The English Prince Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, lived from June 15, 1330 to June 8, 1376. He is a well known historical figure; well known for his chivalrous (and occasionally non-chivalrous) actions, and for never being crowned king despite being the eldest son of King Edward III – he died before his father, and the crown passed to his son Richard instead. Edward would also later come to be known by a nickname of indeterminate origin – “The Black Prince,” a name well known to scholars in the fields of art, history, literature and theater.
This popularity was surely affected when a sword that was discovered in 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, became one of the most recognizable artefacts of 14th Century Medieval swords. The sword has a long, tapered blade that is ideally suited for thrusting, while still remaining able to make powerful cuts.
While the edge comes with a narrow 1.4mm edge so you can actually use it in blade on blade contact (CAREFULLY and REPSONSIBLY of course – please see our section on sword training and fighting on the main site for info) – the blade is strong enough that you can sharpen it up yourself or pay an additional fee of $30 for them to be given a quick and ready edge if you want to use them for test cutting practice.
The hilt itself is extremely attractive and authentic, with a blackened mild steel crossguard and genuine leather wrap handle.
The handle is elongated to provide more leverage, which in combination with the large pommel results in excellent tip control. The original has a Type XVa blade, which is faithfully reproduced here. Edward’s “Black Prince” title may have come from his distinctive armor, which according to some sources was blackened steel (although the title may also have come from his temper, mercilessness to his enemies or derision towards the lower classes in spite of his chivalrous beliefs).
The pommel and guard of this sword have been blackened to reflect that title, and would match the dark plated armour that Edward may have worn. A black leather wrapped handle and upgraded scabbard completes the look.
At just a couple of ounces under 4lbs this sword is very hefty, but the low point of balance (3.5”) helps keep it manageable in the hand.
Click here for the full review and destructive testing results on SBG
STATS
Blade Length: 34”
Handle Length: 8”
Point of Balance: 3.5”
Weight: 3lbs13oz
FEATURES
1060 Carbon Steel Blade, Tempered to a HRC of 53
Mild Steel Fittings
Hand made in Canada
Designed for solid steel on steel contact
QUALITY CONTROL
Each sword is inspected at the Darksword Warehouse by the makers themselves for any looseness, rust or blade damage before shipping in a tightly packed, form fitting cardboard and shrinkwrapped package and sent inside a cardbpard box.
