Only Knives » Valiant Armoury http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:44:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Valiant Armory Norman Sword | European Replica Weaponry | Forged High Carbon Steelhttp://www.onlyknives.com/valiant-armory-norman-sword-european-replica-weaponry-forged-high-carbon-steel/ http://www.onlyknives.com/valiant-armory-norman-sword-european-replica-weaponry-forged-high-carbon-steel/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:18:25 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7048 Valiant Armory Norman Sword Dating to the 11th century in Europe, the simple fullered sword Valiant Armoury recreates as the Norman Sword was one of the first European battle swords to feature a crossguard. Complex hilts built to both deflect an opponent's blade and protect the hand would come later. In the Norman design, a nearly straight cross bar of steel separated the grip from the cutting edge. Valiant's Norman Sword places a macassar ebony handgrip between the crossguard and the solid steel pommel.

The full length of over 36 inches includes 30 inches of high carbon hand-forged steel cutting edge. This old design was made for slashing rather than piercing, and the result is lighter than the heavy diamond cross-section longswords that evolved to counter plate armour. The Norman Sword's 3-pound, 4-ounce weight made it a fast one-handed weapon and a favorite choice of horsemen.

Based on genuine museum pieces and manufactured with a combination of hand processes and modern materials, the swords of Valiant Armoury were intended to be battle ready as well as to be striking armaments for display. Designers Christian Fletcher and Angus Trim spent many years learning old methods by trial and error as well as by research. Production swords of the Valiant Standard line are not rated combat ready, but the build is solid and stronger than would be expected in a display weapon. Without the flash and decoration of a noble's blade, the Norman Sword still shows its own type of class -- the clean lines of a sword made for real work.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/valiant-armory-norman-sword-european-replica-weaponry-forged-high-carbon-steel/feed/ 0 English Longsword Replica | Duke Of Exeter Sword | Thomas Beaufort | Valiant Armoryhttp://www.onlyknives.com/english-longsword-replica-duke-of-exeter-sword-thomas-beaufort-valiant-armory/ http://www.onlyknives.com/english-longsword-replica-duke-of-exeter-sword-thomas-beaufort-valiant-armory/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:06:58 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7045 English Longsword Replica The Duke of Exeter Sword may look a bit ordinary even with the extra flourishes that Valiant Armoury gives this old design from the Hundred Years' War. Patterned after actual swords used in the Battle of Agincourt, the 35.5-inch blade, hilt, and pommel are plain and simple, built to pierce armor, catch blades, and break heads rather than impress court followers. The 27.5-inch hammer-forged carbon steel blade brings the total weight in hand of this powerful one-handed longsword to four pounds and an ounce. That's enough to make us tired, but in the Hundred Years' War, it was a lightweight.

Named after Thomas Beaufort, an important military leader favored by King Henry V, the Duke of Exeter Sword hides a lot of history. This style of sword became the right blade at the right time on the historically important Agincourt battlefield. An English army of swordsmen and longbowmen -- lightly armoured, exhausted after a 250 mile march across France, sick with dysentery, and outnumbered by a confident French army by ten to one -- not only survived but won a decisive victory. Swords like this were one of the reasons, light enough to swing without sinking their owners to their knees in mud, and forged with a diamond shaped blade that drove through heavy plate armour.

Hand forged in the Philippines, the Duke of Exeter longsword uses polished macassar ebony as the hand grip, departing a little from the materials of the originals but adding enough flair to make this a beautiful and functional replica sword. One of Valiant's standard weapons, this sword is not rated combat ready. The build is strong and solid and makes you think that with a little bit of work, it would be.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/english-longsword-replica-duke-of-exeter-sword-thomas-beaufort-valiant-armory/feed/ 0 Black Prince Sword Valiant Armoury | English Longsword Replica | Edward Prince of Waleshttp://www.onlyknives.com/black-prince-sword-valiant-armoury-english-longsword-replica-edward-prince-of-wales/ http://www.onlyknives.com/black-prince-sword-valiant-armoury-english-longsword-replica-edward-prince-of-wales/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:43:44 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7030 Black Prince Sword Valiant Armoury Bear in mind as you heft the Black Prince Sword -- named in honor of Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales until his death in 1376 -- that this impressive 43-inch diamond cross-section sword is only the hand-and-a-half model. Two-handed broadswords were even heavier. With a sword like the Black Prince, a swordsman could fight with sword and shield, backing up the strongest blows with a second hand on the pommel.

According to Valiant Armoury, this modern version of the ancient English longsword can pierce plate armour one-handed and slash chain mail with a two-handed blow. With four-and-a-half pounds of high carbon steel powering the edge, that does seem possible. The usual Valiant build of carbon steel blade, polished steel fittings, and macassar ebony handle creates this strong and usable weapon. Details match the fine points of antique swords from the time of the Hundred Years War. The Black Prince Sword is a business-like blade which a fighting prince like Edward of Woodstock might actually have carried. Decoration is sparse -- the 10-inch cross guard and heavy steel pommel are for catching blades and bashing heads, not for court ceremony.

