’s basically everyone in the Game of Thrones series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnti-heroes might not be good, or even nice. But they are also what we sometimes need – and may be more reflective of the real world than many other fantasy heroes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Erland sword, ‘outsider or foreigner’ in old Norse, personifies the modern vision of the anti-hero. The savage design was inspired by the dark artistic vision of artists like Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallego, and Seb Mckinnon. The art of Frank Frazetta especially depicts the image of the anti-hero and lone warrior with a sense of power, respect and authority amidst a precarious and treacherous world. Franzetta’s exquisite work includes famous paintings of Conan the Barbarian which defined a generation of fantasy artwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividually hand forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel and dual hardened, the Erland sword is the new evolved edition of the Guardian Sword. This double-edged weapon is solidly built and would withstand considerable use by a fearsome barbarian. The dragon claw guard and heavy pommel are cast from solid bronze, giving the sword a forbidding look. As a full two-handed sword it would be best used in broad, sweeping cuts – or even cutting someone down off of a charging horse. It is a powerful, functional fantasy sword, one that would be evil’s worst nightmare in the hands of another kind of evil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171669598265,"sku":"1547","price":665.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15471-14.jpg?v=1763109571"},{"product_id":"the-guardlan-sword","title":"The Guardlan Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Guardlan Viking Sword is a blend of history and modern design. Taking its inspiration from Norse culture, this battle-ready sword is hand forged and fully functional. The extra heft of the sword would be absolutely devastating in battle, capable of broad slashes that could cut down a warrior in his prime – or sweep an attacker from horseback.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. \u003cbr\u003eFittings : Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 40″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length : 30.5″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 8″\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4.5″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs 8 oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five lobed Viking is the quintessential Norse weapon from the Viking age. Numerous examples survive in museums and private collections, and virtually all of them are single-handed weapons. And with good reason – Viking hand-to-hand combat revolved around the shield, typically a wooden circle with steel cladding around the edge and a pointed steel boss. In order for the shield to function properly a single-handed weapon was necessary, and the Viking sword was a natural companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking swords are frequently reproduced by modern makers, and given the multitude of Viking swords on the market one wonders whether the market is saturated. Many reproductions however, play into the stereotype of Viking swords as little more than long cleavers – heavy, brutish weapons wielded by brutal people. These reproductions fail to capture the spirit or “function” of the Viking sword as an important step in the evolution of the European medieval swords, from earlier Romanesque style to the arming swords of the late medieval period. For the most part, Darksword Armory Viking Swords go against the modern trend of producing unbalanced, unwieldy Viking Swords.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is what makes the Guardlan Sword so unique. For one, the blade is extended past what the average Viking would wield. The longer blade necessitates the handle being extended, turning the Guardlan into a true two-handed weapon – unlike the vast majority of Viking swords. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not to say that the Guardlan has no basis in history. The basic design is still within the typical typology of the Viking sword – the most authoritative typology of the Viking swords was the Peterson Typology, written by Dr. Jan Peterson in 1919. Focusing on variations in pommel and guards to formulate a 26 category scheme, Jan Perterson created a typo-logical reference to determine the date of each sub type. The distinct pommel identifies the Guardlan as a Type R, or “Five Lobe” style, one of the most recognizable types of Viking pommels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade has the distinctive wide fuller and spatulate tip typical of designs from the Viking era, making it a predominantly slashing weapon. While using a Type 4 blade from the Geibig Typology, Darksword Armory fitted the five lobe Viking medieval sword with an extended handle that is longenough for a comfortable two handed grip. The type 4 blade, found from the mid-tenth century through the mid-eleventh century, features a slight taper and a fuller which extends the blade’s full length. The Guardlan sword is battle ready and features a 30 inch blade, forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel and dual hardened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDarksword Armory has carefully crafted this Viking medieval sword to reflect the Norse cultural and artistic heritage. Exceptional tools of war, the Viking medieval swords also attest to the Viking culture’s keen interest in art and aesthetic beauty. We hope you can appreciate the work that went into creating this unique piece inspired by the exceptional craftsmen of the Viking era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171674120249,"sku":"1342","price":640.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13421-11.jpg?v=1763110198"},{"product_id":"the-hastings","title":"The Hastings","description":"\u003cp\u003e“The Hastings” is an elegant design fostered by the classic hand-and-a-half sword of the Noman knights. Inspired by an Oakeshott Sub-Type XIIIa, this version has a double fuller which extends to ¾ the length of the blade. The sword is named after the Battle of Hastings, one of, if not, the most important battles in English history. The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14th 1066, and marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in Britain as well as leading to the introduction of the common law. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Leather Wrapped wood Core (oak)\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 39″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2 1\/8″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 5 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs 14oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be hard to overstate the difficulty in invading Britain. The historical home of the Anglo-Saxons, Britain was an incredibly challenging fortress to assault. Anyone wishing to make a concerted effort to invade the island would have to cross the English Channel with enough of a fighting force to subdue the not inconsiderable armies that could be raised from its inhabitants. Challenges with logistics, especially bringing food and other resources to support a large invading force, would make it difficult for any extended campaigns to be successful. And extended they would need to be – despite how it may seem to us now in the modern world, Britain is not a small island. Thus, for foreign invasion of the British Isles to be successful it would need to rely on decisive battles that both broke the defending forces and allowed a foothold to be gained by the invaders. And, on this Day in History in the year 1066, one such decisive battle occurred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy as of 1035 CE, was like the rest of Normandy descended from Viking stock. For William, though, he had a special connection to his Viking ancestors – he was a descendant of Rollo Sigurdsson, first king of the Normans. Perhaps it was this lineage that led William to the decision to invade England; although certainly his relation to Edward the Confessor (childless king of England, and William’s cousin) may have had something to do with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome historians even believe Edward promised to make William his heir, even if word had promised to do so at one point this is not a promise he kept. On his deathbed in January 1066 the English king named Harold Godwinson, a powerful English noble, as his heir. William responded in a way that would have made his ancestors proud, and in early autumn of the same year landed a massive invasion force on the southeast coast of Britain. He quickly advanced to Hastings and began laying the foundation for his victory (including building a fortress to safeguard his beachhead).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKing Harold, still fighting to retain his crown against local unrest, chose to march south in haste with what soldiers he could gather. His army of infantry with archers supporting the foot soldiers arrived at Hastings on October 13th, facing off against the Normans the next day. William, by contrast, had brought primarily cavalry with more archers then infantry. Battle was joined in the morning continued until dark that day with neither side gaining a definitive upper hand. Both kings fought with their armies, and by some accounts William’s horse died while he was fighting not once, not twice, but three times. The battle could have raged for days had not Harold been slain in the melee, with no clear account of how he fell. When the Anglo-Saxon forces realized their king was dead, their lines broke and they fled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam would face only token resistance from then on, and would be crowned King of England on Christmas Day of that year. All of which happened because of the turning point at Hastings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Hastings Sword is a bastard sword with a unique appearance. The cruciform guard is similar to most surviving examples of medieval swords for several centuries, and the thick wheel pommel (weighted to give the sword a nimble heft and swing) is close in design to other swords of the era. Darksword chose a black leather wrap and scabbard to accent the bright, satin-finished steel. Where this sword stands out most, though, is in its blade design. Like similar swords from the Oakeshott Sub-Type XIIIa family, the Hastings has a long, broad, double-edged blade suitable for the cut-and-thrust combat of the 13th- and 14th- centuries. This sword, though, has crisp a double fuller that extends ¾ the length of the blade. This fuller gives the Hastings a distinctive, noble appearance, a cut above the standard arming sword of the average soldier.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171680346169,"sku":"1311","price":630.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13111-11.png?v=1763110731"},{"product_id":"the-knochenbrecher","title":"The Knochenbrecher","description":"\u003cp\u003eWeapons of war often evolved from tools used for hunting, farming, or day-to-day survival in a hostile world, and nowhere is that more clear than in the German “Messer” (meaning “knife”) style of swords. Messer swords began as simple, single-edged weapons, merely scaled up versions of the knives from which they descended. Over time, they became distinctive, deadly, and beautiful weapons associated with the Germanic peoples. Darksword Armory’s Knochenbrecher (German for “Bone Breaker”) is based on the Kriegsmesser, meaning “war knife,” the large and imposing weapon of the 15th-century. Large, brutal, and totally battle-ready, the Darksword Armory Knochenbrecher is a powerful cutter – balanced for delivering sweeping, heavy strikes as its historical counterpart would have been.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003eDual Tempered HRc 6048-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eFittings : Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 45.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length : 34″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 11″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 8 oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most people, it is easy to visualize the swords associated with certain cultures. Mention the swords of Scotland and people tend to mentally picture the Claymore, bring Viking swords up in conversation and everyone knows what you mean. So too with the swords of China and Japan, and even England has Excalibur. Bring up swords from Germany’s history, though, and most people would draw a blank. Which is unfortunate, as Germany’s history of arms and armor contains some truly unique and distinctive examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of the sword in Europe was far from a linear process. Certainly, the Roman Gladius led to the Roman Spatha, which led to the Viking double-edged sword, which led to the knightly swords depicted in Oakeshott’s typology. This is generally accepted as the evolutionary chain of the European sword. However, this ignores a parallel development in Europe at the time, most notably occurring in the 13th century and onward, of single-edged weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePossibly descending from the Viking seax or through eastern influences such as Turkey\/the Mongols (or both), several different varieties of single-edged swords began cropping up in different locations throughout Europe. The falchion is one such example, depicted in medieval art as well as (rare) surviving examples from this period. Design of the falchion could vary; some were clearly chopping weapons, yet others were lighter and more agile than the double-edged swords of the day. What is clear is that they were typically reserved for soldiers of less noble birth, and have earned a reputation as “peasant swords” – though some decorated versions and depictions in art indicate this was not always the case. A separate typology (the Elmslie Typology) exists to classify these weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Germany, single edged weapons were also the province of the plebeians. The Bauernwehr (“farmer’s knife”), a mid-length, single-edged blade, was a common sidearm of the lower classes, used for both everyday tasks as well as combat. Later, more middle-class citizens would use the Lange Messer (“long knife,” aka Grosse Messer or “great knife”) as a weapon for personal defense. This greatly resembled the Bauernwehr but was too long for practical daily tasks; it was exclusively a melee weapon. This design was further adapted into the 15th century as the Kriegsmesser, or “war knife,” and it is here that this German design truly comes into its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kriegsmesser is a formidable weapon, and rose to prominence during use by the Landsknechte. The Landsknechte were a mercenary force founded in the late 15th century by Archduke Maximilian I von Habsburg, a military commander and son of the Holy Roman Emperor Fredrick III. Maximilian founded the Landsknechte, had them trained in Swiss military tactics (generally seen as a superior form of fighting in that era), and forged them into a force to be reckoned with for decades afterward. The Landsknechte would be hired to win many victories for later Emperor Maximilian, and until their decline in the mid-to-late 16th century were one of the most feared opponents on any battlefield in Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Knochenbrecher is based on the type of Kriegsmesser that would have been used by the Landsknechte. The long, single-edged blade is crafted from 5160 steel, and flares towards the tip in order to bring the balance out and create power in each cut. While the wideblade is relatively simple design, Their approach to the sword gives it a touch of class with the shell guard and slightly curved quillions. The grip, clearly showing a visible tang, is long and suited for two handed use. All of these factors make this Kriegsmesser a very powerful medieval weapon, capable of destroying any target it encounters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Knochenbrecher is a massive sword, specifically made to inspire fear in the hearts of enemies. If you are worthy of joining the brave Landsknechte, please consider bringing this with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171690831929,"sku":"1327","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13271-10.jpg?v=1763111802"},{"product_id":"the-oslo-viking-sword","title":"The Oslo Viking Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003e10th – 11th Century A.D.\u003cbr\u003eInspirational piece, Viking culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkillfully crafted from 5160 High Carbon steel. The Oslo Viking Sword is an inspiring Medieval weapon. Authoritative, vibrant and rugged, the Oslo Viking sword is well-balanced and a fierce Viking weapon of choice.  Inspired by the remains of a 10th C. Viking hilt with elaborated serpentine motifs, the sword remains faithful to its historical counterparts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the sword at the core of Viking history, Darksword Armory engineered the Oslo Viking sword for the most brutal use. Vivid and resilient, the Viking sword is built to last!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003e5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 36″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 30″\u003cbr\u003eCarved Ebony Grip: 4″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking art, in all its sophistication, presents a striking contrast with the stereotype of the rude and restless barbarian. Viking craftsmen excelled in woodworking, metalworking and weapons making with abstracted animal forms. Many Viking weapons and ships bore elaborate patterns of interlocking anthropomorphic figures. Runic texts and complementary scenes were frequently inscribed on stone. The Viking love of riddling phrases and schemes of rhyme yielded a rich poetic tradition and tales of mythic events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vikings are among the most celebrated warriors of human history. Not the least due to their own stories and Sagas of epic battles and heroic deeds. For centuries, the Vikings raided and colonized wide areas of Europe. They reached North America centuries before Columbus and traded as far as modern day India. These Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish warriors were prompted to undertake their raids by a combination of socio-political factors and overpopulation. As a result, Norse culture permeated all of Western Europe and greatly influenced the development of many modern nations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the center of this fierce nomadic culture, stood the Viking sword. No object was praised more among the Vikings than the sword. While other Viking weapons, such as the axe or spear, were important mainstays of Viking martial life, the sword was viewed with special reverence – not only for its utility in combat, but also due to the incredible skill involved in their construction. Smithing the long, tempered blades with the technology available at the time was tremendously difficult, and the evolution of the Viking sword is a testament to the Viking smiths’ steady growth in expertise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis evolution was first described by Dr Jan Petersen, a Norwegian archaeologist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Petersen studied the development of Viking sword smithing and published his results in his dissertation, “The Norwegian Viking Swords: A Typological-Chronological Study of Viking Age Weaponry.” This revolutionary typology was the first of its kind, and laid the groundwork for later typologies (such as Ewart Oakeshott’s typology of the medieval sword).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetersen’s typology traces the ascension of the Viking sword from its humble beginnings – the Type A, a flat, simple broad blade that existed at the end of the Frankish dynasty known as the Merovingian period and early Viking Age (from roughly 700-800CE). Early Types, such as Types B and C, contain double-edged and single-edged examples. Later examples were primarily double-edged and distinguished mainly by differences in the hilt – once established, the Viking blade varied little in the later years of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Oslo Viking Sword is based on these later examples, and most closely resembles the Petersen Type D (primarily used from 850-900 AD). Unlike later medieval swords which were used for cut-and-thrust, Viking swords were designed primarily for slashing – this was to counter the leather armour of the time, which allowed swords to be devastatingly effective on the battlefield. Chain links would part beneath the heavy blows this weapon could inflict, and lesser armored opponents would be helpless against such blades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike most Viking swords (which Oakeshott would later lump together under Type X in his typology), the sword has a rugged broad blade of medium length (avg. 31″) with a wide fuller fading at the tip. This transfers much of the weight towards the tip of the blade, producing a high point-of-balance and giving the sword tremendous chopping power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs in the later examples of Petersen’s typology, the hilt is the biggest differentiating factor – and while crafting the solid bronze guard and pommel, the essence of the Viking heritage was carefully honored. Norse knotwork – a consistent feature of Viking culture – is skillfully imbued into the bronze guard using the lost wax process with designs are based on historical examples. The grip is meticulously engraved solid ebony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkillfully crafted from 5160 High Carbon steel, the Oslo Viking Sword is an inspiring weapon. Authoritative, vibrant and rugged, the Oslo Viking sword is well balanced and a fierce Viking weapon of choice.  Inspired by the remains of a 10th C. Viking hilt with elaborated serpentine motifs, the sword remains faithful to its historical counterparts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword has always been at the core of Viking history. As a result, Darksword Armory has engineered the Oslo Viking sword for the same kind of brutal use that the original historical examples would have been put to. Vivid and resilient, the Oslo Viking sword is built to last.