Del Tin has been offering their version of this Swedish Two-Hander since the mid-1990s. It's caught my eye for many years, and recently, I was able to train regularily with one. So, I decided to take the plunge and buy one at KoA last week. All and all, I am very excited to have this particular Del Tin in my collection. :D
I wanted something nice and unrefined to add to my late 15th C. mercenary kit. This Del Tin fit the bill perfectly. I'll be doing a scabbard and 3-pt suspension later, but for now, let's spill the beans about this sword!
Specifications
Overall Length: 46.5"
Blade Length: 33.5"
Blade Width (Widest Point): 2.125"
Blade Width @ Guard: 1.90"
Blade Material: Heat Tempered Chromium-Vandium Steel (50 RC Hardness)
Overall Grip Length: 13.0"
Crossguard Length: 9"
Pommel Length: 2.5"
Pommel Width: 2.5"
Weight: 3lbs, 15oz
PoB: 2.0"
CoP: 22.0"
Blade
The blade of the 5161 has a beautifully complex; yet graceful geometry. It's a flattened diamond cross section which begins at the guard being 1.90" wide, then at 2.0" from the guard, it dramatically flares to 2.125" in width. The blade then tapers toward the end, ending in a rounded thrusting point.
The sword comes unsharpened, but when sharpened, it is easy to see that this blade has both attributes - the ability to cut and thrust efficiently. It comes with a 1.5mm rounded edge suitable for re-enactment/WMA en arma combat.
In the last picture, you can see that the central ridge appears slightly off-center at the end. This is an effect of the camera, the ridge is centered on both sides of the blade. The lighting caused this effect.
The Grip
The grip on this is one of this sword's highest selling points. It is a full two-handed grip, being 13" in length. It is composed of thin leather over a spiral corded wrapped wooden core. The spiral riser is slightly uneven in places, but it's not too noticable.
The nature of this grip assures a nice firm grip for one or both hands, yet shifting position of the hands is not hindered. I can easily fit both hands on the grip of this sword while wearing plate gauntlets and have a few inches remaining between my hands.
The Pommel
The pommel is a monster on the 5161. It's a massive fluted Type T, about the size of a small pear. It off sets the blade weight, giving a extremely low center of balance for this large sword. The pommel is an excellent weapon in its own right, acting essentially as a mace in a close-quarters fight.
The tang is solidly peened through the pommel. The sword is absolutely solid, with no rattle and it rings deep like a church bell when struck.
The Guard
The guard is a thick Style 12 guard that widens as it turns in an S-curve, flaring as it ends in rounded finials.
Performance
This is the Del Tin 5161's strongest selling point by far. It's a capable two-handed, but because the PoB is so far back and the weight is not too great, it actually wields well as a one-handed weapon. The point tracks exactly where you want it to track smoothly and easily with little one-handed effort.
The 5161 work effortlessly though the poste of Fiore, offering smooth transitions, working from cover to cover. Blows are fast and powerful, from high, middle, and low positions. The pommel works amazingly well for it's intended purpose, able to smash the helmet of a would-be opponent; changing the course of a fight if you put enough power behind it.
Opinion
All and all, this is a great sword at it's price point. It's great for two-handed training, and sharpened, it would make a great cutter. This is definately my favorite Del Tin of all time! :D
