Angus Trim/Christian Fletcher Side Sword
Original: 16th century
The term
spada da lato, or "side sword", is a term often used by modern collectors to refer to swords that bridged the difference between the true thrusting rapier and cutting blades. There is some debate over the accuracy of the term, and even the term "rapier" is hard to define based on the different ways in which the term was used (and not used) in period. Regardless of semantics, one cannot argue that there were a number of swords that survived from the Renaissance with complex hilts that handled quite well in either cut or thrust.
Christian Fletcher offers this side sword, combining his own talents as a cutler with a blade made by Angus "Gus" Trim. It is the type of sword that could have been used by a civilian duelist, or a military soldier. The blade is broad enough for cutting, balanced for excellent tip control, and light enough for quick attacks and recoveries. It feels quite nice alone, and even better with a buckler in the off hand.
See our
hands-on review for more information on this sword.
Overall length: 39"
Weight: 2.3 pounds
Width of guard: 7"
Blade: 31" long; 1.75" wide
Ricasso: 1.5" long
Grip length: 4"
Point of Balance (PoB): 5.25" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21" from guard
Makers:
Angus "Gus" Trim and
Christian Fletcher.
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