12th Century Templar Sword

12th Century Templar Sword
Original found in the Schweizerishches Landesmuseum, Zurich.
Type XIIIa

Specifications:
Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60
48-50 at the core
Total length: 47.5″
Blade length: 36″
Blade width at base: 2.2″
Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz.

Classified 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.

It’s wide blade and reach provided the knights with unmatched ability to break and penetrate the ever developing armors of the 13th century.
As 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.

Numerous 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. 

These 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.

The 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.

Hand 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!