Today we take an in-depth look at an elegant training weapon, our complex-hilted sidesword trainer. This sword is designed specifically for the Italian sword arts of the 1500s as a practice version of the 'Sidesword' (Spada da Filo). The dimensions and balance are based on several of the surviving swords of the period. This combination has been tested extensively, resulting in a great item for those looking for a side sword trainer and sparring weapon.
As always, our swords are entirely made by us at our shop in Minneapolis, MN out of 6150 carbon steel, hardened and tempered to 50-52 Rockwell. Our swords are made to look, feel, and function just like the historical originals on which they are based. Check out our full selection here: https://www.arms-n-armor.com
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985