Hand forged in the Philippines, the Black Prince Sword comes with a leather bound scabbard of good quality and is suitable for display or discreet use. One of the swords in Valiant's standard series, the Black Prince is considered functional but not true combat quality. Valiant's standard line is way ahead of most replica swords in both functional standards and design details. If the Black Prince isn't actually the real thing, it's a dead ringer for it.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/black-prince-sword-valiant-armoury-english-longsword-replica-edward-prince-of-wales/feed/ 0 Medieval Falchion Replica Sword | Valiant Armoury | Persian Machete w/ Scabbardhttp://www.onlyknives.com/medieval-falchion-replica-sword-valiant-armoury-persian-machete-w-scabbard/ http://www.onlyknives.com/medieval-falchion-replica-sword-valiant-armoury-persian-machete-w-scabbard/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:59:27 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7022 Medieval Falchion Replica Sword The Falchion took centuries to evolve from what was probably a butcher knife or kitchen cleaver pressed into emergency service into what became a cross between an ax and sword. The Medieval Falchion from Valiant Armoury is both an accurate reproduction of this old weapon and an example of how it gradually changes from generation to generation. Once a simple machete-like blade, the falchion took on aspects of Persian and Chinese weapons over the years, and now that it's made in the Philippines, it's possible to see some of that machete concept coming back. That's something I like about Valiant's products -- they show ideas, not just copies. I can see the influence of the people who made this, not just the designers.

This 22-and-a-half-inch blade with hand-forged fullering and Persian-style upsweep is actually heavier than some of the old battlefield models of the Falchion. Three-and-a-half pounds of high carbon steel, macassar ebony, and leather wrapping makes this functional 28.75-inch replica a very impressive sword. Polished steel cross guard and pommel follow the old functional design, but the handle itself gives the piece unexpected flair. The sword includes a matching scabbard.

In terms of pure authenticity the Medieval Falchion is just a little too good. Swords of this weight and class were favored by the working soldiers, very often pressed into service off the farms of the day and matched up to weapons that equaled their abilities. Peasant soldiers received less training than the nobility or professional soldiers, coming into the military world with skills derived from handling farm tools. Weapons were provided that matched the feel and action of farm implements. A sword this advanced would probably have been out of their reach. Their loss, our gain.

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Falchion Medieval Style Dollhouse One Inch ScaleFalchion Medieval Style Dollhouse One Inch Scale
US $55.00   Paypal
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battle ready medieval falchion swordbattle ready medieval falchion sword
US $220.00   Paypal
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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/medieval-falchion-replica-sword-valiant-armoury-persian-machete-w-scabbard/feed/ 0 Nemesis Battle Axe | Battle Ready Martial Arts Weapons | Forged Carbon Steelhttp://www.onlyknives.com/nemesis-battle-axe-battle-ready-martial-arts-weapons-forged-carbon-steel/ http://www.onlyknives.com/nemesis-battle-axe-battle-ready-martial-arts-weapons-forged-carbon-steel/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:44:05 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7019 Nemesis Battle Axe The Nemesis Battle Axe, sold as a fully functional battle weapon, does outclass most other modern martial arts axes. Many of the modern versions of this intimidating double-bladed axe are intentionally lightweight, built more for kata than for fighting. Though this is a very nice axe, and a type of weapon that wouldn't be easy to find outside of a museum in the days before the Internet, I did notice something that concerned me as a practical axeman. Even though my chopping involves trees, the same standards should apply.

Straight grained wood really is hard to find today, and any commercial handle maker sneaks a few questionable pieces through often enough. For a battle axe to be perfect, the grain of the wood has to be as good as the steel, so the Nemesis may not be quite battle ready. It's the handle quality I question, and since that varies with each, you may get one that is perfect. The construction is complex for an axe -- hidden partial tangs held by multiple steel rivets weaken the wooden shaft. Replacing a broken handle would be a major problem for someone who isn't a craftsman. Other than that, you're pretty well set to create havoc and mayhem. The axe isn't light -- at 5.5 pounds, it's about double the weight of a hardware store version. The blades of the Nemesis have been engineered in the same way old battleaxes actually were forged. Crescent-shaped blades with 9.5 inches of cutting edge each, backed up by a sleek eye design and streamlined head, give lots of chopping potential plus the opportunity for a quick rebound. Authentic steel spikes add two more good reasons to stand clear. A little careful practice with the Nemesis and you'll have respect for the people who wielded these in other times.

Hand forged in the Philippines, the 35-inch long Nemesis developed from the work of American designers Christian Fletcher and Angus Trim in conjunction with Valiant Armoury. Many of Valiant's pieces are based on real weapons displayed in museums. Philippine craftsmen working with hand forged carbon steel and rare hardwoods bring these old ideas back to life.

