Smallswords

uncle

uncle

Joined
Mar 28, 2000
Messages
406
Well, I spent a lot of time looking for decent 18th century style smallswords that I could afford and now have 2 of them. I bought 1 Paul Chen Scottish Court Sword (about $200.00) and 1 by Cold Steel (about $240.00).
I didn't know it, but the Chen was the exact one I was originally looking for. It is the one used in the final duel in the most recent Count of Monte Cristo movie. It is several ounces heavier than the Cold Steel, the balde is satin, Cold Steel is high polish, the blade has a less narrow taper than the Cold Steel, and the guard, pommel, etc. have more of a hand engraved look- the Cold Steel has that Modern Taiwan molded in or heavy etched look and the design is sharper and would wear a glove down quicker.
If I were going to duel smallsword style I would use the Cold Steel because of the weight.
Any one else have any?
As I make more money, or run out of gift ideas for my wife to get me, I will graduate to more expensive makes. Any suggestions there?
I really need one with a blade like the picture at this link. It is an antique 18th century sword:
http://www.samaritanarts.com/SmallswordMtVernon.JPG
The guy is actually wearing the Paul Chen.
 
This is only second or third-hand... but most people consider the Arms and Armour Smallsword an excellent buy.
 
A&A is one of the places I checked, and it will probably be the next one I get.
 
I would also recomend the A&A smallsword as well.
Erik Stevenson of Phoenix Metal Creations also used to make a mean smallsword but I think he's out of the business now.
 
I saw an 18th century antique smallsword that someone had at Mt. Vernon last year. I know they can be had. Any ideas where to look?
 
Triton said:
I would recommend wandering over to www.swordforum.com and doing a search on "armart"....
Click to expand...
I would support Triton on that.

Russ, you might wish to check out Patrick Barta's TEMPL smallswords. IIRC, he has one or two that aren't too terribly expensive :eek: and I cannot speak highly enough of his work from the sword that I got 4 year ago. I also checked Lutel and they have two, one for about $400 and one for $633.
 
FullerH said:
I would support Triton on that.

Russ, you might wish to check out Patrick Barta's TEMPL smallswords. IIRC, he has one or two that aren't too terribly expensive :eek: and I cannot speak highly enough of his work from the sword that I got 4 year ago. I also checked Lutel and they have two, one for about $400 and one for $633.
Click to expand...

I can't speak highly enough about that fantastic sword you got either Hugh. :) A once in a lifetime deal on that one I think. I didn't know Barta did smallswords or Lutel either for that matter. Both good tips!
 
Patrick has a sword, B06, that falls on the border between smallsword and rapier that I lust after in the same manner that I lust after his Sutton Hoo replica. It totals just over 46" and weighs in at 2 1/3 pounds, mostly in the hilt. It costs 2650 Euros, or just under $3300 US at current conversion rates. But it is some kind of lovely, with blued furnituer having gold and silver inlays. The artwork on it is magnificent, although probably at least "R" rated.

While I am dreaming, let me add:
1) his A03 German Sword "spatha", a ring sword that is simply gorgeous and costs 4200 Euros,
2) his A15 Spatha Sword, the Sutton Hoo sword, for a mere 3200 Euros,
3) his A16 Roman Ring-Hilted sword, a Sarmatian style gladius with gold inlays, just what Maximus would have been carrying as a Roman General, for a mere 2800 Euros, and, finally,
4) his A04 Viking sword with inlaid hilt and pattern-welded blade for 1600 Euros.

To those of you who have not looked at Patrick's work, please do so, even if you cannot afford it. To see what he does is to understand the terrible beauty of a sword in its truest form. If ever a sword were worth the money that he charges, his are well worth it. For a review of his Sutton Hoo sword by a man who actually bought one and then used it for test cutting, see
http://www.myarmoury.com/review_tmpl_suthoo.html He is a more courageous man than I, this I will readily say.

http://www.templ.net/who_is_patrick_barta.php
 
If you're looking for a smallsword with "duelling" potential (ie balance and weight), I would recommend going to the supplier sites of olympic-style fencing. Most have a companion page with historic swords and equipment. From past experience, the staff people are fencers themselves, and understand the issues of balance and feel-in-hand (particularly as a smallsword is one of the closer relatives of an olympic weapon (with the exception of a true duelling epee)). If you contact them with your preferences, they can probably hand-pick something for you.

They won't be custom, but they should be solid and well-balanced.
 
I have handled a few smallswords in my time, but for the price the Cold steel one is a great buy. If you like the cold steel style, try there 1796 light calvery saber. Im also a big fan of CAS, but they seem to be a little bit less quality than cold steel usually. I really like cas side sword though.
 
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