Synthetic Weapons

With a classic gym sword guard, this saber offers exceptional hand protection with little added weight. Fighters enjoy the straighter blade (compared to the 1796) as well as the simple, strong guard. 

2 lb, 1.8 oz 

4 inches from guard point of balance

33 inch blade length

1 1/3 to 1 3/4 blade width (cross to tip)

4 3/4 handle length

2 1/2 inch to 2 1/4 inch handle to guard space

1/2 inch blade thickness

~39 inch overall length 

If you are looking to simulate the cutting edges and blade width of a "knightly" style dagger -- also called the "sword-hilted dagger" -- this is a great alternative to the rondel trainer.  Although both the point and the flex are slightly less friendly than the rondel, they are within range for similar knife and dagger trainers.  Padded clothing is recommended, and of course eye protection is a must.

We used Cold Steel's training bowies and other hard rubber training knives for years, and after several rounds of begging, Lynn Thompson of Cold Steel made rondels for us.

The blade offers a high level of flex near the tip while remaining strong near the hand. Most HEMA rondel techniques work great.  A few techniques that require stiffness along the whole blade will not, but that's the trade-off for having the safety of the flex.

Some people find the decorative points on the hilt to be a little scratchy (the wooden prototype had rounded points but this got simplified in the computer model for the mold).  One minute with a file will soften these a lot though.

If you could buy just one pair of swords for your club, this is the model we would recommend. Durable enough to be used for many years to come, these offer something that most training swords lack: BIND! The interlocking teeth on the edges of the blade ensure that they will stick when edge-to-edge, then slide appropriately when turned to flats. We have compared these to real sharp longswords, and the bind is strikingly similar.

Despite common concerns, there is little need to worry about the teeth increasing the risk of injury. While there is a higher chance of small scratches on uncovered skin, but we have found the Longsword Sharp Simulators to pose minimal increased risk among our students at South Coast Swords.

Looking at longswords throughout history, it didn't take long for complex hilted designs to begin appearing. The addition of simple rings on the side of the sword offers significant protection for the hands of the user. If you're seeking an increased level of safety, this sword is for you. The rings are over-sized to accommodate any size of glove in a thumb-grip.

3 lbs, 1.4 oz

39.5 inches blade length

2.5 inches point of balance

11 3/4 inches grip-able hilt

5 1/2 overall ring width

1 3/4 inches to 1 inch blade width (cross to tip)

52 3/4 inches overall length

10 inches cross width

5 1/2 inches total ring width

In Blackfencer's Falkner-style messer, the straight false edge and clipped long edge tip come together in a fun and distinctive blade shape. The sword maintains the balance and feeling of standard messers, making the selection of this weapon one of personal preference. This messer is designed specifically for left-handed fighters.

1 lb 15.3 oz

4 inches from cross point of balance

7 1/4 inch cross width

8 1/4 inch grip-able handle

27 3/4 inch blade length

2 1/4 inches blade to 1/2 inches (cross to tip)

37 1/2 inch over all length

approx 1/2 inch thickness

1 1/2 inch ring (nagel) height

In Blackfencer's Falkner-style messer, the straight false edge and clipped long edge tip come together in a fun and distinctive blade shape. The sword maintains the balance and feeling of standard messers, making the selection of this weapon one of personal preference.

1 lb, 15.3 oz

4 inches from cross point of balance

7 1/4 inch cross width

8 1/4 inch grip-able handle

27 3/4 inch blade length

2 1/4 inch blade 1/2 inches (cross to tip)

37 1/2 inches overall length

1/2 inch thickness (approximate)

1 1/2 inch ring (nagel) height

When you think "messer," you should think of one name: Leckuchner. So of course, we have messers shaped just like the ones in his manuscript. A classic clipped point with straight lines, this is a good looking and feeling sword. This messer is designed specifically for left-handed fencers.

1 lb, 13.8 oz

4 inches from cross point of balance

8 1/2 inches grip-able handle

2 inches to 1/2 inch blade width (cross to tip)

26 1/2 inches blade length

7 1/4 inches cross width

36 inches overall length

1 1/2 inch ring (nagel) height

Messer is fun. Messer with sharp sims is even more fun! The notches along the blade engage when paired with another sharp sim sword, and re-create the feeling of binding with sharp blades with a high level of accuracy. Many students at South Coast Swords pick these immediately when it's time for messer class.

1 lb, 13.5 oz

4 inch point of balance from center of cross

27 1/4 inch blade length

7 inch cross width

2 inch to 1 inch blade width taper

1/2 inch blade thickness

8 1/2 inch grip-able handle

36 3/4 inches overall length