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171695779897,"sku":"1308","price":730.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13081-14.jpg?v=1763112464"},{"product_id":"the-urnes-stave-viking-sword","title":"The Urnes Stave Viking Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Urnes Staves Viking Sword is Darksword Armory's tribute to one of the most beautiful structures in Norway. Named for the 12th-century church which inspired its knotwork designs, this one-handed Viking Sword is a battle-ready weapon. The Urnes Staves Viking Sword is a hand forged, modern take on a classic, 10-11th century Viking weapon. Like many historical Viking Swords the blade is rigid, wide, and deeply fullered, allowing it to be an extremely effective cutting and slashing weapon. The Ebony handle is carved with knotwork from its namesake church, and the bronze fittings bear the same delicate designs. The Urnes Staves Viking Sword is Darksword’s latest Viking Sword, and is both beautiful and functional.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Solid Bronze\u003cbr\u003eHandle: carved ebony grip\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 36″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 30″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2.3″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 1 oz.\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 3″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking weaponry, jewelry, and other relics are frequently decorated with distinctive artistic designs. These designs are formed of detailed knotwork and frequently depict animals, gods, and other symbolism from Norse mythology. It is especially interesting, therefore, that a 12th century Christian church in Norway should be covered with some of the most intricate knotwork designs still surviving from the Viking era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Urnes Stave Church is an incredibly unique building for several reasons. It is constructed in an architectural style unique to Norway in which large staves form the load-bearing portion of the structure. Over a thousand of these churches used to exist in Medieval Norway, now there are less than thirty. The Urnes Stave Church represents not only the best-preserved example of one of these churches, but one that has stunning carvings along much of the preserved structure. In addition, the Church was built on the location of much older buildings, and contains decorative carvings that are almost a hundred years older than the rest of the church – this indicates the previous buildings may have been churches from the era when Christianity arrived in Norway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carvings themselves are of a distinctive style, so distinctive that it has become known as the Urnes style. This style appears to have been developed by the original builders, who likely constructed the church on behalf of a wealthy medieval family. Fierce animals flow across the wood, their elongated bodies intertwined, depicting conflict and battle. Scenes depicted may be biblical, or may hold some connection to older features of Norse mythology. The distinctive lines of the Urnes style – contrasted broad and narrow contours, curving in a seemingly endless flow – are what sets it apart from other Norse artwork from the same era. It is this Urnes style that has been reproduced on the hilt of Darksword Armory’s Urnes Stave Viking Sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Urnes Stave Viking Sword is a Darksword design updated with knotwork inspired by its namesake. The broad, solid blade is hand made from 5160 steel, and has the classic wide, shallow fuller so common to Viking swords of this era. Like most Viking Swords it falls into the Type X of Oakeshott’s Typology, however using the Petersen Typology (the definitive Typology of Viking Swords) the Urnes Staves would fall into the Type U group. Swords in this group are among the most commonly reproduced in the modern era and resemble the “traditional” Viking Sword with their broad -tipped blades, wide fullers, and highly decorated hilt. Swords such as these would be highly effective slashing weapons, often paired with the wide, round Viking shield that so much of effective Viking combat revolved around.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is tempered and resilient like all of Darksword Armory’s swords – however, it is the fittings where this sword’s personality truly shines. Bronze fittings, cast using the lost wax process, depict Urnes style knotwork with contrasting broad and narrow lines. The handle itself is similarly carved from Ebony and fitted to the tang with epoxy before the pommel is hot peened. This method of construction results in Darksword Armory’s famous durability. The Urnes Stave Viking Sword is a stunning example of a modern Viking reproduction, and is inspired by one of the most beautiful buildings in Norway. We hope you enjoy owning a sword fit for any Viking chieftain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171702988857,"sku":"1526","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15261-18.jpg?v=1763112614"},{"product_id":"the-vindaaris","title":"The Vindaaris","description":"\u003cp\u003eTerry, a designer at Darksword, and Eyal, the owner of Darksword, have worked closely over the last 10 years to create some of the most remarkable fantasy swords on the market. Since 2008 Terry has sketched original and fantasy-inspired swords and knives which Darksword Armory has endeavored to capture in steel, and these designs have been some of Darksword Armory’s most sought-after. The Vindaaris is the latest of Terry’s designs, and it is truly a wonder to behold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe inspiration for the Vindaaris was twofold. First, it was inspired by the Norse myths of the light elves that allied themselves with the gods. Hailing from the ancient world of Alfheim, these elves and their weapons would be instrumental in the final battle against evil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 50″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length 36″\u003cbr\u003eGrip: 10″\u003cbr\u003eWeight 4 lbs 12 oz\u003cbr\u003eP.O.B: At Ricasso\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the founding of Darksword Armory, the swords in their catalogue have had multiple inspirations. Their swords are based on examples from literature, myth, art, and film – including popular Lord of the Rings swords. Many more of their swords are based on surviving historical artefacts; Darksword founder Eyal Azerad has travelled to museums all over the world in order to examine swords from different eras in history, and these were replicated in their forge to exacting specifications. Many of their most popular designs, though, have been fantasy designs, and for over a decade these unique, coveted pieces have been based on the vision their designer, Terry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry and Eyal have worked closely over the last 10 years to create some of the most remarkable fantasy swords on the market. Since 2008 Terry has sketched original and fantasy-inspired swords and knives which we have endeavored to capture in steel, and these designs have been some of Darksword Armory’s most sought-after. The Vindaaris is the latest of Terry’s designs, and it is truly a wonder to behold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inspiration for the Vindaaris was twofold. First, it was inspired by the Norse myths of the light elves that allied themselves with the gods. Hailing from the ancient world of Alfheim, these elves and their weapons would be instrumental in the final battle against evil. The designer’s description references this: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the last days of the age of Gods, the All-Father Odin, summoned his allies to his throne. Among those were the glorious and enigmatic light elves from Alfheim, they and their god ruler Freyr swore their arms to the All-Father for the final battle for Midgard. These swords are among those laid at Odin’s throne, forged for the end times of Ragnarok.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inscription in Beleriand script reads, “Honor, Loyalty, Disgrace, Vengeance” – common themes from Vikings of legend and myth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other source is, as many of their swords, is the work of J.R.R Tolkien. The elves of light in Tolkien’ work made many mighty swords, and this fantasy blade more greatly resembles a sword you would see on the hip of an elf-lord than a Viking. The Tolkien “heritage” of the design is honoured in an alternative inscription made in the “Tengwar” language Tolkien invented for his elves of Middle-Earth. The elven inscription on the blade is from the Volsung saga, an epic tale of Viking lore, and reads: “Better to fight and fall than live without hope.” Thus, from both sources of inspiration, this would be considered an “elven” blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword itself is a powerful two handed weapon. The unique blade is made from 5160 steel, flowing effortlessly to the flared section unlike anything else in our catalogue. The curved guard is expertly sculpted, showing cunning lines and elegant script. The leather-wrapped handle hides a robust tang, and the graceful pommel reflects the weapon’s elven heritage. Make no mistake, as beautiful as this sword is it is still, in fact, a very real weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDarksword Armory is proud of their collaboration with Terry Maranda, and invite you to own a piece of his legacy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171792871481,"sku":"1328","price":770.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13281-22.jpg?v=1763118278"},{"product_id":"the-william-wallace-scottish-claymore-sword-braveheart-sword","title":"The William Wallace Scottish Claymore Sword – Braveheart Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most recognizable features of the Braveheart film is the sword wielded by William Wallace. Almost a fantasy version of a Scottish claymore, it is utterly unique among both film swords and historically inspired replicas. A long, double edge blade is married to a cruciform hilt and long handle for extra torque when swinging, and a traditional Claymore ball pommel completes the fittings – however, it is the ricasso that truly stands out. Unlike other swords of this type the William Wallace Claymore has a leather-wrapped ricasso, creating a comfortable place for a fighter to shorten up their grip for close-range work. Fans of the film, and fans of Scottish history, can both appreciate the impact that Braveheart has had on popular culture – and this sword was a part of that impact.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel \u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Leather Wrapped Dark Brown\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 50″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 39″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4 lbs 11 oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 6″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe William Wallace Claymore “As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.’” Excerpt from the Declaration of Arbroath, 1320 AD The history of Scotland has no shortage of conflict. A country with a beautiful landscape and rich culture, it has also been a land of strife. Whether fighting with the neighboring English or just warring among the clans, Scotland was an ideal place for great warriors to be born – and out of those warriors came heroes. One such hero was William Wallace. The historical William Wallace, while generally known to the Scottish population, was up until recently not well known outside of the United Kingdom. Wallace was a member of an upper-class family in Scotland in the late 13th, early 14th century. His early life is something of a mystery, though it is generally believed he had some military experience, possibly as a mercenary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs there was no clear ruler of Scotland at the time, Edward I of England appointed himself ruler of Scotland in 1296. Responding with characteristic pride the Scots resisted this appointment in small ways until Wallace began a full-fledged rebellion. Beginning with the murder of a local sheriff Wallace and his compatriots won skirmish after skirmish, culminating in a decisive and astonishing (for the English) victory in the Battle of Stirling Bridge against a vastly overwhelming English force. Wallace was one of several nobles who fought against the English, including Robert the Bruce, later Scotland’s beloved king. Wallace was knighted as a Guardian of Scotland, and continued his successful campaign against the English. Edward I sent an army north to deal with Wallace, and eventually defeated him at Falkirk. Wallace then reportedly left abroad to raise support for their rebellion, which caused him to be excluded from the eventual truce signed between England and Scotland. Wallace was captured near Glasgow in 1305 and taken to England to be tried for treason. Famously declaring that he had committed no treason as he had never sworn allegiance to an English king, Wallace was nonetheless executed – his head placed on London Bridge, and his limbs sent to the four corners of the kingdom as a warning against treason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this colourful and action-filled history, William Wallace’s name was relatively unknown to the rest of the world. All of this changed when, in 1995, Actor\/Director Mel Gibson launched his epic period film Braveheart. Starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace, the film took significant liberties with the historical facts of Wallace’s life and of that period of Scotland’s history. Wallace now came from a farming family, and had no interest in the rebellion against England until his wife was unjustly killed by an Englishman. Wallace then waged his war of revenge as in history, but has additional “extra-historical” adventures – including the Battle of Stirling Bridge without a physical bridge being present, historically inaccurate blue face paint, and most jarringly an affair with Prince Edward II’s wife, Isabelle of France (who would have been 4 years old at the time). All the while everyone wears kilts that hadn’t been invented yet. The film also portrays Robert the Bruce as a weak-willed coward who betrayed Wallace to the English – unforgivable for a Scottish audience. Despite all this, the movie became an instant classic. Much loved around the world, the people of Scotland had a relationship with Braveheart characterized by its dual nature – hating the film for its inaccuracies while simultaneously loving it for its depiction of Scotland trouncing England in battle repeatedly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA member of Darksword staff on a trip to Scotland in the early 2000’s was chatting with a local in an Edinburgh pub, the local expounding at length all the problems the film had – but when asked if they’d actually seen the film, the replied, “Oh aye, I’ve seen it six times.” Clearly, a film that caused significant cultural impact. One of the most recognizable features of the Braveheart film is the sword wielded by William Wallace. Almost a fantasy version of a Scottish claymore, it is utterly unique among both film swords and historically inspired replicas. A long, double edge blade is married to a cruciform hilt and long handle for extra torque when swinging, and a traditional Claymore ball pommel completes the fittings – however, it is the ricasso that truly stands out. Unlike other swords of this type the William Wallace Claymore has a leather-wrapped ricasso, creating a comfortable place for a fighter to shorten up their grip for close-range work. Fans of the film, and fans of Scottish history, can both appreciate the impact that Braveheart has had on popular culture – and this sword was a part of that impact. Like the movie itself, it may not be historical – but it is inspired. It may not have been carried by heroes in the past, but it is representative of the swords they would have carried – an idealized weapon for an idolized character in film history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most recognizable features of the Braveheart film is the sword wielded by William Wallace. Almost a fantasy version of a Scottish claymore, it is utterly unique among both film swords and historically inspired replicas. A long, double edge blade is married to a cruciform hilt and long handle for extra torque when swinging, and a traditional Claymore ball pommel completes the fittings – however, it is the ricasso that truly stands out. Unlike other swords of this type the William Wallace Claymore has a leather-wrapped ricasso, creating a comfortable place for a fighter to shorten up their grip for close-range work. Fans of the film, and fans of Scottish history, can both appreciate the impact that Braveheart has had on popular culture – and this sword was a part of that impact. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171837993017,"sku":"1362","price":630.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13621-10.jpg?v=1763118958"},{"product_id":"two-handed-gothic-sword","title":"Two Handed Gothic sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eLate 15th century – German. Original found in the Landesmuseum, Zurich.\u003cbr\u003eType XVIIIa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Two Handed Gothic battle ready Sword, is a top pick. Not only for its elegance and simplicity, but its superb handling characteristics. This medieval sword is light, superbly responsive and very well balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentically crafted from the original at the Landesmuseum (Museum in Zurich), the Two Handed Gothic Sword is a testament to the superb skills and craftsmanship of the later part of the middle ages.  Elegant, resilient and reliable, the two handed gothic sword is a heirloom-quality medieval sword for the ages. Skillfully engineered and individually crafted, the two handed medieval sword will surprise even the most discriminating collector.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. \u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 52″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 39″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs. 5 oz.\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 9 1\/4″\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 6″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the 14th C. onward, the sword began to be used not just as a battlefield weapon, but as a civilian weapon as well. Starting in Germany and then Italy, sword masters such as Johannes Liechtenauer (late 14thc)  and Fiore dei Liberi (c.1340-1420) trained students in the use of the sword, not on the battlefield but in the judicial duel against unarmored and armored opponents. With the type XVIII and its sub-types,. We see the development of a true cut-and-thrust sword and one of the most successful sword types in Europe. In a period where art, status and functionality was of prime importance, the XVIIIb Gothic sword was a coveted weapon of war and social status.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely in art do we find simplicity and elegance as a single defining character of a piece.  This is precisely what imbues the Gothic sword with its inherent beauty. Its deep graceful lines reflecting the artistic revival and Gothic architectural patterns of the day.  The Gothic sword, inspired from the original formerly displayed at the Landesmuseum in Zurich (national museum ), was a long sword used by the elite aristocracy during the peek of full plated Armour. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a response to the increasingly protective plate armor of the time, the type XVIII b two handed longsword became the most essential part of the medieval Knight’s arsenal. The stiff diamond shaped hollow ground needle tip blade was not only capable of powerful cuts, but offered exceptional advantages with their keen ability to pierce through the ever developing plate armor.  With its diamond shaped hollow ground cross-sectional blade, the Gothic sword is representative of the changing role of the sword on the battle battlefield.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective at thrusting, it also retained a large measure of its earlier ancestor’s cutting ability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe simple, yet elegant simplistic geometry of the sword reflects  the Gothic artistic revival that not only inspired blade smiths and 1332-Gothic-sword-Landesmuseumarmorers but also architects and painters of the period. The deeply hollow ground blade and clean hexagonal guard and fishtail pommel reflect this artistic revival. Swords during this period were not only exceptionally engineered to precisely perform their primary function, but also reflected the artistic patterns and influences from the gothic architectural structures of the time.  Typically, the pommels on the two handed swords of this period tended to be flaring or fluted in shape, and less pronounced  then their earlier rounded or globular pommels. More artistic flare was given to each part of the sword, while preserving important functional characteristics of the hilt. Hence, the Two Handed medieval type XVIIIb longswords  were not merely weapons of war, but beautifully crafted artistic pieces in their own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHence, when making the Gothic long sword Darksword Armory's vision was to create a medieval sword worthy of the nobility of the 15th century. Darksword Armory set to design the sword with refined clean lines, prevalent in the architecture and art of the 15th and 16th centuries, while preserving the historical character of the guard and fishtail pommel.  While great importance was bequeathed to the elegance and the symmetry of the fittings, considerable attention was set on the blade’s performance, flex and balance.  These elements easily made the Gothic sword one of our favorite swords. Not only for it’s exceptional handling characteristics but also for it’s elegance and simplicity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Gothic long swords, classified as type XVIII b were exclusively  used by the elite aristocracy, especially in Germany. Despite their clean and straight forward design, Type XVIII b swords were beyond the reach of the common fighter or hired mercenary.  