Weight: 2 lbs 14 ounces
Overall Length: 38 and 3/4 inches
Grip: 6 inches
Blade Length: 30 inches from guard
Point of Balance: approx. -1 inches from guard
Center or Percussion: approx. 17 inches from guard
Distal Taper
At Crossguard -.4 cm
At COP - .3 cm
Initial Impressions:
A True modern Day Relic, for modern sagas
History:
This sword has its birth in a private message I received from Matthew Stagmer asking me if I would care to review a sword from his company (BKS or Baltimore Knife and Sword). I replied that instead of reviewing a stock sword model, I wanted to commission a custom piece. I had no idea what journey I had started. Originally this sword was to be based off of the famous XVIIIa in the Metropolitan Museum of Art found on page 189 of Records of the Medieval Sword. I wanted it to incorporate a hazel and honeysuckle thematic element. A few months later once both parties were able to commit to a definite move forward, I requested we keep the main themes of honeysuckle and hazel, but incorporate some other elements evocative of my upcoming wedding. Instead of a unity candle, my bride and I wanted a “unity sword”. I really gave Matt full reins from there. Here are some of the highlights that make this sword so unique and special:
• The blade was forged under the light of an eclipse
• The grip is made of hazel wood, vacuum stabilized in a mixture of blessed frankincense and honeysuckle
• The pommel and cross guard are made of forged and shaped wrought iron
• A replica crusader coin and garnet are set in the pommel
• Silver bands adorn the grip as spacers/stabilization
• Engraved on the blade are the names of our two families: Arledge and Bostian
Impressions:
This sword had to be special. It will be an heirloom I will pass down to the next generation. It will be a blessed and holy symbol of our marriage, reminding us of the honor, pride, dignity and magic of the sword through Western History. A reminder of knightly virtue, and my willingness to defend my family, my home and all I hold dear. I knew throughout the entire creative process that BKS was pouring an awful lot of creative energy and magic into its construction, and a lot of heart.
Now that it is in my possession, I can say that BKS delivered on my every hope and expectation. This sword is beautiful. It is also unique in shape and handling. I don’t know quite how to describe its presence… it has a balance point set behind the guard… a razor like blade that has an incredible temper and audible ring. It handles like a lightsaber, almost to the point if being too fast. But it really is better as a two handed weapon. One handed, there is just a bit too much weight in the pommel. Two handed though, it’s perfect. It cuts soft targets like water bottles very well, effortless, lightsaber-like in its cutting power. It honestly devastates targets with no vibration in the blade and no resistance from the object. Its edge is not overly sharp, but it plows through targets.
Thank you so much BKS, this is a sword, an heirloom that will never leave my family. It will be an integral part of our new life beginning next weekend with our wedding. I hope that some forum members will eventually get to come to Indy when I can plan a cutting party and experience this wonderful sword first-hand.