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54 095 Valiant Battle Ready Avenger Single Axe54 095 Valiant Battle Ready Avenger Single Axe
US $139.00   Paypal
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54 096 Valiant Battle Ready Double Axe54 096 Valiant Battle Ready Double Axe
US $142.00   Paypal
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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/nemesis-battle-axe-battle-ready-martial-arts-weapons-forged-carbon-steel/feed/ 0 Valiant Armory War Sword | European Soldier Replica | Ebony Handle, Leather Sheathhttp://www.onlyknives.com/valiant-armory-war-sword-european-soldier-replica-ebony-handle-leather-sheath/ http://www.onlyknives.com/valiant-armory-war-sword-european-soldier-replica-ebony-handle-leather-sheath/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:56:06 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7016 Valiant Armory War Sword Patterned after one of the common soldier's blades from the European battlefields of the 1400's, this sword from Valiant Armory has a plain name and a plain build. Sold by Valiant as the War Sword, the only thing fancy about this very realistic weapon is the black and tan macassar ebony handle. Let me clarify that I think this is a good thing -- I like this sword. Swords of the period would probably have been made of more common materials than this expensive African hardwood, but an added touch doesn't hurt.

Rather than making strict reproductions of period pieces, Valiant's craftsmen in the Philippines often go a step further. Though not intended for combat, even Valiant's standard series swords have the feel of real weapons. Details show that the makers took pride in their work. The War Sword isn't decorated with cast metal that gets knocked loose in shipment -- the seven-inch cross guard and pommel are solid steel. The blade itself shows 32 inches of hand forged carbon steel -- rat tail tang and pommel bring the total length to 41 inches. Though this was considered a one-handed sword in the old days, the War Sword was also heavy enough to swing two-handed. At just under four pounds, it's definitely too weighty for fencing practice. Modern swordsmen need to train a while before a blade this heavy is steady in the hand.

The War Sword comes with a good leather sheath and an excellent warranty. Give the blade a light coating of oil to protect it from rust, and don't treat it as a toy. In fact, Valiant does not recommend using even the standard series blades like the War Sword as theatrical props. If you swing this at something, it will do some damage.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/valiant-armory-war-sword-european-soldier-replica-ebony-handle-leather-sheath/feed/ 0 Valor Naval Boarding Cutlass | Stainless Steel Military Sword | Full Tang Reenactment Bladehttp://www.onlyknives.com/valor-naval-boarding-cutlass-stainless-steel-military-sword-full-tang-reenactment-blade/ http://www.onlyknives.com/valor-naval-boarding-cutlass-stainless-steel-military-sword-full-tang-reenactment-blade/#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:48:08 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/valor-naval-boarding-cutlass-stainless-steel-military-sword-full-tang-reenactment-blade/ Valor Naval Boarding Cutlass This 36" overall length flat ground stainless steel replica more closely matches the weapon a naval officer might have carried than it does the shorter, heavier seaman's cutlass that was the official sidearm of the enlisted riffraff of the day. Officers of the day were trained in fencing techniques. A typical sailor had less skill in swordsmanship and was issued less delicate weapons that favored brute strength over finesse. The standard cutlass was designed as much for hacking rigging as for hacking people. This longer and more slender variety of cutlass also became popular among cavalry troops who needed blades with more reach and finer control.

This reproduction of that old military weapon sports a cup style brass handguard, leather wrapped handle and brass fittings on the black leather wrapped sheath. It may not meet the exacting standards of a Civil War Reenactment Troop, but it's definitely close enough for pirate costumes. The sword which actually inspired this replica probably dates back to the late 1800's.

This blade is at the higher end of the costume offerings that are readily available and popular due to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. In today's pirate world one would definitely have the upper hand when armed with this cutlass, since most of your opponents will be packing plastic.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/valor-naval-boarding-cutlass-stainless-steel-military-sword-full-tang-reenactment-blade/feed/ 0 Case Avenger Battle Axe from Valiant Armoury | Medieval Battleaxehttp://www.onlyknives.com/case-avenger-battle-axe-from-valiant-armoury/ http://www.onlyknives.com/case-avenger-battle-axe-from-valiant-armoury/#comments Tue, 06 May 2008 02:08:36 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/case-avenger-battle-axe-from-valiant-armoury/ Case Avenger Battle Axe from ValiantValiant Armoury is known for producing real swords that are faithful to traditional designs while incorporating the newest and best materials.

All of their medieval swords and axes are based on historically correct designs, and the Avenger Battle Axe is no different.

It sports a hand hammered forged carbon steel 9-1/2 inch primary blade that is backed by a 4 inch armor piercing hook. Both ends of the wood handle are capped with solid steel thrusting spikes.

Warning: this Axe is fully functional! All of the blades are fully sharpened and are capable of doing exactly what they did in medieval times.

Carry your Avenger Battle Axe with pride, but also with care!

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