The owner of such a sword would be a man of great wealth such as a knight owning a considerably large land or a baron.  Many paintings, wood cuts and other artwork of the 15\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e and 16\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, such as Albrecht Durer’s  “The Knight and the Devil”, illustrate important noble figures with type XVIII b swords by their side.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs Oakeshott remarks in “The Sword in the age of Chivalry”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere are many of these swords, particularly in German collections, and many are to be seen in art, particularly German paintings of the period 1450-1520. Durer shows many examples which are well-known. The finest survivor of the type – indeed, perhaps the most lovely sword of any period or place – is in the Bareische National Museum in Munich.  Not only has this sword absolute perfection of line and proportion, but its preservation is perfect, and the decoration of grip, pommel and cross is restrained and beautiful, admirably suited to the hilt it adorns.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Two Handed Gothic Sword, is a top pick. Not only for its elegance and simplicity, but its superb handling characteristics. This medieval sword is light, superbly responsive and very well balanced. While being a two handed sword, the Gothic long sword combines the cutting capability of its predecessor while the added benefit of being a devastating thrusting weapon against the heavy plated Armour of the day.  While the majority of type XVIII blades were of flat diamond geometry, Darksword Armory designed the Gothic sword, a sub type of XVIII, with a deep hollow ground blade. The blade is stiff and has a four-sided triangle-shape profile, with a diamond cross section \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand acute tip. Valued by the nobility for their resilience, light weight, dexterity and potent thrusting capabilities the two \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehanded long swords were a prized possession among the elite warrior class.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifically engineered for armored combat, Darksword Armory wanted the Gothic long sword to have superb handling capabilities, an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eexceptional response and a very good PoB (point of balance). Despite its long blade and size, the Gothic long sword is an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eexceptionally easy sword to handle for both \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eexperienced and amateur sword enthusiasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sword is a very responsive sword that feels ‘alive’ and light in the hand. Easily wield-able even in novice hands, the Gothic sword’s characteristics make it a medieval weapon of choice for all collectors. The sword is perfectly balance for swift movement and powerful delivery in both cut and thrust.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45171959955513,"sku":"1332","price":670.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13321-14.jpg?v=1763120937"},{"product_id":"viking-sword-the-einar","title":"Viking Sword – The Einar","description":"\u003cp\u003eInspirational piece, Norse mythology. 10-11th century\u003cbr\u003eThe Einar Viking Sword is Limited to 800 copies Worldwide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggregating all essential elements of Viking art and Norse Mythology, the Einar Viking Sword exemplifies the peak of Viking culture. Luxuriously handcrafted from the finest material, the Einar is an distinguished viking sword you will be proud to own. Hand-forged from 5160 high carbon steel and dual tempered, the Einar viking sword is a rugged viking weapon of choice. Well balanced and skilfully engineered, The Einar blends the artistic abilities of the Norse people and the central role of warfare in the viking world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 36″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 30″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width : 2.3″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3lbs 5oz\u003cbr\u003eGrip: Ebony\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Einar Viking Swords are Limited to 800 copies Worldwide\u003cbr\u003eIt was an age of adventure and savagery. A time when Vikings piled into long ships to set out across the seas, raiding and settling the lands they found. But far more than just savage barbarians, they were also farmers, poets, traders, and explorers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir stories can be found in the Vinland Sagas. Part of the Icelandic Sagas, and evoking the legendary names of Einar and Erik the Red, the Vinland Sagas represent the most complete information about the Norse exploration of the Americas and paint a vivid portrait of a heroic world long lost and the amazing people who inhabited it. The Vinland sagas originate from the same land as Njal and Gunnar, as told in Njal’s Saga, two friends whose families’ unending feud would bring them to a violent end. As the tragedy of Njal’s family unfolds, Grettir the Strong’s strength and temper transform him into a hero, an outlaw, and a villain. Across the sea in England, Egil Skallagrimson adds to his legend to become a warrior poet above all others. And, outlawed from his home in the wake of the feud, Erik the Red sails far to the west to discover new lands, founding the doomed settlement known as Vinland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Einar, is inspired from the Vinland sagas and by Norse Mythology. Derived from the Old Norse name Einarr, which according to one of the foremost Scandanavian scholars, Guðbrandur Vigfússon, is connected with the concept of the einherjar, undead warriors from Norse mythology. The name, is related to the Old Norse common nouns einarðr (meaning “bold”) and einörð (meaning “valour”).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Viking swords fit within the Petersen Typology, described by Norwegian archaeologist Dr Jan Petersen. Petersen lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the result of his life’s work as a system of classification for the Viking Sword. The Peterson Typology traces the development of the Viking Sword throughout history, from its origins in the Roman Spatha to its eventual transition into the Medieval knightly weapon. The Darksword Armory Einar Viking Sword is based on later examples in the Petersen Typology from the 10th and 11th centuries – most closely resembling the Type U with its decorative hilt and long, broad, wide-fullered blade terminating in a classic spatulate tip. The knotwork on the cast bronze hilt and the carved oak handle is inspired by actual knotwork on historical Norse artifacts, and is one of the most intricate Viking designs Darksword Armory has ever attempted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking swords were often status symbols, and as highly decorated as the Einar is one could assume its purpose to be decorative. Nothing could be further from the truth – hand-forged from 5160 high carbon steel and dual tempered, the Einar Viking Sword is a rugged weapon of choice. Its broad blade is resilient enough to perform the function that all Viking Swords were designed for – to cut through enemies, to split armor and shield, and to protect what the Viking warrior held dear. Despite its robust construction the Einar is surprisingly agile, able to move from cut to guard with smooth motions. In a practiced hand the Einar would be devastatingly effective on the battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggregating all essential elements of Viking art and Norse Mythology, the Einar exemplifies the peak of Viking culture. Luxuriously handcrafted from the finest material, the Einar is an distinguished viking sword you will be proud to own. Hand-forged from 5160 high carbon steel and dual tempered, the Einar viking sword is a rugged viking weapon of choice. Well balanced and skilfully engineered, The Einar sword blends the artistic abilities of the Norse people and the central role of warfare in the viking world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172047478841,"sku":"1338","price":815.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13381-12.jpg?v=1763121767"},{"product_id":"11th-century-viking-sword","title":"11th Century Viking Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 11th Century Viking Sword is based on a sword found near Suontaka, Finland, in the grave of a Viking Shield-maiden. It is full tang, tempered, and fully functional, with a blade forged and balanced to be a devastatingly effective cutter. The bronze fittings, created by use of the lost wax process, are based on the historical fittings of the Suontaka Shield-maiden’s weapon. An homage to a true historical artifact, the 11th Century Viking Sword is one of Darksword Armory's longest-running designs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003e5160 High Carbon Steel Differential\u003cbr\u003eHardening : 60 Rockwell at the Edge 50 At the Core\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 36″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 30″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eblade thickness: 1.48 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 13 oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViking swords have the reputation of being heavy, hacking weapons with little in the way of grace or beauty. This popular misconception was perpetrated over the last 80 years by Wagner operas and Hollywood films full of blond-bearded Thor lookalikes wearing horned helmets. Over the last two decades however, collectors and sword enthusiasts who study Viking culture widely recognize these beliefs as false. Many remaining Viking swords are not only functional, but beautifully decorated, and often lighter and more lively than expected. This may be because some of those weapons were not meant for musclebound comic book heroes, but may in fact have been meant for women – the Shield-maidens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe existence of Shield-maidens, or Skjaldmær in the Norse language, is hotly debated among historians. Some argue that there is little historical evidence that women were trained and active members of Norse fighting units. Others, like archaeologist Dr. Neil Price (author of the widely acclaimed book The Viking Way), argue that the archaeological evidence speaks for itself – numerous texts speak of Shield-maidens engaging in combat and being fearsome warriors, and some artistic remnants from the Viking age depict women warriors with weapons and armor. While it is possible that these depictions were meant to represent the Valkyrie – supernatural servants of Odin who escorted fallen warriors to the afterlife – there have now also been several archaeological finds involving Norse women buried as warriors. In some of these cases, the Viking women were buried with swords as beautiful and deadly as the women who carried them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne such example is an elegant 11 th C. Viking sword, found buried next to the body of a Viking woman in Finland. Known as the Suontaka sword (named for the village near which it was found), it is a startling example of 11th century Viking sword design. Interestingly however, little is known about the sword, its maker, and the Viking woman it was made for. While the remarkable grace and detail suggest a person of high rank or status, no clues attest as to who exactly this Shield-maiden was.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExquisitely crafted, the 11th C. Suontaka Viking sword is the finest of its kind. The elegantly carved knot-work on the guard and pommel reflect the height of Viking art. The pommel type according to the Petersen Typology is AE, known for being intricately decorated. Mirroring the dragon-prowed ships of the raiding Norsemen, the guard and pommel show the scrolling knots of dragons in interlocking loops. From the beginning smiths at Darksword Armory knew that reproducing this sword was going to require all the skills at at their disposal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile working on the guard and pommel, considerable attention was given to the detailed knot work associated with the sword. Darksword Armory’s initial step in making this piece was to study original photographs of the medieval sword. They, then magnified the photographs allowing their staff to recreate this beautiful piece. The blade has a deep, crisp fuller typical among Viking swords of the period, impeccably complimenting the intricate hilt design. The broad, stiff blade is suitable for the sort of combat that Viking warriors and Shield-maidens would engage in – sweeping one-handed cuts and slashes, paired with the classic circular Viking shield.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Suontaka sword may have belonged to a Shield-maiden. Female warriors may or may not have been commonplace in Norse society. Regardless, the Darksword Armory 11th-Century Viking Sword would be suitable for warriors of any gender. Balancing form and function, danger and beauty, this battle-ready Viking Sword would be suitable for anyone who wants to carry on the spirit of the Viking warriors – and the Shield-maidens who fought alongside them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172167966777,"sku":"1335","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13351-11.jpg?v=1763122276"},{"product_id":"the-charlemagne-sword","title":"The Charlemagne Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Charlemagne Sword is one of their most anticipated projects to date, and has been in development since Darksword Armory founder Eyal Azarad’s visit to the Louvre. A broad, solid blade with a single fuller matches the antique on display, and is made from 5160 high carbon steel as are all their blades. The tang for this sword was made especially thick in order to provide additional stability. The hilt furniture, however, is where the quality of their work truly shines. The original handle, cross guard, and pommel are made from gold, and many modern reproductions use brass or gold-plated metal; Darksword Armory uses the lost wax process to cast the hilt furniture out of bronze. The incredible detail on their version of Joyeuse, one of the only battle-ready versions of Charlemagne’s sword available today. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 34 1\/4″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 27 3\/4″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4 lbs 2 oz.\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 3″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Right action is better than knowledge; but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Charles the Great (742-814 CE), styled Charlemagne, Emperor of the West, quoted in in Jean-Barthélemy Hauréau’s (1850) De la philosophie scolastique\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome famous swords known to popular culture are historical artifacts; for instance, the sword of the Black Prince, or the arming sword of King Henry V. Still others are known to us because of myth; Excalibur, for example, or Hrunting, the sword of Beowulf. Rarest of all, though, are the swords in which history and legend meet, and overlap, and leave us with an artifact rooted in history and wrapped in mythology. The sword of Charlemagne, first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, is one such legendary weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e                Charles I was the eldest son of the Frankish king Pepin the Short. After his father’s death he became king, beginning his rule over the Franks when he was only in his 20’s. A highly religious man, he began a campaign to strengthen the position of the Catholic Church in Europe. This led to military campaigns against the Slavs, the Moors, and a 30-year religious war against the Saxons that served to establish his credentials as a leader and military commander. It was these actions that united Western Europe into the Holy Roman Empire, an Empire over which Charlemagne was made emperor in the year 800 CE by then Pope Leo III. Some historical sources suggest that Charlemagne was unaware of the Pope’s plans to make him emperor and took the seat with reluctance – this has been disputed by many historians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharlemagne was to rule the empire for 14 years, and despite his sometimes brutal military campaigns he also made many educational reforms – creating libraries and expanding budgets for schools, as well as increasing the perceived value of literature, scholarship, and music. Upon his death the empire passed to his son, and he was buried in a cathedral in what would one day be Western Germany. The history of Charlemagne contains a strange mix of fact and fiction, and nowhere is this more evident than in the tale of his sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalled Joyeuse (“Joyful” in French), Charlemagne’s sword was the stuff of legend. The origins of the sword are suitably fantastical; it was supposedly of the same make as the legendary sword Durendal, which was brought to earth from heaven by an angel. Other sources suggest that it was forged from, or at least partially contained, part of the spear that pierced the side of Christ as he hung from the cross. Joyeuse supposedly had a dazzling appearance – The Song of Roland, a famous 11th-century epic poem that depicts a period of Charlemagne’s reign, describes the sword thusly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“”[Charlemagne] was wearing his fine white coat of mail and his helmet with gold-studded stones; by his side hung Joyeuse, and never was there a sword to match it; its colour changed thirty times a day.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e                The fate of Charlemagne’s sword remains unknown; however, a sword that is purported to have been his has been used at the coronation of French kings since the 12th century. This sword was kept with other articles of ceremonial regalia in the royal abbey of Saint-Denis and brought out for ceremony. Moved to the Musée du Louvre in 1793, the artifact – now referred to as the true Sword of Charlemagne – was used one last time at the coronation of Charles X before being retired to the Louvre where it remains to this day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the identity of this sword as belonging to Charlemagne is unconfirmed, it is certainly a piece of stunning beauty. The famous golden handle appears to be a composite piece – the winged dragon crossguard, for example, is from the 12th century, while the handle appears to have been made in the 13th or 14th century. The pommel, however, appears to be ornamented in the style of 10th or 11th century Scandinavia, suggesting it may be the oldest piece of hardware on the sword. The age of the blade is disputed, with dates ranging anywhere from the 9th century (making it possible to have indeed been Charlemagne’s sword) to the 13th century (putting its identity as the fabled Joyeuse in doubt). Despite its uncertain origin, the sword currently displayed in the Louvre is carries a rich history and is traditionally associated with the sword carried by the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe hope you enjoy Darksword Armory's take on on this sword of history and legend.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172240580665,"sku":"1315","price":615.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13151-9.jpg?v=1763123000"},{"product_id":"the-high-king-sword","title":"The High King Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eInspired by the sword of the Mountain from Game of Thrones.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDarksword Armory's largest sword to date. The massive 2 1\/4″ inch broad blade is designed with the claymore in mind, able to be an effective weapon for single combat or in large battles. A foot soldier with this in hand would be able to sweep a knight in armor off of their heavy horse and finish them off on the ground. The 12 inch handle allows for a wide, two-handed grip, maximizing the torque that can be applied in each swing. The tang on this sword is wide and thick, and becomes visible when it passes through the open pommel. The guard is a slightly curved modern design, which is Darksword Armory's way of adding a personal touch on this piece that is inspired from history, mythology, and fantasy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Red Oak Wrapped in Leather\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 58″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 43″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2 1\/4″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4 lbs 15 oz.\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 9″\u003cbr\u003eDistal Taper : Base: 5.8mm | Midpoint: 4.2mm | Tip: 3.3mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe History\u003cbr\u003eIreland has a rich history of tradition and mythology. From antiquity and medieval sources we hear tales of heroes and faeries, gods and monsters, that have passed from legend into scholarship and popular culture. One of the most prominent figures in Irish lore, however, was not an individual but an office – the Ard-Rí, High King over all Ireland, who brought together the smaller warring kingdoms under one rule.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInspiration and Development\u003cbr\u003eThe High Kings of Ireland purportedly ruled over Ireland from 1500 BC until the Norman invasion in the late 12th century AD, though scholars are quick to point out that much of that early history is considered to be mythological. According to tradition, the list of High Kings includes many heroes of Irish lore including Lugh of the Long Arm. Lugh is a famous heroic figure in Irish mythology, having ruled as High King for two decades as well as being a member of the Tuath Dé Danann, the pantheon of the ancient Irish people. As High King, Lugh was granted Fragarach, the sword of the sea god Manannán mac Lir. The magic blade Fragarach (Gaelic for “The Answerer”) was a powerful sword forged by the gods and capable of cutting down the walls of a city. The legends also stated no one could lie when The Answerer was held to their throat as it magically compelled people to speak the truth. Fragarach passed through the hands of several of Ireland’s High Kings, and is one of several mythic weapons associated with the seat of power that ruled over Ireland for over 2000 years. The Darksword Armory High King Sword is inspired by those legends.