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"Baltimore Knife & Sword" single-hand sword
purchased roughly around 1989
Early in my sword collecting, I had been admiring the "real" swords
at the MDRF (Maryland Renaissance Festival). I only had two other
swords at the time, the first being my $20 Toledo wall-hanger, and
the second being the family heirloom bayonet/shortsword. I wanted
a "real" sword. A combat sword. Something out of a Dungeons & Dragons
game, but still historical, and not some fancy fantasy sword. And I
wanted a disc-pommel, after admiring such swords in the BBC "Robin
of Sherwood" series that I watched on public television.
I saved up my money for many months, which was no small feat for me at
the time. And then the day came, and I visited the Baltimore Knife
shop. At last! A sturdy sword that a D&D playing teenager could be proud of.
By today's standards, it's a bit of a clunker, made from bar-stock
with the edges ground to give it a profile taper and an axe-wedge
sort of edge. It's blade-heavy, but feels sturdy and tight. It's
also unpolished, dull-colored steel.
Over the years, Baltimore Knife has greatly (though gradually and
incrementally) improved their swords. The last time I handled
their blades, I still felt they were on the heavy side, but they've
gotten to be much more ornate.
You won't find them at MDRF anymore though. I've only heard rumors,
but I was told they were asked to leave.
| Overall Length |
37 ¾ inches (95.89 cm) |
| Blade Length |
30 inches (76.2 cm) |
| Hilt Length |
7 ¾ inches (19.68 cm) |
| Center of Gravity |
5 ¾ inches from guard (14.61 cm) |
| Center of Percussion |
19 ½ inches from guard (49.53 cm) |
(More Information)
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