Templar Longsword “Baldwin”

9260 steel is roughly two per cent silicon and the most forgiving material that goes into swords. A blade made from it takes bends that would leave carbon steel crooked for good — which is why this grade is the first choice wherever a sword is meant to work rather than hang. The stated 55–58 HRC is high for 9260: the edge holds longer, at the price of a little tolerance for hitting a hard target.

The proportions are textbook longsword: 91 cm of blade and a 22.5 cm grip give a full two-handed hold and room to work from the Liechtenauer treatises. Let us be honest about the weight, though — 1.75 kg is more than period originals, which at this length usually ran 1.4–1.6 kg. In the hand it reads as a calmer, more “pulling” sword; this is not a blade for fast changes of line.

The tang runs the whole length of the grip (full tang) and the pommel is threaded, so the sword comes apart for maintenance or a new wrap. Guard and pommel are stainless steel and need no oil; the blade does, because 9260 is not stainless and will rust if left alone.

Note: this piece comes with a factory-sharpened edge, meant for collecting and for cutting practice on mats. It is not suitable for sparring with a partner — contact calls for blunt gear with an edge at least 2 mm thick and a rounded tip.

• Factory-sharpened blade — ready for cutting practice
• 9260 spring steel, hardened and tempered, 55–58 HRC
• Full-tang build with a threaded, removable pommel
• Stainless guard and pommel with a cross motif
• 98.5 cm scabbard with carrying belt included
• A single piece — once it sells, the listing goes