\u003cbr\u003eDistinctive Features\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most distinctive features of this particular sword is the pommel, which has an open ring shape. This style is typically called an “Irish Ring Hilt,” and has been seen on historical Irish swords as well as examples in Celtic artwork. It has also made its appearance in modern fantasy, most recently on the sword belonging to the warrior known as “The Mountain” in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The High King takes some of its inspiration from all of those sources, and is Darksword Armory's take on a mythological Irish weapon once wielded by those ancient rulers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172364476473,"sku":"1548","price":830.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15481-9.jpg?v=1763123473"},{"product_id":"the-wolfsbane-norse-viking-sword","title":"The Wolfsbane Norse Viking Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eInspired by Norse Mythology\u003cbr\u003eAmalgamating modern romanticism of  Norse folklore and excavated Viking swords of great importance, the Wolfsbane is a beautifully crafted testament to the arts, culture and beliefs of the Viking people. Luxuriously handcrafted from the finest material, the Wolfsbane sword is a distinguished Viking weapon catering to the most discriminating collector. Richly detailed solid bronze guard and pommel, Painstakingly crafted Red Oak handle; the Wolfsbane is a heirloom quality piece reminiscent of the migration age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wolf, representing fearsome strength and doom, was one of the most potent symbols in the Viking world. Deep set in mythology and mysticism, The wolf and Norse mythology remained at the core of the developmental process. Aggregating all essential elements of Viking life, artistry and Norse Mythology, the Wolfsbane Viking Sword exemplifies the peak of Viking culture amalgamated with modern imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mythological symbol of the wolf is balanced by mirroring self images. Carefully cast solid bronze fittings and a carved oak handle, The Norse Wolf, as a steward of Viking culture and Mythology, is at the core of this Viking sword.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecification:\u003cbr\u003eHand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDifferential Hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the Edge; 48-50 at the core.\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Solid bronze\u003cbr\u003eGrip: Ebony\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 48″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 37″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 9 oz)\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 6″Distal Taper (at the edge): 1.54mm (base); 1.3mm (midpoint); 1.27mm (tip)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Norsemen invaded, burned and plundered foreign shores, legends and mythology were born. Doomed gods walked among men, gathering their strength for the final battle at the end of the world. It is little wonder that when our imagination takes us into the most gripping realms of fantasy, we cannot help but turn to the myths and legends of the North.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wolf was one of the most potent symbols of the Norse mythology. It represented fearsome strength and doom. A symbol of royalty and power across the Nordic world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggregating all essential elements of Viking life, artistry and Norse Mythology, the Wolfsbane exemplifies the peak of Viking culture amalgamated with modern imagination.The mythological symbol of the wolf is balanced by mirroring self images. Meticulously crafted fittings and handle, The Norse Wolf, as a steward of Viking culture and Mythology, is at the core of this Viking sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fenris Wolf, offspring of Loki and Angrboda, destined to kill Odin rests on the solid bronze guard. Its fetters are worked into knotwork inspired by the Jelling Stone. The Fenris Wolf’s head snarls on the pommel, while on the handle, the wolves Geri and Freki, the loyal companions of Odin who hunger for the bodies of the slain in battle, lay intertwined.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172370309177,"sku":"1544","price":810.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15441-12.jpg?v=1763123837"},{"product_id":"two-handed-danish-sword","title":"Two handed Danish Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eDanish Two Handed Sword\u003cbr\u003eType XVIIIe, Medieval Sword\u003cbr\u003efifteenth Century (1410-1500)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history of Denmark is filled with tumultuous periods of war and strife, conflicts driven by the same political and religious factors that were widespread throughout Medieval and Post-Medieval Europe. Smaller kingdoms were swallowed up by larger, and larger kingdoms splintered apart. The Two-Handed Danish Sword is based on the weapons of this region, specifically on the Oakeshott Type XVIIIe. This distinctive, powerful thrusting sword is one of Darksword Armory's most sought-after designs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 50″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 39″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width: 1.5″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs. 15 oz.\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4 inches (the shoulder)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early history of Denmark, as part of the Nordic region, is dominated by the Viking age. The early Danes – or those who would become the early Danes – inhabited Denmark from the late 5th\/early 6th century and onward. Epic poems (including Beowulf, one of the most well-known Old English documents in history) make reference to the Danes as fierce warriors. And not without reason; at the onset of the 9th century the Danes – like others in the Norse lands – participated in the exploration, settlement, and enthusiastic plunder the Vikings were so well known for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDanish Vikings raided, traded, and conquered their way across Europe, establishing settlements in England, France, Ireland, and across the Netherlands. Their shipbuilding and navigation skills were so great that they settled as far away as Greenland, and even made contact with the Americas. The Danish lands existed over a wide area of Western and Northern Europe in one form or another for centuries. As the Middle Ages progressed the kingdom of Denmark went through multiple changes in borders and leadership due to pressures and turmoil inside and out. War was not just a common feature of Denmark’s history, it was a way of life – and other nations did not enter into battle with them lightly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to this fairly colorful history, the Danes became known for some distinctive weaponry, of which this Danish Two-Handed battle ready Sword is an example. This medieval sword is classified as an Oakeshott Type XVIIIe, a very unusual member of the Type XVIII group. While it is believed that some examples of this group may be German or Italian in origin, the vast majority of Type XVIIIe medieval swords have been found almost exclusively in Denmark. Sword scholar Ewart Oakeshott in his 1964 volume The Sword in the Age of Chivalry remarked, “So many of these swords have been found in Denmark (including one which belonged to King Christian I, 1450-1481) that it may be said they are a characteristically Danish type” (p. 72). These Two-Handed Danish swords are some of the few that can be safely tied to a specific region. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique and defining characteristic of this type of sword is its unusual narrowed ricasso. It features a long, stiff diamond shaped blade with an extremely long handle, making it suitable for cut and thrust swordplay as many other swords were in the later 15th Century. Light and well balanced, this two handed battle ready sword has excellent cutting and thrusting abilities. Guided and balanced with the decorated globe pommel, the pointed guard can be used as a weapon capable of stabbing under the gorget and helmet, effectively defeating the opponent. The Danish Two handed battle ready sword’s long, unsharpened ricasso can be gripped to shorten up the blade for closer work. This option to fight with the “half sword” makes the Danish Two-Handed Medieval Sword an incredibly versatile weapon, able to be wielded as a two-handed sword or almost as a short spear when gripped at the ricasso. One of the most unique swords of the Late Medieval Period, The Two-Handed Danish Sword is sure to impress\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172372176953,"sku":"1352","price":615.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13521-13.jpg?v=1763124128"},{"product_id":"the-black-death-gothic-sword","title":"The Black Death Gothic Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eInspired by Type XVIIIa blades of the fifteenth century, and characteristics of Darksword Armory's Gothic Two Handed Sword ; The Black Death follows the typical gothic patterns of the battle ready swords of the later part of medieval period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 51″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 38.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4lbs. 1oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey died by the hundreds, both day and night,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    and all were thrown in … ditches and covered with earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    And as soon as those ditches were filled, more were dug.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    And I, Agnolo di Tura … buried my five children with my own hands …\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    And so many died that all believed it was the end of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Agnolo di Tura del Grasso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew words carry the weight, the cold horror, the twisting fear as does this – Plague.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite innovations both technological and cultural, the human race in Europe was very nearly wiped out during the 14th century by a disease we now call the bubonic plague. Beginning in the 1340’s were decades of death by one of the most virulent diseases in history – one that would kill between 75 and 200 million people before it had run its course in the early 15th century. The death rate in Europe was recently estimated at nearly 45-50%. Carried by diseased rats and spread to humans via fleas, it was a remarkably infectious and deadly disease, killing most victims within a week of infection. It was also an almost unimaginably painful way to die, as victims suffered with agonizing black boils and enormous tumors for days before drowning in infected lungs. These black boils may have led to the plague’s most common nomenclature – The Black Death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo Europe’s inhabitants, it seemed like the end of days – and it almost was. It was also a crisis of faith on an unbelievable scale that changed the course of Europe’s culture forever. For centuries afterward The Black Death had a lasting impact on culture, drawing out morbidity and mortality as primary themes in art and architecture. Stark lines, images of deep sorrow, even specters of death grew to prominence during this period as Europe struggled to cope with a tragedy on such an epic scale. These themes spread across the continent and established themselves as primary features in many cities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParis was one such city, embracing gothic architecture and letting the suffering of the Black Death seep into its marrow in a way that never quite left. Indeed, one of the first examples of the Danse Macabre (a classical image of Gothic morbidity) appeared in Paris at the Church of the Holy Innocents less than twenty years after the last resurgence of the plague in Europe. It should be no surprise, then, that when faced with a public health crisis even centuries after the plague itself that they allowed a solution to blossom that was gothic on a truly inspired level. During the 18th century Paris was running out of room for graveyards, and the health issues caused by so many burials within their walls – especially the smell – that a solution had to be found. City officials decreed that graveyards would be emptied, and the remains were sent to a network of caves, quarries, and tunnels twisting and turning for hundreds of miles beneath the city.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom this decision was born the Paris Catacombs. Within the Catacombs lie the remains of an estimated 6 million people, most of them skeletal. Unlike traditional burial grounds, though, the bones removed to the Paris Catacombs Catacombs_of_Paris, were arranged with an eye towards Gothic sensibilities – as macabre a scene as you could ever find in all of Europe. Miles of tunnels are lines with artistically arranged skulls and bones combines with crosses and other religious iconography, creating a grim yet beautiful reminder of mortality. Currently the Paris Catacombs are a tourist attraction, though not one without risks – there are long portions that are off-limits and unmapped, and modern Parisians have gotten lost while exploring, and died alone in the darkness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Death Gothic Sword was inspired by a journey through the Paris catacombs by Darksword Armory founder Eyal Azerad in April 2013. A classical 15th Century type XVIIIa longsword blade has been paired with inspirational guard and pommel to create a unique concept piece. The guard and pommel have been given a dark, almost sinister appearance to fit in with the overall theme of sorrow and death. The Black Death Gothic Sword is an exceptional take on the Gothic-era swords, and would fit as a historically-inspired collector’s piece or as a weapon for cosplaying someone from Gothic-inspired fiction, such as a vampire hunter. In either case, we hope this sword will communicate the sense of fleeting mortality that inspired it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172376109113,"sku":"1372","price":680.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13721-12.jpg?v=1763124544"},{"product_id":"12th-century-templar-sword","title":"12th Century Templar Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003e12th Century Templar Sword\u003cbr\u003eOriginal found in the Schweizerishches Landesmuseum, Zurich.\u003cbr\u003eType XIIIa\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 47.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 36″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2.2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4 lbs 10 oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassified as type XIIIa by Oakeshott, the Two handed Templar stands as one of the most significant swords of the medieval period. Favoured for its reach and devastating cutting abilities, the two handed sword gained ground as the most venerated weapon of the 12th and 13th c.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s wide blade and reach provided the knights with unmatched ability to break and penetrate the ever developing armors of the 13th century.\u003cbr\u003eAs single-handed swords became inadequate against the leather and mail armor of the 13th C. heavier blades with wider blades were needed to break the mail and cut through leather armor. Hence the one handed swords of previous centuries were gradually replaced by larger cutting swords of the 12-13th C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumerous variations are found throughout the European continent, establishing a general conformity and indicating a clear pattern of influence among smiths of the time. Variations are found in the Royal Armoury of Turin, the Imperial Treasury of Vienna, the Royal Armoury of Madrid and in the Hermitage, Petrograd. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two handed battle ready swords (12th century medieval sword) delivered powerful shearing cuts, and while large in size, they were still dynamic and responsive in their handling qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword of the Templar was not considered a mere weapon, but a religious relic. The crucifix Guard served not only for praying prior to battle, but also as a counter block in combat. The Guard, individually crafted from mild steel and finely shaped with smooth lines, is further accentuated by the rich leather wrapped Oak handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand crafted and properly engineered for durability in combat, the Two Handed Templar Sword is a very solid, responsive, and surprisingly well balanced for a sword of this statute. The blade, hand forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel, is skillfully Dual Hardened for precise cutting while remaining flexible for enduring combat. In a nutshell, the Two handed Templar Sword is a finely crafted sword that is built to last!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172379746361,"sku":"1340","price":675.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13401-7.jpg?v=1763125132"},{"product_id":"two-handed-norman-sword","title":"Two Handed Norman Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Two handed Norman Sword, Known for its crucifix form, is the quintessential medieval sword. Presented in the Bayeux Tapestry: an embroidery that depicts the Norman Conquest, the Norman Sword, classified as type XI with elements of type XIIa, is elegant in its simplicity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003eDual Hardened HRc 60 48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 45.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 35.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width : 2″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Thickness: 2.02mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3lbs 13oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 6.5″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“See, I grasp England in my hand”. – William the Conqueror\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Two handed Norman Sword, Known for its crucifix form, is the quintessential medieval sword. Presented in the Bayeux Tapestry: an embroidery that depicts the Norman Conquest, the Norman Sword, classified as type XI with elements of type XIIa, is elegant in its simplicity. The Normans (also called Northmen or Norsemen) were the descendants of the Scandinavian Vikings who raided the European coastal settlements at the outset of the 8th century. Under the leadership of Rollo, a Viking raider, the Norsemen established control over an area of what would one day be known as France. Their control over this area was so absolute that they were granted ownership by Frankish King Charles III, called Charles the Simple, in 911 CE. The Scandinavian Vikings who raided the European coastal settlements at the outset of the 8th century had become not only landed immigrants, but title-holding nobility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Darksword armory, working on the Two Handed Norman Sword was a Challenging endeavor. Given the historical significance and popularity of Norman swords, they opted to recreate a Two handed version of the traditional single handed Norman swords depicted in the Bayeux tapestry. The Guard, being very symbolic, served not only as a cross for praying prior to battles and ceremonies, but also as a counter block in combat. The Guard, individually crafted from mild steel and finely shaped with smooth octagonal lines, is further accentuated by the decorated leather wrapped Oak handle. The two handed Norman sword is not only one of our best sellers, it is one of the top picks in our collection. Hand crafted and properly engineered for durability in combat, the Two Handed Norman sword, is a very solid, responsive, and perfectly balanced weapon. The blade, hand forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel, is skillfully Dual Hardened for precise cutting while remaining flexible for enduring combat. In a nutshell, the Two handed Norman Sword is a finely crafted sword that is built to last!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172382924857,"sku":"1336","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13361-10.jpg?v=1763125826"},{"product_id":"the-anduril-sword","title":"The Anduril Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lord of the Rings Anduril sword is a recreation from the popular trilogy written by J.R,.R. Tolkien. The Anduril is hand Crafted with 5160 High Carbon steel, dual hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the edge and 48-50 at the core. The beautifully detailed leather handle is accentuated by the unique pommel, making this one of the most recognized fantasy swords. The blade is forged with a deep full length fuller. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003eDual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 47.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length : 36″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width: 2.3″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 5lbs 3 oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 3″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The Sword of Elendil was forged anew by Elvish smiths, and on its blade was traced a device of seven stars set between the crescent Moon and rayed Sun, and about them was written many runes; for Aragorn son of Arathorn was going to war upon the marches of Mordor. Very bright was that sword when it was made whole again; the light of the sun shone redly in it, and the light of the moon shone cold, its edge was hard and keen. And Aragorn gave it a new name and called it Andúril, Flame of the West.