SZCOSZCO Supplies 40.5” Hand Forged Carbon Steel Rustic Broad Sword with Leather Wrapped Handle, Black/Brown (901132)

In my quest for a training longsword, I happened upon this sword. For HEMA practitioners, and students learning the European Martial Arms Arts, particularly the Western European Longsword: consider this humble, inexpensive, high-carbon, full-tang longsword. If you are seeking a decent practical practice-longsword and are discouraged by the high costs of wooden, polypropylene, and high carbon steel federshwert practice swords; then check this rustic broadsword out. Under $40.00 (less than most poly-pro, or wooden practice swords), and certainly less than expensive HEMA -qualified federschwerts (at usually over $225.00), this baby rocks! It is durable: actual high carbon steel, basically unsharpened upon arrival (you can further blunt or hone it if need be), and heavy at around 4 pounds. You'll locate the POB (point of balance) about 6-inches north of the cross guard. Yes, it is a bit blade-heavy, and yes, it is heavy in general for a longsword: however, this is all perfect for training! The extra weight will help you greatly in stamina and strength, as, after training with this sword an actual longsword (around 3-pounds+) feels like a feather! The high carbon steel blade is 32-inches long. From pommel to cross guard is a tad under 8-inches. The pommel and cross guard are steel (not a wooden pommel, as one reviewer commented): and the wooden over-steel handle is wrapped in strip-leather, which is actual bovine-leather (not faux-leather, as another reviewer commented). In many of the historical MS. (manuscripts) left to posterity by the likes of Fiore dei Liberi, Hans Tolhoffer, Johannes Liechtenauer, and others; there is advocacy for training with real swords. Some even advocate training with actual sharpened swords. I can see the wisdom in that; as you're not likely to make the same mistakes twice (perchance because you've lost a finger or an eye). Since I don't actually want to kill my training partner, I won't train with sharpened swords, but actual swords, yes! There is a vast selection of real steel training swords, dulled, and combat ready. However, you will find these swords cost every bit as much as their actual real sword counterparts, if not more! This rugged broadsword is my solution, and I believe I chose well. Even though I take the advice of many old school fight book master's as per training with actual swords: I also strongly advocate all the safety-equipment needed. HEMA gloves: or padded, thick leather gauntlets; as well as a fencing helmet, chest, and arm protection, too. Motto: Real Training-Real Safety! For those who would say to NEVER train with actual swords for safety fears; I suggest enrolling in Badminton, or Crocheting, rather than fencing. This is a martial art form, and in my opinion, this sword is a perfect trainer. Buyers: please note that this is a high carbon sword, and as such it requires maintenance like all good real swords. This entails keeping the sword dry and moisture free. When not in use a light coating of oil should be applied. Even motor oil will work, but there are many oil products made especially for swords, knives, and plate armor. For the more experienced swordsman and swordswoman; this inexpensive sword has a high potential for customization! If you want a sword to customize, and are terrified of destroying a $250.00 mid-line sword: this baby has a lot of potential in that area! So fence on, warriors! Get the feel of real steel!

Honestly, i had low expectations for the price, but this is an amazing sword, it is durable and heavy, great for practice.

To begin, I must make it clear that this review is comparing it to the price and other swords of similar price. If you are expecting a good hand forged sword for $35 I don’t know what you are thinking. This sword is a great sword for its price, but can’t even begin to hold up to quality ones.That being said, I went into this purchase knowing that. I wasn’t expecting a hand forged masterpiece, just a cheap piece of steel. To this, I was pleasantly surprised. It seems to be a decent quality steel, and it looks and feels like a sword which is about what I expected.It’s a good length to act as a hand and a half sword, with enough room to squeeze two hands on the handle. The handle is a bit too round for my liking, but that can be easily fixed by sanding it down if need be. The blade is straight which is a relief after getting bent blades before. The blade also has paint on it that makes it look weathered, but I would think it would easily be removed with a polisher. The edges aren’t too sharp, but they were sharp enough to cut the cardboard box it came in.There were a few more minor issues with the sword. First off, it’s packaging was horrendous. Luckily my cross guard wasn’t broken like others have been, but I wouldn’t have been surprised. It came in a cardboard box with the only other packaging being a few plastic bubbles and two thin plastic bags. Secondly, the cross guard and pommel seem to have a thick coat of black paint on them, but there are many marks on them straight out of the box. Thirdly, the tip was slightly bent when I revived the sword, but this could be a packaging/shipping issue with there being no padding on the tip. And lastly, it is coated in a lot of grease, but this can be wiped off rather easily.Overall, I think this sword is one of the best for the price point it is. I wanted a cheap sword I can have as a wall hanger and also cut random branches and boxes, and I got it.

Great sword . Heavy , beautiful, sharp and dangerous. When I say heavy it’s very heavy some will have trouble swinging it with one hand until you get use to the weight. That said the weight is well balanced with a heavy pummel. It’s a full steel sword from tip to pummel. Very strong and well made. Ready to slay the invaders or destroy dragons out of the box .Handle grip is wrapped with crap leather …but it’s an easy enough task to wrap it in better leather. Not an issue for me.It’s a damn good sword .For this price I expected junk but this is a real deal battle sword that would chop a tree down if you wanted to and would easily cleave a head from the body of a villain or dragon .I’m Looking for a scabbard for the sword because it’s a very sharp sword and dangerous when carrying in a simple “frog” holster over your shoulder, on your back or at your side. Trip over this thing and you’ll lose a toe or two. Blunder into a friend with this thing dangling from your belt with the blade exposed is almost certainly gonna result in a trip to the hospital for stitches .It comes packed in stinking dirty smelly gross packing grease … be careful not to ruin your clothing, carpet , sofa or your wife’s favorite table cloth . Open it outside and wipe it off with paper towels. Grease wipes right of and smell is gone in an instant once the grimy grease is cleaned off.This is a real sword not a toy. It’s deadly out of the box .