New and improved!
The ever-popular Practical Bastard Sword returns with all the features that made it a great sword but with some improvements. Keeping with our promise for upgrades and advancement, the crisp and clean new look of the guard and pommel comes from the retooling of this classic design that will remind you of the early originals.
Now available in multiple color finish options. For those who wish to customize their own sword leather, we have the all-natural, unwaxed version (SM24281) in virgin leather ready to be dyed and waxed your own desired color. For those who preferred the original light brown color (SM24282) that is still available to you. For those who wanted a dark brown (SM24283) or just black (SM24284) we have that available too. We've heard your voices and now you have the customization options you wanted for HEMA, reenactment or whatever LARP or Cosplay you wish.
The term Bastard undoubtedly comes from the fact that the sword, because of its design, has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a uniquely single-handed or two-handed weapon. The Bastard sword was a weapon developed for the use of the foot soldier and had became quite common by the early 1500’s. The Bastard Sword is finished in an antique patina, making for an outstandingly authentic appearance. Its peened pommel and leather grip add to the authentic construction details that collectors of this style and genre desire.
Due to the popularity of the original Bastard Sword introduced in the mid-2000s , the live blade (sharp) model spawned a blunted version. HEMA practitioners and reenactors will love the Practical Bastard Sword with its rounded tip and blunt edges. The blade is forged in 5160 high-carbon steel, to minimize burring, and the transverse thickness of the guard has been increased, both to provide adequate strength for re-enactment use and to present a safer profile at the ends of the guard.
Another innovation is the provision of an all-leather scabbard, in contrast with the rigid scabbards normally provided with our Practical swords - this is designed both to provide an extra margin of safety when combatants fall on the scabbard in battle and also to minimize the need for replacement scabbards. The sword is supplied with the grip and scabbard in a neutral-colored leather to allow customization to the owner’s taste.
Produced formerly at the legendary Hanwei forge that closed in 2024, the famed artisans of Dalian at the Dragon King forge take the mantle of this legendary brand. Former protégé of Paul Chen and original engineer of the manufacturing of the Hanwei brand, Frenchie Jin knows these swords better than anyone else as he was a part or their conception.
To help new and future customers find the correct genre of swords, CAS migrated all the HEMA and medieval European swords once branded as CAS Hanwei to underneath the Kingston Arms brand. Keeping the genre of sword under the brand with the same focus makes the most sense for the end user and consumer.