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1937, a British First World War veteran and college professor named John Ronald Reuel Tolkien quietly published an unusual book. The book was entitled, “The Hobbit,” and was the sort of story that – unexpectedly to its author – gripped the imagination of every generation since. The Hobbit was the first of Tolkien’s books set in the land of Middle-earth, a fictionalized version of Europe’s long distant past. The most famous of these books was The Lord of the Rings, a three-part epic high fantasy novel that was absolutely formative for the fantasy genre and the subject of inspiration (if not outright plagiarism) for every author that came afterward. Films and stage productions have been made of his works, college and universities teach courses and seminars about the meaning of his books – were they pure fiction? Or political allegory?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn letters written later in his life, Tolkien admitted that his books were not (as was the popular understanding) an allegory for the Second World War, or even for the First World War in which he served and lost all but one of his childhood friends. Instead, his books were intended to be a modern take on the classic faerie story – a tale that would have not only internal consistency but outward applicability in any age. Perhaps this is why the stories continue to give inspiration and meaning to people born many decades since they were originally written – a fact that would please Tolkien greatly. And as a faerie story, there are many examples of strange and magical weapons in the pages of The Lord of the Rings – none are more famous than Anduril.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to understand the importance of the Anduril sword, one must first understand its position in the history of Middle-earth. During a time known as the Second Age there was a great island kingdom called Númenor, whose kings were descendants of a union of Humans and Elves. This mighty race of explorers grew powerful, and prideful in their power, so much so that they sought even to challenge the gods. This was to be their downfall, and the island of Númenor was sunk beneath the ocean in a terrible cataclysm. The surviving few, a faithful remnant of Númenor, travelled to the mainland and founded the kingdoms-in-exile of Gondor and Arnor. The ruler of these kingdoms was Elendil, High King, and out of the ruins of Númenor he carried with him the ancient sword Narsil – an heirloom from the first king of the Númenoreans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWar came to Middle-earth, and Elendil raised up his people to march along side the Elves and their King, Gil-galad. The Last Alliance brought their might against the forces of Mordor and the Dark Lord Sauron, who wielded the terrible power of the One Ring against them. Forced to face Sauron himself in single combat, the sword Narsil was broken and Eldendil was slain. Isildur, the heir of Elendil, took up the broken shard of Narsil and cut the One Ring from Sauron’s hand, ending his terrible reign over the free peoples of Middle-earth. The shards of Narsil were passed down in the family, even after the House of Elendil fell into decay and they were Kings no longer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the events of the first book of The Lord of the Rings begin, the One Ring (thought lost to time for centuries) has been found, and the scattered remnants of the people of Middle-earth must rally for another war. A distant descendant of Elendil – the ranger Aragorn, not a king but a wanderer in the wilderness – must take up both the cause of his ancestors and the blade to defeat Sauron once and for all. The shards of Narsil are reforged by the Elves, and into Aragorn’s hands is given a new sword – Anduril, the Flame of the West. Aragorn rises to lead Middle-earth, Anduril in hand, and bring them out of the shadow and into a future free from Sauron’s tyranny as the new king of Gondor. Anduril is at the center of this mythological story arc, as depicted in the poem Tolkien wrote about the hero Aragorn’s journey:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll that is gold does not glitter,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eNot all those who wander are lost;\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe old that is strong does not wither,\u003cbr\u003eDeep roots are not reached by the frost.\u003cbr\u003eFrom the ashes a fire shall be woken,\u003cbr\u003eA light from the shadows shall spring;\u003cbr\u003eRenewed shall be blade that was broken,\u003cbr\u003eThe crownless again shall be king.\u003cbr\u003e-J.R.R. Tolkien\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs fans of Tolkien’s incredible works, Darksword Armory was pleased to recreate the sword of the King of Gondor. The Darksword Armory Anduril is hand Crafted with 5160 High Carbon steel, dual hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the edge and 48-50 at the core. The beautifully detailed leather handle is accentuated by the unique pommel, making this one of the most recognized fantasy swords. The blade is forged with a deep full length fuller. The Anduril sword, as with all their swords, is a powerful battle ready sword, capable of delivering considerable damage with a two-handed swing. This is a favorite among fantasy sword collectors, and for good reason. We are proud to contribute even in a small way to the appreciation of the work of a literary master such as Tolkien.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172405076025,"sku":"1316","price":935.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13161-15.jpg?v=1763127917"},{"product_id":"scottish-claymore","title":"Scottish Claymore","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe two-handed highland Claymore, or “claidheamh mor” in Scottish Gaelic, was one of the final developments of the distinctive Scottish sword. By the 16th century, the single-handed Scottish sword with its down-turned quillons had evolved not just into a basket-hilted variety of the same blade, but also a long, two-handed sword with an unique quatrefoil guard. The Claymore was an aggressive infantry weapon. Too large to use on horseback or with a shield. It delivered overpowering blows that would sweep aside any efforts to block or parry. For over two hundred years, the Claymore witnessed inter-clan rivalries and used in wars against the English crown until the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003eDual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 48″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 36.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4 lbs 4 oz.\u003cbr\u003eBlade thickness: 1.88 mm\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 5″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScottish swords, like many European swords during the Middle Ages, have their origin in the earlier Norse longswords (which were themselves and evolution of the Roman Spatha). While art and surviving examples show us that many swords used in Scotland during the Middle Ages closely resembled the swords of England and the rest of Europe, distinctive Scottish designs – especially including a guard with down-turned arms, often flared at the tips. This design became closely associated with inter-clan warfare as well as Scottish conflicts with the English.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the 16th century, the single-handed Scottish sword with its down-turned quillons had evolved into a basket-hilted variety with the same double-edged blade. The Scottish Basket-Hilt sword would continue to be in use even into the 20th century, and could have been remembered as the distinctive Scottish sword. However, as the Basket-Hilt sword developed there was a parallel evolution occurring – one that scaled up the double-edged sword into a long, two-handed sword. Both Highland and Lowland varieties appeared on the scene in Scotland, but it would be the Highland Claymore – with it’s unique quatrefoil guard – that would most closely be associated with the Medieval weapons of the Scottish clans. While the first swords that would become known as Claymores appeared in the 1400’s, the claidheamh mor name – meaning “great sword” – was not commonly applied to this two-handed weapon until the 18th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaymores were fearsome weapons, capable of taking out even armoured foes. Its broad, heavy blade was capable of severing limbs, heads, and weapons from their owners. Some sources indicate that a Scottish warrior would advance while swinging the blade in a figure eight pattern, putting any who may approach at risk of decapitation. Even mounted foes would be at risk as a Claymore was fully capable of severing legs, even heads, from fast-moving horses. The Claymore became known not only for its presence in Scottish clan conflicts but in the ongoing border strife with English forces. Its brutal effectiveness is likely why this weapon was used well into the 18th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on an early 16th century sample, the Darksword Armory Claymore is gracefully engineered as a tough high-impact, yet impressively balanced weapon. The quatrefoil quillons are carefully crafted from originals on display in the Scottish National Museum, the British Museum, The Royal Ontario Museum and The Royal Armouries (Leeds). The blade, specifically designed to deliver devastating strikes, is elegant in its simplicity. The Claymore is a weapon evocative of the Scottish highlands, and the fierce clansmen who lived, fought, and died there.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172406616121,"sku":"1319","price":720.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13191-14.jpg?v=1763128479"},{"product_id":"the-warmonger-barbarian-sword","title":"The Warmonger Barbarian Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis barbarian sword is the most complicated piece Darksword Armory has made to date.  The complex and elaborate segmented bronze casting rendered this an incredibly complex project. The fitting of the long ‘claw’ guard to the blade was no easy endeavor. While the guard and pommel are crafted from solid bronze, the blade is forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel, dual hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the cutting edge and 48-50 at the core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimited to 1,500 Worldwide, each is individually numbered by Certificate and Hand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60 \u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 44.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs. 8 oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design for the barbarian sword began as an inspirational piece while Eyal, the owner of Darksword, was in Paris. While walking he stumbled on a beautiful door knocker with intertwining snakes. The result was a brainstorming session with Darksword Amory's designer to finally create the Warmonger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImposing, intimidating and brutish, the Warmonger is the quintessential fantasy sword, capable of delivering devastating blows. The mythic blade, with its crisp deep fuller, is inspired the Viking swords recounted in the legendary sages of the northern peoples, known as fornaldarsaga.  The Warmonger sword is individually hand forged and battle ready. The impressive resilient crisp blade is specifically engineered to penetrate plate armor with searing strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrutish yet refined, the Warmonger sword is in a class by itself. Relatively light, responsive and classically styled, the Warmonger Barbarian sword delivers what it was designed to do! Backed by their commitment and reputation for forging some of the most durable swords in the industry, the Warmonger is faithfully crafted and stands as a legacy to the fantasy lore of the Warrior Norse mythology.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe blade has a thick ricasso that transitions into a single fuller double edged design that has norse runes inscribed, reading, “Let my blade be your last warning”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172407795769,"sku":"1320","price":935.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13201-13.jpg?v=1763128903"},{"product_id":"the-sovereign-15th-c-renaissance-sword","title":"The Sovereign 15th C. Renaissance Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eTaking inspiration from both Medieval French and German swords, the Sovereign is a late 15th century style arming sword with an Oakeshott type XVIII blade. The guard is decorated with a floral French motif, while the pommel is directly cast from a 15th century Katzbalger in the collection of the Sovereign co designer, Eyal Azerad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand forged, the Sovereign’s blade is made from 5160 steel and deferentially heat treated to a Rockwell of 53 at the core and 60 at the cutting edge, giving the sword astounding toughness and flexibility. Light, agile, durable, and sturdy, this is an arming sword that any Medieval soldier would have been proud to call his own.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 41″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eGuard \u0026amp; Pommel: Solid bronze\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs 13oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the 15th century drew to a close, the nature of the battlefield – and the Renaissance Sword – was changing. The rise of towns and cities across Europe created the infrastructure required to produce blades in greater quality and numbers. No longer affordable only by the nobility, the sword became an infantry weapon, provided by the quartermaster and used by the common soldier on the battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikewise, advances in armouring technology created a new battlefield where adaptability mattered at least as much as striking power. With the sword now used by both mounted knight and foot soldier, the blade had to be able to pierce the plate armour of the knight as well as a strike against the variety of armor used by the infantry. The blade evolved to have a strong, reinforced tip for thrusting while retaining an edge built for cutting. Known as a cut-and-thrust sword, this flexibility was often the difference between life and death in the heat of combat, regardless of if its bearer was an infantryman or a mounted knight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCo-designed by Darksword Armory and American bladesmith Bruce Brookhart. Taking inspiration from both Medieval French and German Swords, the Renaissance is a late 15th-century style arming sword with an Oakeshott type XVIII blade. The guard is decorated with a floral French motif while the ‘Writhen’ pommel is cast directly from a 15th century Katzbalger in the collection of the Renaissance co-designer, Eyal Azerad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruce Brookhart is an American bladesmith and weapon designer. Bruce worked closely with Hank Reinhardt for over 15 years and consulted Ewart Oakeshott for over a decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sovereign is one of those swords that the entire staff was excited to work on. While using an historical example of the arming sword blade, Eyal, owner of Darksword Armory, worked closely with fellow designer, Terry, to create a beautifully clean, yet sophisticated sword with an equally beautiful guard and scent stopper pommel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe designers vision for this arming sword, was to create a medieval weapon worthy of the aristocratic echelon of society.  They wanted to create a smooth or clean design while injecting the fittings with elegant details, prevalent during the 14th to the 16th centuries.  While great importance was bequeathed to the elegance and the symmetry of the fittings, close attention was set on the blade’s performance and balance. They felt that a simple diamond blade would not do justice to the vision They had for the Sovereign.  So they decided that a deep hollow ground diamond blade had to be fitted on this sword.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the 15th century, the arming sword became the primary medieval weapon of the aristocracy. As armor became increasingly layered, the arming sword becausearming-swords-leeds-royal-armory-museum-black-prince-sword the medieval weapon of choice for both the mounted knight as well as the foot soldier of considerable status. Shorter than longswords, the Arming sword was perfect for the onslaught of close quarter combat. It was light, well balanced and had a sharp tapper and stiff tip, specifically designed to puncture heavy armor. The Arming sword proved to be a devastating weapon again the heavy plated armor of the time. The heavily tapered blade gave the sword devastating stabbing force against plated armor, while retaining it’s destructive cutting edge. The sword came to be known as the ‘Arming swords’ because it became the weapon of choice for English, French and German forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe designers examined numerous type XV swords during visits to the British museum in London and the Royal armouries, in Leeds. All examples presenting similarities in regards to blade type, varying from flat diamond shape (such as the example in the Wallace collection inventory 22A), to hollow ground diamond blades in the Royal Armoury Museum in Leeds. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassified as a type XV by Ewart Okeshott the Sovereign arming sword is a one handed medieval weapon. While mainly popular during the 14th and 15th C, some sources suggest that type XV swords made their appearance as early as the latter part of the 13th century. These arming swords however, were made with flattened diamond blades rather than hollow ground. According to Ewart Oakeshott, the heavily grounded diamond cross sectional blades of the arming swords began during the second quarter of the 15th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sovereign’s perfect balance combined with deadly cutting and thrusting capabilities make it a perfect sword for both beginner and advanced students of the sword. Being perfectly balanced and relatively short, the Sovereign sword has become a favorite among beginners ‘of the sword’ seeking to perfect their form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe thick spine of the blade provides good stiffness. This makes the Sovereign sword manageable and powerful, with excellent thrusting ability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing an arming sword with superb balance, this one handed medieval weapon gives little resistance. It handles very well with one hand use, permitting the use of a shield, for students of mode I-33, on the opposite hand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sovereign sword has a very deep tapering, giving the sword an excellent piercing ability against chain mail and plate armor. The deadly thrusting tip can penetrate 18g armor, but is mainly used to thrust through opening under the armpits, gorgets, pauldrons, and other openings in the armor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile primarily a thrusting weapon, the stiff blade of the arming sword makes it an excellent cutter against any appropriate target. The sword’s stiff blade and sharp edge will penetrate or cut through most targets with little effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sovereign Arming sword is not only a beautiful medieval sword, it is truly an exceptionally well balanced medieval weapon. Easily wieldable and very responsive, it provides both novice and experienced users a very good performing battle ready weapon which will easily cut and thrust through most targets set against it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“the four faces of the blade, instead of being flat or very gently hollowed, are so strongly hollowed out that a newaly flad blade with a powerful upstanding mid-rib  results….surviving examples seem not to date earlier than 1425” (Ewart Oakeshott, “The Sword in the Age of Chivalry” p, 59). During this period, sword geometry evolved to balance thrusting with the cutting geometry of previous periods. It was during this period that blade geometry began morphing more quickly as a response to the technological advances of the full plate armor of the medieval knights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs such, Darksword Armory designed the sword with a deep hollow ground blade rather than a flat diamond cross sectional one. The blade is stiff and has a four-sided triangle-shape profile, with a diamond cross section, acute point and no fuller. Such blades were popular from the 15th century among the nobility for their resilience, light weight, dexterity and devastating thrusting capabilities. Due to their light weight and potent thrusting abilities, this powerful and effective sword became the prevailing weapon of the 15th C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArming swords were exclusively owned by the elite aristocracy (The medieval knight of the time). That said however, arming sword with flattened diamond blades were also used by the foot soldiers. Their use was so common among the knights of the German, French and English forces that it came to be known as the quintessential sword of the medieval knight of the 14th and 15th century.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing specifically designed for close quarter combat, we wanted the Sovereign to have superb handling capabilities, an exceptional response and a very good PoB (point of balance). Paying considerable attention to the PoB, the Sovereign is an exceptionally easy sword to handle for both experienced and amateur sword enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword is a very responsive sword that feels ‘alive’ and light in the hand. Easily wieldable even in novice hands, the Sovereign sword’s characteristics make it a medieval weapon of choice for all collectors. The sword is perfectly balance for swift movement and powerful delivery in both cut and thrust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile making a sword made to fit the aristocrats of medieval society, the fittings had to be cast in a worthy material. We therefore decided to cast the pommel and guard with bronze, with an antique ‘pattina’. Bonze pellets are carefully placed in a crucible. The bronze pellets are melted and air forced into the wax molds of the Sovereign.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172415037497,"sku":"1322","price":660.