Darksword 1322 - Sovereign Sword

As 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.

Likewise, advances in armoring 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 armor 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.

We are pleased to present ‘The Renaissance’, co-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.

Hand forged, the Renaissance’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 this medieval sword astounding toughness and flexibility. The Guard and pommel are solid Bronze, crowned with a slightly diamond shaped Oak grip. Light, agile, durable, and sturdy, this is an arming sword that any Medieval soldier would have been proud to call his own.

Bruce 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.

This sword comes with a wood core scabbard as standard with the option to upgrade it to include a premium quality sword belt with suspension system - allowing it to be worn or for an extra flourish when not in use hung on the wall (see below for a comparison).

How to Use