Who makes a good tough smallsword for stage combat? -- myArmoury.com

Roger Hooper

I am looking for a smallsword for stage combat that is very sturdy and probably would have to have a musketeer blade. I imagine the best one is made by Arms and Armor, but there are others made by Darkwood Armory and CAS Iberia (the Scottish Court Sword and the George Washington dress sword) Are there others? Which one do you recommend?

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Thu 08 Jan, 2004 9:51 pm Post subject:

Hi Roger,

Since I used to own one, and regret selling it, I would have to say the Arms & Armor smallsword. It comes with a shortened double-wide epee "musketeer" blade rounded at the point. It's definitely worth its price and I'm positive it would last you many years of hard use if used for stage combat.

I used to own the Hanwei George Washington smallsword & I own the Scottish smallsword. While they are nice and based upon originals they are too heavy for a smallsword (Scottish smallsword 1lb 10oz) and a bit oversized. Their hollow ground triangular blades are quite stiff and sharp (pointed). I do know of a few people who have purchased them & replaced the blade. Bill Grandy mounted his with a epee blade. He ended up replacing the handle & pommel. I believe Mario Perez had his George Washington smallsword that I sold to him mounted with an aluminum blade made by D.L. Baker.

If you don't need it right away I'd like to suggest Dennis Graves of No Quarter Arms. He was Erik Stevenson's (Phoenix Metal Creations) teacher.

I have also found these rather inexpensive smallswords online. I do not know of their quality and they do not look bad for the price.

Castle Keep Ltd.
http://www.reenact.com/18th.html

As for other smallswords out there, I have not seen them in person and they really do not interest me.

American Fencers Supply Co.
amfence.com

Popinjay's
http://www.popinj.com/

I hope this helps,

regards,
Stephen

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Thu 08 Jan, 2004 10:11 pm Post subject:

Roger Hooper · Posted: Fri 09 Jan, 2004 10:59 am Post subject:

Thanks, Stephen

Jim Post

Bill Grandy · myArmoury Team

I've seen smallswords from both American Fencers and Popinjay. The Amfence sword is kind of crude looking, with a tubular shaped hilt, but it would more than suffice for stage use, and it probably wouldn't make much difference to the audience.

The Popinjay one is much better looking, and would also work wonderfully for stage. My only real problem with theirs is that the grip is way too long for a proper smallsword. But if historical accuracy isn't important to you, then it's a good alternative.

I know I've eyed the A&A one for a while, but having bought three A&A's within the past six months, and with a custom one from them due to arrive within the next two months, I think I have to cool it for now. Happy

Jim,
Just so you're aware, technically all blades are meant to only flex one way, whether diamond section or not. Flexing both ways will drastically shorten to life of any fencing blade. Whether you thrust in supponation or pronation really shouldn't make a difference. (That said, I do this wrong all the time, and I even know better! I'm just terrible with my swords.)

Roger Hooper · Posted: Mon 12 Jan, 2004 1:15 pm Post subject:

I ordered the Arms and Armor smallsword. It's more expensive than the others, but at least I know that it is built to last, and that the knuckle guard won't break off if it gets dropped onto the stage floor.

Cold Steel is coming out with a smallsword. It looks nice, costs $400.00 (scabbard included), not sure of its quality. At that price it better be decent. http://www.coldsteel.com/csstoreonline/88sms.html

James Aldrich · Posted: Mon 12 Jan, 2004 7:52 pm Post subject:

Jonathon Janusz · Posted: Tue 13 Jan, 2004 4:34 am Post subject: stage smallsword link

http://www.fatchett.com/fiocchi

Fiocchi Sword - his hilt work looks nice and stage smallswords are his specialty.

Jon

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Tue 13 Jan, 2004 5:46 am Post subject:

Good choice Roger. I'm sure you'll like it.

James,

I sent Cold Steel an email about their picture. I'll let you know if I find out anything.

Bill Grandy · myArmoury Team

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Tue 13 Jan, 2004 4:44 pm Post subject:

"While they are nice and based upon originals they are too heavy for a smallsword (Scottish smallsword 1lb 10oz) and a bit oversized."

Even though original smallswords greatly varied in size & form. I believe this picture should better help illustrate my statement about the Hanwei's being oversized.

Note the thickness of the ricasso.

Bill Grandy · myArmoury Team

Those are excellent comparison photos, Stephen. The Hanwei one really does have a fat ricasso. It's a beautiful sword, no doubt, but it's these small subtleties that Hanwei tends to miss with their recreations.