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13221-11.jpg?v=1763129857"},{"product_id":"the-black-prince-sword","title":"The Black Prince Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe English Prince Edward of Woodstock, “The Black Prince of Wales”, is well known to scholars of art, history, literature and theater for his chivalrous and occasionally non-chivalrous actions. Although eldest son of King Edward III, The Black Prince was never crowned king – Dead before his father, the crown passed to his son Richard instead.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003e5160 High Carbon Steel, Dual Hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the cutting edge\u003cbr\u003e48-50 At the core\u003cbr\u003eFittings: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 50″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 39″\u003cbr\u003eHandle: 8″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 1.75″\u003cbr\u003eblade thickness: 1.48 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 2 oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 2″\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the 16th C. Edward of Woodstock came to be popularly dubbed as “The Black Prince.” A name more recognized for Edward’s legacy, possibly issued from his black (blued) armour. This title may also have come from his temper, lack of mercy and derision towards the lower classes, in spite of his chivalrous beliefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe popularity of Edward III’s sword was surely affected when a medieval sword, discovered during the mid-20th century, was identified by Ewart Oakeshott as the sword of the Black Prince. Thought to have been stolen from Edward’s tomb centuries earlier, The Black Prince sword became one of the most recognizable artefacts of 14th Century. Simply yet elegant in form, the Black Prince sword reflected the aesthetic direction of favouring clean crisp lines. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the progress of the full plated armour of the mounted knight,  blade smiths began manufacturing longer two handed sword blades  that were stiff instead of flexible, with a diamond cross sections that would reinforce the tip. These swords, engineered to thrust through the gaps in armour, revolutionized medieval warfare techniques during later part of the middle ages. Previous sword types, engineered with an emphasis on cutting, were unable to inflict more than percussive damage against the armoured knight. Hence, the advent of the type XVa longswords became the most essential part of the medieval Knight’s arsenal. The stiff diamond shaped hollow ground needle tip blade was not only capable of powerful cuts, but offered exceptional advantages with their keen ability to pierce through the ever developing plate armour.  With its diamond shaped hollow ground cross-sectional blade, the Black Prince sword is representative of the changing role of the sword on the battle battlefield.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the 14th C. onwards, the sword began to be used not just as a battlefield weapon, but as a civilian weapon as well. Starting in Germany and then Italy, sword masters such as Johannes Liechtenauer (late 14thc)  and Fiore dei Liberi (c.1340-1420) trained students in the use of the sword, not on the battlefield but in the judicial duel against unarmoured and armoured opponents. With the type XVa We see the development of a true cut-and-thurst sword and one of the most successful sword types in Europe. In a period where art, status and functionality was of prime importance, the XVa longsword was a coveted weapon of war and social status.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the preliminary steps of the making of the Black Prince sword, Darksword Armory set out to create a medieval sword worthy of the aristocracy. They set to design the sword with minimalist and clean lines while preserving the historical character of the guard and pommel. While great importance was bequeathed to the elegance and symmetry of the fittings, considerable attention was set on the blade’s performance, flex and balance. These elements easily made the Black Prince sword a favorite among customers. Not only for its exceptional handling characteristics but also for its elegance and simplicity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing an historical piece, They carefully examined the original in April 2016 at the Royal Armoury in Leeds, England. While creativity was kept to a minimum, given the historical character, They wanted the sword to have a deep hollow ground diamond shape blade specifically designed to penetrate plate armour with searing strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts resilient hollow ground blade provides this sword outstanding thrusting force and an extraordinary balance. Making the Black Prince sword a light, superbly responsive and very well balanced medieval weapon.  While being a two handed sword, the Black Prince sword combines the cutting capability of its predecessor while the added benefit of being a devastating thrusting weapon against the heavy plated armour of the day. Specifically engineered for armoured combat, we wanted the Black Prince sword to have superb handling capabilities, an exceptional response and a very good PoB (point of balance). Despite its long blade and size, the Black Prince is an exceptionally easy sword to handle for both experienced and amateur sword enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword is a very responsive sword that feels ‘alive’ and light in the hand. Easily wieldable even in novice hands, the Black Prince sword’s characteristics make it a medieval weapon of choice for all collectors. The sword is perfectly balance for swift movement and powerful delivery in both cut and thrust.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic in every detail, the Black Prince sword is individually hand forged from 5160 High Carbon Steel and Dual hardened to a Rockwell of 60 at the edge and 48-50 at the core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefined yet of elegant simplicity, the Black Prince sword is in a class by itself. Light, responsive and classically styled, the Black Prince sword delivers what it was designed to do! Backed by their commitment and reputation for forging some of the most durable swords in the industry, the black prince sword is faithfully crafted from the original and stands as a legacy to the perfection of sword making at the crowning of the 14th century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172420706361,"sku":"1326","price":665.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13261-12.jpg?v=1763130518"},{"product_id":"knight-bastard-medieval-sword","title":"Knight Bastard Medieval Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Medieval Knight Bastard Sword is a classic example of the Medieval swords found during the later part of the 14th C. These battle ready swords, along with their historical counterparts were commonly used by the nobility during the 100 years war, between England and France (1337 to 1453).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eFittings : Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eDistal Taper: 6.5mm – 3.7mm\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length: 44″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length : 32.5″\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 9″\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 3.5″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 3 oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medieval Knight Bastard Sword is a classic example of the Medieval swords found during the later part of the 14th C. As the European longsword developed through the middle ages, it adapted to suit the needs of the wielders. Early in the Medieval period the classic knightly sword was more commonly of the “arming sword” variety – single handed and double edged, meant to be wielded with a shield. As armor quality increased single handed swords as primary weapons became less effective, and were relegated to the position of sidearm. Longswords and two-handed sword became more prominent, being more effective against armored foes and more versatile in combat. An example of when these swords were commonly used would be by the nobility during the 100 years war between England and France (1337 to 1453).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe term “bastard sword” refers to any sword that can be used with equal effectiveness with either one hand or two; with one hand to pair with a shield or for extra reach, or with two hands for greater power and maneuverability. This particular reproduction by Darksword Armory is based on an original found in the Royal Armouries in Leeds, England. A fully battle ready type XIV blade tapers decisively from the hilt to along and graceful point, complimented by a deep fuller that travels roughly 2\/3the length of the blade. The guard is gently sloped from the hilt, which is wrapped in leather. A classic wheel pommel, common to the type XIV, completes the sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medieval Knight blade, crafted with a sharp taper, was common during the medieval swords of the 14th C. These highly tapered blades were engineered to counter the ever increasing plate armors emerging during the start of the 14th C. To offset these defensive measures, swords with long, narrow, deeply tapered blades and reinforced thrusting tips were favored, not only by the German and Italian armies, but also by the English, and later the French. While keeping the traditional crucifix form, the Medieval knight bastard sword’s guard curves slightly to block and parry incoming blows.  The guard is individually crafted from mild steel and finely shaped with smooth, classically elegant octagonal lines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe long hand-and-a-half handle allows the sword to be held in one or two handed fashion. While the base of the blade provides the strength to cut through opponents, the strong yet tapered tip allows for deadly thrusts, exceptional response and effective stabbing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand crafted and properly engineered for durability in combat, the Medieval Knight Bastard sword is a very solid, responsive, and perfectly balanced weapon. The blade, hand forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel, is skillfully Dual Hardened for exceptional cuts while remaining flexible for enduring combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all of Darksword Armory's swords, the Medieval Knight Bastard Sword is a battle ready sword, and is among their favorite medieval swords due to its clean lines, superb handling characteristics, and beautiful blade geometry.  It is authentic in every detail and classically elegant. The Medieval knight bastard sword will please even the most discriminating collector.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172432044089,"sku":"1329","price":665.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13291-14.jpg?v=1763130967"},{"product_id":"the-excalibur-sword","title":"The Excalibur Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eBased on one of the most recognizable props in movie history, the Excalibur exists at the intersection of beauty and function. A replica of the sword of King Arthur as depicted in the 1981 film Excalibur, this one handed sword is fully battle-ready. Brass hilt furniture and a wire-wrapped grip compliment the mirror-polished blade. A staff favorite, this is an authoritative, functional, and resilient sword. Skillfully crafted for the most demanding collector, the Excalibur is the benchmark of what a real sword should be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003e5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDual hardened\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 41.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 34″\u003cbr\u003eGrip length: 6″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 13 oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of King Arthur is one of the most frequently retold stories in the English language. Films, television series, book series, and stage productions all exist of the tale, each giving their own interpretation of the story. And with good reason – if anything can be said to be a mythological history of England, it’s the story of Arthur, the kingdom of Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table – and the mighty sword Excalibur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTales of Arthur have existed for centuries, though most modern visitors to our website will be familiar with a few of the more recent classics – The Once and Future King by T.H White, for most, which was published in 1958. What few people realize is that this book – and most of the modern retellings of the story – are actually based on a volume written over five centuries ago. Le Morte d’Arthur (“The Death of Arthur”) is a 15th-century Middle English epic written by Sir Thomas Malory, and gathers together various tales and folklore involving Arthur into a comprehensive and cohesive story. Le Morte d’Arthur is the origin of all modern retellings of the tale, no matter how far from the source material they depart, and nowhere is this more clear than in the 1981 movie masterpiece – Excalibur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1981 film is directly based on the most recognizable portions of Sir Thomas Malory’s collection, and is a modern classic. Picking up the story even before Arthur was born with the tyrant Uther Pendragon, the film covers the entirety of Arthur’s life in tragic detail. The drawing of the titular sword from the stone, Arthur’s rise to the throne, the betrayal of Lancelot and Guinevere, and Arthur’s death at the hands of Mordred all play out under the artful direction of John Boorman. The film featured famous actors like Sir Patrick Stewart, launched the film careers of Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson, and was the breakout role for Helen Mirren, arguably one of the most talented (and definitely the most beautiful) women in Hollywood history. The true star of the film, though, was the sword at the center of it all.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven in a film with exquisite set design, costumes, and period armor (designed by Terry English), the prop Excalibur stands out. Every time it is on screen it steals the scene – shining bright like the sword of legend. When characters react to the sword with awe, the audience believes it. The film and the sword launched many young men and women into a lifetime of obsession with swords. The original prop from the film resides in John Boorman’s home in Ireland, but as fans of the film and as swordmakers themselves, Darksword Armory felt compelled to make their own attempt to pay homage to the sword that so entranced us when we were young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the words of Darksword Armory founder Eyal Azerad: \u003cbr\u003e“As a collector and bladesmith, the making of Excalibur sword was a deeply personal project. As for many, John Boorman’s 1981 Epic Film was not only my favorite movie but, as a child, my introduction to the ‘Middle Ages.’ This introduction, crystalized ‘The Excalibur’ at the core of my passion and a romanticized vision of the ‘Middle Ages.’ Hence, forging the Excalibur sword, was a passion project for myself and the staff alike. We felt we owed this sword our utmost attention. Making yet another ‘decorative’ Excalibur was not an option. Our recreation had to be classically elegant, vibrant, and faithfully crafted from the original prop. Our goal was not only to produce a finely hand forged sword, but to replicate the lasting legacy of the film.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Excalibur is a unique reproduction. A sturdy, double-edged blade suitable for cut and thrust techniques is balanced by a long handle and hefty pommel. The high polish brass guard and pommel is strikingly beautiful, making it sure to stand out in any collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172459667513,"sku":"1524","price":725.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15241-13.jpg?v=1763132524"},{"product_id":"the-arming-sword","title":"The Arming Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eWallace Collection, England, A.460 French, c. 1375-1400, Type XVIII sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the 14th C. the classical Medieval Knight’s sword took shape in the Arming Sword. Short for close quarter combat, light, and well balanced with a sharp taper and reinforced tip, the Arming Sword proved to be a devastating weapon again the developing full plated armor of the time. The heavily tapered blade gave the sword devastating stabbing force against plated armor, while retaining its destructive cutting edge. The sword came to be known as the “Arming Sword” because it formed part of the Medieval Knight’s standard equipment. By the 14th C, the Arming Sword became the weapon of choice for many knights of the English, French and German empires.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eLength : 39”\u003cbr\u003eHandle Length: 4 ½”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 32”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width: 2 1\/16”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard Length: 8 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eGuard Depth: 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eHandle Circumference: 4 ¼”\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3lbs\u003cbr\u003eP.O.B.: 4 ¾”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassified as a type XV in Ewart Oakeshott classification, the Arming Sword is a one-handed medieval weapon. Although  popular during the 14th and 15th C, some sources suggest that type XV swords made their appearance as early as the latter part of the 13th century. During this period, sword geometry evolved to balance thrusting with the cutting geometry of previous periods. It was during this period that blade geometry began morphing more quickly as a response to the technological advances of the full plate armor of the medieval knights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is stiff and has a four-sided triangle-shape profile, with a diamond cross section, acute point and no fuller. The guard is designed for blocking opposing blows as well as to be used as an extension of the sword. The guard’s sharp tip was designed to thrust through the visor and other openings in the armor in close quarter combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch blades were popular from the 14th to the 15th centuries among the nobility for their resilience, light weight, dexterity and devastating thrusting capabilities. Due to their light weight and potent thrusting abilities, this powerful and effective sword went on to become the prevailing medieval weapon of the 15th C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years of doing research in museums around the globe, Smiths at Darksword Armory have seen numerous variations of arming swords. One of the most popular being the one on display at the Wallace collection (A460) , procured from the Comte de Nieuwerkerke (count of Nieuwekerke).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing one of the most simple designs among single hand medieval weapons, the arming sword is elegant and unique; Simple, yet sophisticated. It’s clean lines and elegance made it a prime sword for Darksword Armory to replicate at their shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hollow ground blade made this sword particularly interesting for our staff. The shape of the hollow ground blade is paralleled on the geometry of the pommel and downward slopping guard, preserving a perfect sense of geometry and proportionality among its’ individual parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimple, yet refined, the guard had to be carefully ground to preserve crisp edges, clearly defining it’s sectional frame. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Darksword Amory creation of the arming sword is forged with 5160 High Carbon Steel. The full tang construction is peened over the pommel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArming Swords were exclusively owned by the elite aristocracy, who were the medieval knight of the time. Their use was so common among the knights of the German, French and English forces that it came to be known as the quintessential sword of the medieval knight of the 14th and 15th century.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing specifically designed for close quarter combat, the Arming Sword handles beautifully. It is a very responsive sword that feels “alive” and light in the hand. Easily wieldable even in novice hands, the Arming Sword’s characteristics make it a medieval weapon of choice for all collectors. The sword is perfectly balance for swift movement and powerful delivery in both cut and thrust motions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile historically made for the noble elites, the Arming Sword is perfect for beginner and advanced students of the sword. Being perfectly balanced and relatively short, the Arming Sword has become a favorite among beginners seeking to perfect their form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diamond cross-section of the blade results in a thick spine that sharply tapers to the edge, providing good stiffness without sacrificing structural integrity. This makes the arming sword light enough in the hand to be wielded easily, yet resilient enough to withstand actual use in combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Arming Sword is a one-handed medieval weapon that gives little resistance. It handles very well with one hand use, permitting the use of a shield, for students of mode I-33, on the opposite hand. Arming Swords are known for being manageable and powerful with excellent cut-and-thrust ability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Arming Sword has a very deep tapering, giving the sword an excellent piercing ability against chain mail and plate armor. The deadly thrusting tip can penetrate 18g armor, but is mainly used to thrust through opening under the armpits, gorgets, pauldrons, and other openings in the armor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile primarily a thrusting weapon, the stiff blade of the arming sword makes it an excellent cutter against pumpkins, water bottles and tatami mats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, the Arming Sword could be used with effectiveness against both armored and unarmored opponents. This was by design, as the wielder would face both armored knights as well as the lightly-armored infantry. As a result, the Arming Sword was designed to be a versatile weapon that would be able to suit a variety of combat situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis version of the knightly Arming Sword is paired with a classic wheel pommel, one of the more simple historical designs. This style of pommel can be seen on examples well before the 14th C. While the design may be basic, it is anything but uninspired; a wheel pommel not only balances the blade and improves the handling, but can be used as a weapon in its own right. A crushing blow from the heavy round pommel of the Arming Sword could take an enemy by surprise, injuring them or knocking a helmet askew. The elegant curved guard is another classic, representative of several surviving examples of medieval Arming Swords.