Medieval swords, and swords themselves, have long been an object of fascination. From the Bronze Age to modern times, the sword conjures great inspiration, awe and respect. Attributed to Nobles of history, the sword is considered as an aristocratic weapon. The Roman Empire long considered the “Spartha”, or Roman Sword, as a symbolic focal point of the Army’s supremacy. During in the Middle-Ages, the sword not only elevated squires to Knighthood, but served as a symbol of strength, integrity, honor and tradition.

Literature has often referred to the sword as a source of inspiration, showing their power and honour.

HomerThe IliadBeowulf and countless Anglo-Saxon chronicles immortalized Ancient Greek and medieval swords to a level beyond those of mortal men. In modern times, representation of swords as a symbol of power continues. From the swords of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire depicted in such popular films as The Fall of the Roman EmpireSpartacus, and Gladiator; to the swords of the medieval era in BraveheartHamlet, and The Lord of the Rings; to the katanas, or samurai swords, of feudal Japan in The Last Samurai; to the futuristic lightsaber of Star Wars — these examples depict the importance and symbolism of the sword as it transcends culture and time.

Through story and film, the symbolism of the sword continues, not as a simple weapon of war, but as the most venerated symbol of leadership, courage, justice and kinship. Today, medieval swords, as well as other swords of various historical periods, are safely kept in museums and private collections. They continue to conjure images of greatness, fascination and leadership. The medieval sword essentially developed from Celtic, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon and late Roman archetypes.

The Viking and early Frankish forms (the “spata”) are also considered to be more direct ancestors. Medieval swords can be classified, typically by hilt design, into many categories by curators, collectors, and military historians. However, through the last eight centuries, medieval swords were simply referred to as “swords” or “sword of war,” “war-sword” (French espee du guerre or epee du guerre) and “long sword”.

It was only during the crusades, when came the massive armies of mounted knights, that medieval swords found a new name: “the arming sword”. Arming swords were also considered “riding swords” (also parva ensis or epee courte). It is this single-hand form which is so closely associated with the idea of the “knightly sword” (C. 1300).

The swords made in Darksword Armory’s workshop are individually handcrafted to look, feel and handle as the original counterpart. Each sword is recreated from museum originals and antiques using the finest material and forged with 5160 high carbon steel, properly heat treated and tempered. Our bladesmiths individually handcraft each medieval sword using the traditional techniques of the Middle Ages. Working with hammer and anvil, they are impeccably forged with high attention to detail to achieve a product that is true to size, weight and geometry. Through research and first-hand experience with antique medieval weapons, Darksword Armory has crafted truly functional medieval swords, able to withstand the rigours of combat.

Our commitment to forging fully functional swords is at the core of our reputation for crafting some of the most resistant battle ready swords on the market. We are so pleased when our finely crafted medieval swords, armour, and fantasy pieces reach discerning sword collectors who value quality and artistry. When you purchase a piece from us, you’re not only getting a sword – you’re getting a lasting heirloom piece of fine weaponry which can be passed down from generation to generation.

Darksword Armory

Darksword Armory was founded by Eyal Azerad, whose lifelong dedication to the study of Medieval and Renaissance sword-making resulted in the creation of the business in 1996. Through decades of scholarly research, its founder was able to provide battle ready medieval swords able to withstand the rigors of actual combat, while remaining true to the size, weight and dimensions of the originals. Each replica is researched through examples found in Museums, private collections and other historical sources. The Darksword Armory’s team is composed of six individuals, all specialized in the production of historically accurate medieval swords and armors.

About Darksword Armory’s Medieval Swords

Whereas our main expertise is the forge of Medieval Swords and Medieval Armors, we also forge Renaissance Rapiers, daggers, stilettos, and Fantasy Swords or inspirational pieces based on medieval swords found in various museums and private collections.
Although all our swords are hand forged, we do not forge samurai swords, also known as Katana. The techniques used to forge Samurai swords are quite different than those used by the western world. As such, all the samurai swords or katanas sold on our site are made by Akio Hattari, a Japanese bladesmith now living in China. The Samurai swords or Katanas, wakizashis and Tantos are forged with 1095 High Carbon Steel.

Our medieval swords are Hand Forged with 1060 High Carbon steel. The blades are Tempered to a Rockwell of 53. All our blades are oil hardened. The metallurgical content of our blades is:
C: 0.65% – 0.75%
Mn: 0.30%
Cr: 0.60% – 1.20%
Ni: 1.25% – 2.00%
Mo: 0.35%
Si: 0.50%

Darksword Armory forges a wide collection of items, with the majority of work composed from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Our goal is to recreate the look and feel of the original in all respects. Our constant commitment to quality blade smithing and authenticity has made us popular with museums, collectors, and re-enactment groups around the world.

About Darksword Armory’s Medieval Armors

Our staff preserves our commitment to historical accuracy in the production of armors. We are quite proud of our armor collection. We have researched far and wide to find the most interesting and most impressive armors from both the Medieval and Renaissance eras. We generally use 16 to 18 gauge steel for our SCA armors. They are then hammered into shape and polished by hand. For fitting, we use high quality leather straps and period buckles. Darksword Armory also produces custom work. For submissions, please contact us with a detailed photograph or drawing.