This Sword *Could* be Great, But... ARGH!

Summary

This is a candid review of Kingston Arms’ 13th-century style arming sword: visually and ergonomically accurate with excellent balance, a well-shaped grip, slim guard, and a solid scabbard—handling feels authentic and light. However, the sword is let down by an atrocious secondary bevel (about 45°) and very coarse grind that renders it almost non-cutting without a full regrind; minor sharpening only improved performance slightly. A murder-stroke test bent the pommel off-center, though fittings stayed secure. Recommended as an affordable, display-oriented functional collectible, but not for cutting practice or competitions unless the edge is professionally reworked.

Takeaways

• 😀 The sword in question is a 13th century arming sword designed by Angus Trim and made by Kingston Arms.
• 😀 The sword is well-balanced, lightweight, and offers good maneuverability for cuts, thrusts, and feints.
• 😀 The sword’s overall design closely matches a historical 13th-century arming sword, including its guard and pommel.
• 😀 The scabbard is simple but functional, with a wood core and minimal rattling when used.
• 😀 The handle wrap is done well with tight, smooth string wrapping, ensuring comfort and good grip.
• 😕 The sword's major flaw is its poorly executed secondary bevel, making it very ineffective for cutting right out of the box.
• 😕 The grind is coarse, which could result in the edge being easily damaged and prone to notches or dullness over time.
• 😕 The blade's bevel angle is excessively steep (45 degrees), which is not ideal for cutting, especially on a sword meant for combat or practice.
• 😀 After sharpening the edge, the sword performs slightly better but still struggles with clean cuts, making it unsuitable for serious cutting competitions.
• 😕 The sword bent after a 'murder stroke' test, causing the pommel to shift off-center, though this is not entirely unusual for medieval-style swords.
• 😀 The sword is recommended for collectors who want a functional, historically accurate piece but is not ideal for cutting practice without significant modification.

Q & A

What is the main positive aspect of the sword's design?

The sword captures the look and feel of a 13th-century arming sword quite well. Its balance is excellent, offering a middle ground between cutting power and maneuverability.

How does the sword compare to other similar arming swords?

The sword's handling is almost identical to another practice arming sword, showing that it’s functional and effective for sparring and combat.

What are the strengths of the sword's guard and pommel?

The guard is slim and functional, offering just enough protection without being overly bulky. The pommel is simple but well-executed, contributing to the sword's overall balance and feel.

What is the issue with the sword’s edge?

The sword has one of the worst secondary bevels seen by the reviewer, with a steep angle and coarse grind. This severely limits its cutting ability, making it almost ineffective for its intended purpose.

Why is the edge problem considered so severe?

The steep angle and rough grind lead to a poorly performing edge, which is easily damaged. Even after sharpening, the sword still fails to cut properly.

What was the result of sharpening the sword?

After sharpening, the sword cut slightly better, but still wasn’t able to make clean cuts, especially in cutting tests like tatami mat cuts. The grind’s geometry is just too problematic.

What was the reviewer’s experience with the sword during a 'murder stroke' test?

During the murder stroke test, the sword bent and the pommel shifted off-center. While the reviewer acknowledges that medieval swords sometimes experienced similar damage, it still points to the sword's inability to handle heavy use.

What is the reviewer’s main concern about the sword?

The main issue is the sword’s edge. Despite being well-made in terms of design, balance, and craftsmanship, the edge’s poor grind makes it ineffective for cutting, which undermines its functionality as a battle-ready sword.

Is the sword recommended for cutting practice or competitions?

No, the sword is not recommended for cutting practice or competitions unless the user is willing to invest significant time and effort to re-grind and sharpen the edge to a more functional profile.

Who would benefit from buying this sword?

Collectors who want a visually accurate and functional piece of history at an affordable price would benefit from this sword. It’s also suitable for display or light use, but not for serious cutting applications.