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Arming Sword is truly a delight of a medieval weapon. Easily wield-able and very responsive, it provides both novice and experienced users a very good performing battle ready weapon which will easily cut and thrust through most targets set against it. The Arming Sword is faithfully crafted from the original at the Wallace Collection (inventory .A460). Skillfully crafted with the same dimensions as the original the sword is responsive, exceptionally well balanced, and delivers forceful blows. The Arming Sword is finely crafted, classically styled, and a must even for the most discriminating collector!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172467466297,"sku":"1313","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13131-7.jpg?v=1763133073"},{"product_id":"the-dark-elf-gurthang-sword","title":"The Dark Elf Gurthang Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003e“There is malice in this sword. The dark heart of the smith still dwells in it. It will not love the hand it serves, neither will it abide with you long.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Gurthang is a sword inspired by a dark fate. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, the Gurthang is a meteoric iron sword originally forged by the Dark Elf Eöl but made most famous in the hands of the tragic hero Túrin Turambar. Unlike other swords in Tolkien’s work Gurthang was said to have a personality, to rejoice in war and lament over the blood of the innocent. Countless orcs fell before its edge, and it was even used to slay the Father of Dragons. The Darksword Armory version of Gurthang is a two-handed longsword with a 32” double-fullered blade. The curved guard with elven script and black hardwood grip – carved with elegant knotwork – show the weapon’s Elven inspired heritage. The long handle and heavy pommel provide excellent leverage and bring the point of balance down close to the guard, giving this sword a lively presence. Holding it, one feels as though they too could face off against a dragon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eTotal Length : 44.5”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 32”\u003cbr\u003egrip: 10″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width: 2 1\/16”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard Length: 10”\u003cbr\u003eGuard Depth: 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs 12oz. \u003cbr\u003eP.O.B.: 2 ¾”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The sword Anglachel was forged anew for him by cunning smiths of Nargothrond, and though ever black its edges shone with pale fire; and he named it Gurthang, Iron of Death.” From The Silmarillion, Chapter 21 – OF TURIN TURAMBAR\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the histories of Middle Earth, the First Age was a time of turmoil and war. For centuries the Dark Lord Morgoth was under siege in Angband, and the Elves kept watch and grew in power. Many great cities were built and alliances were forged, and though the days of Fëanor (greatest of the Elven smiths) were long past there were now new masters of anvil and hammer. Of these new masters Eöl, born in Doriath during the siege of Angband, was without peer though proud and covetous. Among his many feats Eöl created a metal known as galvorn, which was black as jet yet harder and more supple than steel. He made a suit of armor of the substance which he wore ever after; that plus his brooding demeanor caused him to be known as the Dark Elf. During this time he also forged the twin swords Anguirel and Anglachel from meteoric iron, and gave Anglachel to Thingol, King of Doriath. Anglachel was recognized to have a dark and violent spirit within it, similar to the heart of its maker. Indeed, Eöl lived a relatively short life for an Elf – he was sentenced to death for murdering his wife when she and their son attempted to flee his wrath and control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the days after Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband – a battle known as the Dagor Bragollach (“Battle of Sudden Flame”) – countless numbers of Elves were slain, and the survivors fought desperately to keep from being overwhelmed. Thingol, as many of the Elf lords, allied himself with humans; specifically, Men from the House of Hador. Had Thingol known that this noble House was under a curse by the Dark Lord to have all they attempted to do for good turn to ill himself he may have chosen differently – but he did not. Thingol even chose to foster the son of his human friend Húrin, the boy Túrin Turambar. Túrin grew in strength and renown, and Thingol loved his as his own – but Túrin was resented by some of the Elves of Doriath. Tragically, one an occasion when Túrin defended himself against assault by one of Thingol’s subjects the Elf was accidentally killed, and before he could receive judgement or mercy Túrin went into exile in shame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving left the Elves behind Túrin fell in with a company of bandits and men of ill-repute – however, his time among the Elves had not left him idle. Túrin rose to the head of this company and forged them into a fighting force that defended the innocent humans and brought terror and death to the roving bands of orcs. While Túrin attempted to carve out a new destiny for himself Thingol dearly missed his adopted son and grieved his going out from Doriath. When Beleg Strongbow, an Elven warrior and dear friend of Túrin, asked leave of Thingol to seek out his friend Thingol not only granted him leave but gave him Anglachel to assist in his quest. Beleg joined Túrin and his band, and both felt great joy at being reuinited. They fought side by side, and all would have been well had Túrin not been betrayed by one of his band and captured. Beleg hunted down the orcs who took his friend and came upon Túrin in a moment of great need, lying tortured and senseless in the orc’s camp. Beleg rejoinced to have found his friend alive and drew Anglachel to cut his bonds – but the curse of Morgoth was still upon the heir of Húrin. The Dark Elf’s blade slipped in his hand and Beleg lay a shallow cut on Túrin’s foot. Roused to sudden wakefulness, Túrin leaped up and seized the sword, striking down his friend. When he realized he had killed his dearest friend and ally Túrin was inconsolable, and fled with the sword to the underground Elven city of Nargothrond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Nargothrond Túrin hid his true name and nature from the Elves, though they recognized him as a warrior of peerless skill and power. He had Anglachel reforged and named the new weapon Gurthang, “Iron of Death,” and through his adventures with this sword he became known as The Mormegil (“The Black Sword”). Gurthang, like Anglachel from which it was made, seemed to carry with it a dark and battle-hungry spirit. For years Túrin used Gurthang to carve a swath of destruction across Morgoth’s forces, even slaying Glaurung the Father of Dragons in his final battle. As the story of Túrin Turambar is a tragedy we will not complete it here – you can find the full tale in The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien. However, we can say that at the end of Túrin’s life Gurthang is revealed to have not just a spirit but a personality – and in the only instance of a weapon speaking in Tolkien’s works recalls with regret the unjust slaying of Beleg Strongbow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Turin is the last place in the Silmarillion we find Gurthang. However, though it was not included in the published text of the Silmarillion, we can tell you Tolkien intended a special fate for Gurthang. He wrote that at the Final Battle at the end of days Túrin would use Gurthang to destroy Morgoth forever – and bring final vengeance for the House of Hador and all the wrongs Morgoth has done to the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough its blade is not black as was the sword of Turin, the Darksword Armory Gurthang is a powerful weapon that was inspired by the work of the Dark Elf Eöl. The mild steel guard is inscribed with flowing Elven script, and its graceful lines contrast the rigid and resilient steel in which it was inlaid. The blackened hardwood handle evokes the memory of the Dark Elf that forged it, elegant knotwork reminiscent of Elven architecture as depicted in Lord of the Rings art and film. Together the guard and handle create an unmistakable Elven design that one would find at home in a variety of fantasy settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny sword capable of slaying the Father of Dragons must be robust, and the Darksword Armory version of Gurthang is no exception. A broad, double-edged blade compliments the elegant hilt furniture, and two fullers grace its length nearly up to the tip. The sword has noticeable blade presence, capable of devastating cuts while retaining structural integrity – but the length of the guard and the pommel’s counterweight bring the point-of-balance back under 3 inches, giving the sword a deceptively lively feel in the hand. Should you find yourself facing down darkness in your life this sword is sure to be your faithful companion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172476739641,"sku":"1553","price":720.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15531-6.png?v=1763133501"},{"product_id":"the-olbrecht-german-sword","title":"The Olbrecht German Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eBased on the Type XX German Longswords of 16th century, the Olbrecht is a true warsword. A late evolution of the medieval sword, the Type XX’s broad, refined blade is designed to effect powerful strokes with devastating results. Twin fullers give the blade a unique design while both adding strength and reducing weight. Like many Renaissance two-handed warswords the handle is long and designed to provide adequate leverage for heavy blows. A scentstopper pommel (common to the Type XX) and long, slightly curved guard complete the weapon. While some of the larger two-handed swords of Type XX style were decorative in purpose, the Olbrecht is a true battle-ready sword – even if there are no longer battles for it to fight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length : 49.5”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 36”\u003cbr\u003egrip: 10″\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width: 2 1\/16”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard Length: 10”\u003cbr\u003eGuard Depth: 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3lbs 11oz. \u003cbr\u003eP.O.B.: 4 ¾”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Renaissance was not just a time of art and cultural development – it was also a time of war. Though these wars did not prevent the inexorable march of reason and progress, they did disrupt life and political boundaries for many. In some ways, the battles that reshaped borders during this time contributed greatly to the driving of the cultural revolution that defined this epoch… primarily through the transfer of wealth and power into the hands of the victors. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe area we now know as Germany was the centre of many of these conflicts in the 15th and 16th centuries. While the nation itself was not in its current version formed, many significant battles were fought on its soil and by its peoples. Some of these battles were even between Germanic peoples – for instance, the Zweiter Markgrafenkrieg, or Second Margrave War, saw Margrave Albert Alcibiades (a commander of the Holy Roman Empire’s forces in Germany) protest the signed peace accord between Catholics and Protestants by taking his army on a whirlwind plunder tour of Germany. An allied army would march to defeat Albert in the Battle of Sievershausen. Another pivotal battle would be the Battle of Drakenburg in May 1547, which involved a Protestant army facing down the Imperial Roman (Catholic) forces with Germans on both sides. The Catholic army (under Eric II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg) would be defeated and scattered, leaving Germany to become a Protestant region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese battles brought German war prowess and technology into sharp focus, as it did elsewhere in Europe at the time – that is, advancements in arms and armor were only accelerating. For centuries in one of the first examples of a true arms race, countries across Europe attempted to outdo their enemies weapons by creating better, more protective armor – and to counter their enemies armor by creating better weapons. When the Renaissance arrived the arms race picked up speed, resulting in new generations of swords that were larger and more powerful than their predecessors yet still able to handle nimbly and outperform the longswords of the Middle Ages while defeating the current armor. These weapons would prove their worth on the battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Olbrecht owes its origins to those 16th century battlefields. Darksword Armory designed it as a Type XX according to Oakeshott’s typology, which was the final Type in his 1964 edition of The Sword in the Age of Chivalry (later editions added to the list). Type XX swords are designed with long, broad blades, and the Olbrecht is no exception. Unique to this Type is the number of fullers, which can vary – the Olbrecht follows a handful of surviving examples in having two shallow fullers. Also common to the design, the blade is paired with a scentstopper pommel and a simple yet graceful guard. The 10” long handle is also consistent with this Type, and provides a counter-balance to the robust blade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name Olbrecht – meaning “Noble” or “Bright” – was chosen as the sword gave us the impression of a shining and gallant weapon. Due to their size and weight many of the larger Type XX swords were intended to be ceremonial “bearing swords” – ceremonial weapons not used in war but in display, parade, and other demonstrations of wealth and power. These bearing swords would be far too heavy (and too heavily decorated) to be of any practical use, and would instead be carried by a squire or other servant. The Olbrecht, though, is unmistakably a weapon of war – when held in the hand it has blade presence, yet is well-balanced enough to wield smoothly. If you are looking for a classic yet unique design, look no further than the Olbrecht.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172484538425,"sku":"1551","price":705.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/15511-8.jpg?v=1763134253"},{"product_id":"the-squire-sword","title":"The Squire Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eA.460 French, c. 1375-1400, Type XVIII sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArming swords were intended to be used with a single hand. As a result, these swords needed to be heavy enough to be effectively useful in combat, but light enough to move quickly and not be tiring for the wielder. For this purpose, the Squire is a perfect fit. Light and nimble, this sword is incredibly responsive and effortlessly flows from guard to cut and back again. While exquisite to handle, the Squire is strong enough to inflict considerable damage if used in combat. A far cry from the hefty two-handed swords wielded by armored and mounted knights, the Squire is the perfect sword for anyone who wants an agile, attractive sword that is just as battle ready as one twice its size.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eLength : 33.5”\u003cbr\u003eHandle Length: 4 ½”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 27”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width: 2 1\/16”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard Length: 8 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eGuard Depth: 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eHandle Circumference: 4 ¼”\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2.4 lbs \u003cbr\u003eP.O.B.: 3”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process of becoming a knight has been depicted in fiction and pop culture many times. Most people in Western culture who have been exposed, even tangentially, to historical fiction are aware that a knight follows a code of honor, and may even know its name: Chivalry. Most people are probably aware that knights wear full plate armor to ride into battle or the joust. They would also be aware that knights we not born, but made, in a ceremony involving a sword being tapped on their shoulders – and some may even know that before knights undergo this ceremony, they are known as something else – squires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process to become a knight was this: a noble-born boy, younger than 10 years old, would be put into service learning manners, etiquette, art, weapons, and about the essential duties of knights in society. At a certain age – usually 13 or 14 – the age would graduate to become a squire, or a knight-in-training. The squire would be apprenticed to a knight, and at this point their true training would begin. The squire would help the knight care for his armor, horse, and weapons, wait on their personal needs, and generally support them as staff on a daily basis. The knight, in turn, would train the squire in the arts of war needed to be an effective combatant on the battlefield. In fact, some squires would even accompany their knights into battle, defending them and learning to wage war in the most hands-on way possible. And, when they were ready, the squire would take his final step toward becoming a knight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Accolade – that holy ceremony in which a young man died to their old self and was “reborn” symbolically as a knight – was a revered coming-of-age ceremony in the Middle Ages. The ceremony itself was relatively simple: at the age of 21 a squire would undergo a ritual cleanse on the eve of his knighting ceremony, then stay awake the entire night in a prayer vigil. In the morning, the squire would take his vows of obedience to his lord and to the Church, and he would arise from his knees a knight. The knight would go on to act in service, to display courtesy to ladies, and to be a force for good in the world for decades to come (at least, this was the ideal). As long as the knight was alive, though, he would always remember the squire he had once been.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Squire Sword is designed with those apprentice knights in mind. A mid-length, double-edged blade crafted from tempered 5160 spring steel provides a durable and resilient striking edge. The blade is hollow-ground with a stiff spine for added strength. The simple, curved guard sets this sword apart from the standard cruciform hilt sword, and the wheel pommel is a classic design. What sets this sword apart, though, is its handling. Weighing in at less than a kilogram, the Squire is a startlingly fast and responsive sword. In the hands of a growing apprentice knight, the Squire would be a suitable training or combat weapon; in your hands, it would be a lively sword that begs to be put through its paces.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing specifically designed for close quarter combat, the Squire handles beautifully. It is a very responsive sword that feels “alive” and light in the hand. Easily wieldable even in novice hands, the Squire sword characteristics make it a medieval weapon of choice for all collectors. The sword is perfectly balance for swift movement and powerful delivery in both cut and thrust motions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile historically made for the noble elites, the Squire is perfect for beginner and advanced students of the sword. The diamond cross-section of the blade results in a thick spine that sharply tapers to the edge, providing good stiffness without sacrificing structural integrity. This makes the arming sword light enough in the hand to be wielded easily, yet resilient enough to withstand actual use in combat.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172487651385,"sku":"1304","price":630.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13041-7.jpg?v=1763134630"},{"product_id":"two-handed-viking-sword","title":"Two Handed Viking Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003e10th – 11th Century A.D.\u003cbr\u003eInspirational piece, based on Norse Knot work and Viking art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust before the turn of the century, a semi-popular Michael Crichton novel, Eaters of the Dead, was made into a film. The film re-imagined the story of Beowulf as told by an Arabic poet, who starts his journey as an ambassador and ends it in the company of Viking warriors fighting off an almost supernatural foe. The movie was plagued by production problems and baffled moviegoers and critics alike, especially when Antonio Bandaras – a fine actor, but a Spanish one – was cast as the Arabic poet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt crashed at the box office but gained a cult following, especially for its fighting scenes and for the mighty Viking warrior Buliwyf with his massive (probably not historical) two handed Viking sword.  