German longsword (German bastard sword - 2nd generation)
Measurements
length: 50 3/8"
blade: 39"
blade width: 2" @base, 1" near tip
grip and pommel: 11"
guard: 9 1/4"
balance point: 6" from guard
weight (sword): 3 lb 10.6 oz
weight (sword & scabbard): 4 lb 9.6 oz
The new second generation sharp German longsword from Paul Chen / Hanwei. (Paul Chen refers to these as their "German bastard sword", but I'm always in favor of promoting proper sword terminology). Whatever you call them, these swords are magnificent! Sharp diamond cross-section tempered steel blade, solid construction with a large, firmly peened tang (note in picture 4 above). Antiqued blade, wood grip covered in leather, blackened steel guard and pommel, wood patterned polymer scabbard with blackened steel fittings.
Here's the Paul Chen blurb about these swords:
"The strong and fearless Swiss and Germans originally carried these early weapons, although bastard swords soon became popular in other regions such as the British Isles and Europe. The term bastard undoubtedly comes from the fact that the sword, because of its design, has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a single-handed or two-handed weapon. The two-handed sword was a weapon developed for the use of the foot soldier and had became quite common by the early 1500's. The combat styles developed for the two-handed sword were the particular specialty of the Northern European Cultures, with the Germanic nations being quite active in its development and use."
The first generation of these swords had polished blades and fittings, and were a bit heavier and not as well balanced. Pictures and measurements are here.
news 12/07: Paul Chen has done some adjustments on the swords, changing the pommels from
partially hollow to completely solid. This has upped the weight a bit, but the positive benefit
is that the balance point has moved back. The longswords I have for you now are weight/balance
as listed above, the earlier second generations weighed in at 3 lbs 3.0 oz with a balance point
at 7 3/4"; the new ones are at 3 lbs 10.6 oz with a balance point at 6". The improved handling
is worth the extra weight, these swords flow quite nicely.
Price: $235