Opinions among staff are sharply (heh) divided as to if the film is any good. We leave it to you to decide – if you’d like to see a movie with an Arab played by a Spaniard, Vikings played by Scotsmen, and Bears played by naked men in body paint, this is the B-List movie for you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRC 60Pommel \u0026amp; Guard: Bronze\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 40”\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 30”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width: 2”\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 lbs 12 oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4″\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong have the Norse sagas inspired authors, historians, poets and filmmakers. The Icelandic Sagas and Kings’ Sagas present some of the most culturally rich and elaborate accounts of Viking life. Through them, we learn of Norse customs, traditions, and beliefs. At the forefront of this culture is the consideration of art as a central focal point in Norse life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vikings raided and colonized wide areas of Europe between the 9th and 11th centuries. Whereas the initial motives for the migrations are unknown, historians unanimously agree that their disruptive influence profoundly affected European political history and trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidely recognized as superior craftsmen, the Vikings created remarkable Jewelry, Weapons and ships, known as Drakkars or Knarrs. The Ships were not only constructed for functionality, but as a work of art. Viking ships were embedded with anthropomorphic figures, providing insight into their beliefs and superstitions. The Viking love of riddling phrases and schemes of rhyme yielded a rich poetic tradition. This tradition found itself not only in their poetry, but also on their ships, weapons and jewellery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the center of this fierce nomadic culture stood the Viking sword. Featuring a broad blade with a deep fuller, the two-handed Viking sword is a testament to the fierce Viking culture depicted in the Various Icelandic sagas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSturdy and resilient, the two-handed Viking sword is everything a Viking weapon should be: brutish, resilient and built to last. Individually crafted by our staff, the two-handed Viking sword is a testament to the warrior life and artistry of the Nordic peoples.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172492337209,"sku":"1341","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13411-8.jpg?v=1763135026"},{"product_id":"feanor-s-two-handed-sword","title":"Fëanor’s Two Handed Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic book The Silmarillion, Fëanor was the most powerful elf who ever lived, so powerful that the dark lord Melkor was afraid of his might. Fëanor was also the first of the elves to forge weapons, and created the first battle ready swords that were used by elves to slay their own kin. The Fëanor Medieval sword is an inspirational piece based on Tolkien’s creation. A two-handed weapon, the long, leaf-shaped blade is evocative of the beautiful designs of fantasy elves while the reach and heft make the Fëanor sword highly effective at real-life combat. Make no mistake, this design is not only art – it is a functional weapon, equal of any of Darksword Armory's other battle-ready swords.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eGuard and pommel: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 48 3\/4″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 36.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2 1\/4″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs. 10 oz.\u003cbr\u003eGrip Length: 9″\u003cbr\u003eP.O.B.: 3 3\/4”\u003cbr\u003eThickness: 4.6 mm\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 36 mm – 55 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost people have at least some awareness of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. For many of us, it began with reading The Hobbit in childhood, and some would go on to read his epic, genre-defining high fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings. Many people in the last twenty years have been introduced to Tolkien through Peter Jackson’s film series, arguably one of the best translations of book series to film ever made. And who could forget the 1977 cartoon musical version of The Hobbit, which introduced a generation of children to Bilbo, Gandalf, Gollum, and the magic ring at the center of it all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, even people who have read the Lord of the Rings books may be completely unfamiliar with Tolkien’s originally unpublished work The Silmarillion. Which is a shame, as the vast majority of Middle-Earth’s lore – including background information relevant to the Lord of the Rings series – exists within its pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Silmarillion has been called the “Old Testament” of Middle-Earth. It details Middle-Earth’s history from creation right up until the events of the Lord of the Rings. Many of the events in the Lord of the Rings seem to have deep historical meaning for the characters, but that meaning is not always revealed to the readers. In the Silmarillion these mysteries (some of them, anyway) are revealed as a rich and detailed history unfolds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe creation of Middle-Earth at the hands of Iluvatar, the capital-G God of Tolkien’s world, is not just a singular event. Iluvatar recruits a number of his servants, the Valar (small-g gods), to assist him in managing different aspects of Middle-Earth’s formation and growth. These Valar are by and large benevolent beings, but one of them – Melkor – sees Middle-Earth as an opportunity to rule a world of his own. Melkor is the chief antagonist of the Silmarillion, and Sauron, antagonist of the Lord of the Rings, is his servant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the Valar struggle to contain Melkor and his machinations, the Elves – first of the Children of Iluvatar – are born into the world. From a desire to protect these new inhabitants of the world the Valar gather as many of the elves as will come and bring them safely to live in the West, an island called Valinor. In these days there was not yet a Sun and Moon in the world, and Valinor existed under the light of two enormous magical Trees (Laurelin and Telperion). The elves in Valinor were kept safe and separate from the darkness of Middle-Earth and Melkor’s evil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the elves who lived in Valinor was Fëanor. Fëanor (“Spirit of Fire” in Sindarian, the language of the elves) was one of the Noldor, elves who were clever in the crafting of metal and jewls. He was such a mighty craftsman of jewels that he was able to place the light of the Trees into the three Silmarils, gems of such surpassing beauty that all who saw them coveted them deeply. Unfortunately, Fëanor became proud and jealous of his own works. He also listened to the whispers of Melkor convincing him that the Valar would one day ask him to hand over the gems he had created. This was proven to be true when Melkor slew Laurelin and Telperion, ending their light forever, and the Valar approached Fëanor in a last-ditch effort to use the Silmarils to resurrect the Trees. Fëanor denied them, and returned home only to discover that Melkor had attacked. The dark Valar had slain Fëanor’s beloved father and made off with the Silmarils himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFëanor swore revenge, and many elves joined him. The first of the elves to create weapons of war, these weapons were tragically turned on their own kind in an event known as the Kinslaying. Fëanor and his followers attacked the peaceful coast-dwelling elves, killing many, and stole their ships to return to Middle-Earth to make war upon Melkor for centuries afterward. Many great and terrible things resulted from the wars fought over the Silmarils, and these events changed the face of the world forever. While Fëanor was powerful and the greatest craftsman who ever lived, because of his deeds much evil entered into the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the grim origins of the name, the Darksword Armory Fëanor sword is a bright and beautiful weapon. A long, leaf-shaped blade shows the Celtic influence incorporated into Tolkien’s elves, and when sharpened the blade rings with each cut as a sign of its solid construction. The attractive lines of the sweeping guard are perfectly proportioned to the blade, and the scent-stopper pommel provides the necessary balance to make this two-handed sword nimble in the hands. The 5160 blade is resilient and well-tempered, able to withstand the rigors of combat – even combat against the forces of Melkor. Constructed as a two-handed longsword, many European styles of swordplay would be appropriate with this weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Darksword Armory Fëanor sword is a perfect balance of beauty and functionality, and would look natural on the wall of your home or in the hands of an elf-lord. We trust you will wield it responsibly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172494860345,"sku":"1351","price":705.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13511-11.jpg?v=1763135376"},{"product_id":"ring-hilt-swiss-saber","title":"Ring Hilt Swiss Saber","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Swiss Saber\u003cbr\u003eGerman, Inspirational piece\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis historically inspired fantasy battle ready sword is based on the Swiss Saber, a two-handed, singled edged medieval sword of the renaissance and early modern period. The ringed hilt is typical of many 16th century swords, but the crown pommel is an original design (loosely based on a historical example).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swiss Sabre, or Schweizerdegen, was popular in Switzerland during the High Middle Ages. Unlike the “Schweizersäbel”, a modern term, coined in 1914 by antiquarian and curator Eduard Achilles Gessler (1800 – 1947) of the Swiss National Museum, The Schweizerdegen is a 16 th Century saber used by Swiss soldiers. The ringed hilt is typical of many 16th century swords, but the crown pommel is an original design (loosely based on a historical example). Sabers such as this would have been carried by Swiss mercenaries as they famously served in the armies of other nations\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60\u003cbr\u003e48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 46″\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 34″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs. 12 oz.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitzerland, in the modern world, is famous for its neutrality. It does not participate in war and has not done for over two centuries due to the complexities of the Treaty of Paris. This has led some to conclude that Switzerland has always been a neutral nation or that there were no warriors in Swiss history. As countless armies on the receiving end of Swiss blades discovered, nothing could be further from the truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Middle Ages soldiers went through a period of evolution. While in centuries past soldiers were typically farmers, peasants, or otherwise employed individuals temporarily wrapped around a core of career warriors and nobles, the transition to feudalism and castle warfare opened up significant possibilities for those who wished to view war as a profession rather than a temporary divergence from everyday life. Few countries could afford a standing army, so those who wished to enter into a career of soldiering would often join a mercenary troop that would be hired to act as (or supplement) a country’s own military. Of these mercenary troops the Swiss Reisläufer were generally regarded as one of the most fearsome and effective collection of warriors in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Reisläufer were employed in numerous wars and countless battles across Europe from a time encompassing the later Middle Ages well into the Enlightenment period. Their particular tactics – including heavy use of polearms, phalanx formations, and brute-force approach to infantry combat – allowed them to dominate on the battlefield. As their polearms protected them from cavalry and their training, armor, and large numbers often outmatched simple foot soldiers they were frequently the deciding factor in a war. The British, French, Dutch, and Spanish armies – to name a few – all would at one time or another rely on the Reisläufer to win the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the primary weapons of the Reisläufer would have been pikes, halberds, and later in their existence early firearms, many of them also carried two-handed, single-edged swords. The Swiss Sabre, or Schweizerdegen, was popular in Switzerland during the High Middle Ages and especially with those warriors of the Reisläufer. Unlike the “Schweizersäbel” – a modern term coined in 1914 by antiquarian and curator Eduard Achilles Gessler (1800 – 1947) of the Swiss National Museum – the Schweizerdegen was a 16th Century saber using among Swiss soldiers and mercenaries. It is also the inspiration for this historically-based sword from Darksword Armory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all Swiss Sabers, the Darksword Armory Ring Hilt Swiss Saber has a single-edged, slightly curved blade. The tip of the blade is clipped with a false edge extending back to the stiff, robust spine that gives the blade its cutting strength and resilience. The hilts of Swiss Sabers were of various designs with some plain, others complex, with recurved quillions and rings and knuckle guards. By the late 16th century, specialized hilt forms begin to emerge, often with pommels shaped as a lion’s head, or plated with silver. This design has a classically inspired renaissance-style ring-hilt, similar in form to early side swords and the two-handed ring hilt swords that appeared more frequently in the 16th century and following. This version of a Swiss Saber has a unique crown pommel to differentiate it from similar modern reproductions and to give it more of the renaissance character that the ring hilt implies. If the Reisläufer are ever again needed, this sword would serve them well – and would sure be a worthy member of your household\/mercenary troop as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172497252409,"sku":"1353","price":630.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13531-10.jpg?v=1763135675"},{"product_id":"the-crusader-sword","title":"The Crusader Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Crusader sword, like many of its historical counterparts, is regarded as the quintessential sword of the crusading knight. Richly ceremonial due to its symbolic shape, the Cruciform swords of the Crusading period were designed with proportions of perfection of form and harmony. Some sources speak of “divine proportions”; a complex geometry which flowed to represent the harmony of nature. The formula of these ‘proportions’ were used to create ‘golden triangles’ and ‘golden rectangles’ which were commonly applied to architectural designs. In ‘The Noble art of the Sword’, Tobia Capwell wrote that the use of the ‘divine proportions’ led to the belief and acceptance that swords could have artistic merit beyond the notion of ‘practicality’. Classically styled, the Crusader sword was designed with the ‘proportions’ in mind. The simple yet elegant sword, topped with the circular wheel pommel, was carefully fitted to a blade offering exceptional reflex, balance and control. The sword is responsive, quick, resilient yet flexible. The sword has a sharply tapered cut and thrust blade. When in hand, the sensation, is that of an extension of ones arm. Although minimalist, the crusader sword is of stunning complexity. The Crusader sword is made from 5160 High Carbon steel. Peened pommel and mild steel fittings. The wood handle is wrapped in high quality distressed cognac brown leather and stitched at the side.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications: \u003cbr\u003eBlade: 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eDual Tempered HRc 60 48-50 at the core\u003cbr\u003eGuard and Pommel: Mild Steel\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 34 3\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 27 3\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eBlade Width at Guard: 2 1\/16 inches\u003cbr\u003eThickness: 5.3mm – 1.3mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2lbs 13oz\u003cbr\u003ePOB: 4 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe First Crusade took place between 1096 and 1099. Led by the Roman Catholic church, under Pope Urban II, as a military expedition. The goal was to regain the holy lands lost to Muslims in the conquest of Levant (632-661 A.D.). The crusades started when Christians’ access to Jerusalem was cut off by the Seljuk Turks after the defeat of the Byzantine army. What followed were a series of crusades that ran for nearly two centuries (1096-1272). The last being led by Edward I. With the influence of the Catholic church, all men at arms were bound to use the cruciform sword, with its symbolic cross section, forever historically tied to the imagery of the Crusading Knights. The cruciform guard was imposed by the church to remind all soldiers of their Christian religion and the ‘greater’ purpose of the war. Ultimately the crusades led to the mass slaughter, rape and devastation on both sides.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172523499577,"sku":"1303","price":585.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13031-13.jpg?v=1763136154"},{"product_id":"the-sword-of-bannockburn","title":"The Sword of Bannockburn","description":"\u003cp\u003eC. 1400-1425, Type XIV blade.\u003cbr\u003eThe Philadelphia Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an extremely rare surviving example of a type of sword carried by Scottish knights. A similar sword is represented on a funeral monument believed to be that of Robert de Greenlaw (died 1411) at Kinkell, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The original resides in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, having been bequeathed to the museum in the late 1970s from a private collection. The single-handed, double-edged sword is a unique take on the standard nightly arming sword designs, with upswept and flared cross guard matched with the classic wheel pommel with a peen block. The sword is named after the Scottish hero, Robert the Bruce, who united the clans during the war of Scottish independence and eventually turned the tide in the battle of Bannockburn.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Material: 5160 High Carbon Steel\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 32.5″\u003cbr\u003eTotal length: 42.5″\u003cbr\u003eBlade width at base: 2″\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 lbs  3 oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost North Americans were introduced to the character of Robert the Bruce, King Scotland (1306-1329), to the 20th century film Braveheart, a film which remains controversial in Scotland due to its historical “liberties”. The aspect of the film most reviled by Scottish citizens is its portrayal of Robert the Bruce as coward, as someone who betrayed William Wallace, and as a Scottish traitor. In the film, only Wallace convinces Robert the Bruce to finally turn his strength against King Edward II. In reality, Robert the Bruce fought the English independently of Wallace for many years. However, the film ending on the decisive Battle of Bannockburn is at least appropriate, as Bannockburn was the location of one of Robert the Bruce’s greatest victories in the Wars for Scottish Independence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert the Bruce, born Robert the first in 1274 CE, was one of many claimants for the Scottish throne in the late 13th century. He and his family participated in campaigns against the English, including some alongside William Wallace. Prior to Wallace’s death in 1305, Robert the Bruce and many other Scottish nobles vied for their place in line for the throne. In 1306, Robert killed his rival John Comyn, swiftly seized the crown, and began a cut-and-thrust guerilla campaign against the English throughout Scottish territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1310 Robert began a very successful campaign involving several major battles against the English. Edward II of England refuse to back down, though, and in 1314 sent an army of devastating size against Robert the Bruce’s much smaller force. The two armies would meet south of the city of Stirling close to the Bannockburn Stream, for a battle that would last two days – almost unheard of in medieval warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngland sent over 20,000 men including knights and heavy infantry, which would make it the largest army to ever invaded Scotland. The Scottish forces were outnumbered three to one. On the first day of the battle, the English Advanced in order to retake the city of Stirling. The Scottish troops pushed the English across the river. Elsewhere, the heavily armed English – bogged down by their gear in the swampy marshland – suffered greatly and turned back to their camp in discouragement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early hours of the following morning, Robert the Bruce led his army in an assault against the English position. The English were in complete disarray, with smaller English parties being quickly surrounded and killed and numerous commanders being slain. The English cavalry being pinned against the banks of the river, and English archers inflicting casualties on friendly forces, thousands of English knights and soldiers were killed or captured, and Edward II barely escaped with his life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Battle of Bannockburn was more than a single skirmish – it was a culmination of Robert the Bruce’s path to becoming king of an independent Scotland. This battle represented the Turning of the tide, and established Robert the Bruce not only as King of Scotland but as a hero. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dead on Target Armory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45172531822649,"sku":"1317","price":675.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/0974\/1625\/files\/13171-7.jpg?v=1763136562"}],"url":"https:\/\/dotarmory.com\/collections\/battle-tested-swords.oembed?page=4","provider":"Dead on Target Armory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}