The armorer of the Czech Republic, Jiri Krondak, manufactures battle-ready swords with different finishes and features. Something common in all of them, is the strength and durability that characterize them. If we go back to medieval times and analyze the swords that existed, we realize that it was not a problem defining the use people gave them: sharp to hurt or kill the enemy and blunt for training. Decorated swords were reserved for the wealthy.
We will focus on training swords also known as Battle Ready. The main features of Battle Ready Swords are safety during use, durability and strength and the overall look from the aesthetic point of view.
To differentiate into categories the practice/training swords, we will take into account the design and the WEIGHT. Before buying a sword, we must know what we are going to use for: technique, long struggle, we are beginners, etc., because it will determine the outcome of the sword. Therefore, we´ll devide it into three classes: BATTLE (heavy), SLIM (thin) and FEATHER (light).
BATTLE
BATTLE – its blade is sturdy and solid for clashes where the opponents sword offers the same resistance and attacks with all his strength. This variant is made to print to the sword maximum durability, even in cases of improper technique or occasional errors. Obviously, there is a possibility of breaking or damaging this blade, but in extreme cases. The quality of the BATTLE sword results from the combination of weight, strength, balance, security and other technical parameters. The typical one-handed sword weighs about 1.3 kg and we recommend it to beginners or people who tend to apply the full force to the blows. Of course, it is ideal for the fighters who prefer to feel the weight of their sword. Features:
- the weight and balance are typical of a sturdy and durable sword;
- meets the demanded safe for use in combat (3 mm edge and 20 mm tip diameter – fulfills CODEX BELLI rules);
- is a sword made by hand, therefore unique;
- able to withstand heavy use;
SLIM
SLIM – this category was created due to the continuing demand for lighter and more balanced swords. They try to maintain the characteristics of BATTLE swords, the same dimensions on the edge but 5-10 mm less in the width of the blade (applies to the entire length of the blade). The final product weighs 100-150 g. less than the previous variant and the balance point 2-4 cm closer to the guard. The reduction of the width of the blade is obvious and because of that, their appearance does not match perfectly with history (is more like the early Renaissance swords), but on the other hand offers better parameters for modern use (tournaments, shows, etc..). The blade can also be used in combat, but we have to take into account the opponent’s sword and strength. Features:
- reduced weight offers a good balance;
- preserves the edge thickness (3 mm);
- not designed for extremely heavy blows (the blade is more prone to bending);
- the tip diameter is less than the Battle, 12 mm;
FEATHER
FEATHER – swords in this category weigh 200-300 gr. less than the standard BATTLE and offer the best balance point for the guard. However, there are some restrictions for the use of this sheet. Since its weight is lighter, the blade is less resistant to strong shocks, but on the other hand, the swords of the category FEATHER happen to be perfect for the technique originally practiced by knights, with sharp blades. When fighting heavier variants, obviously a FEATHER wear is greater. In case of continuous and intensive use, the deformations appear on the edge, in this case it is recommended to apply less force, otherwise, you run the risk of seriously damaging the blade. Not suitable for beginners, but for theater performances or movies, for easy handling. Features:
- flexible, very light and with the best balance point of the three categories;
- preserves the blade width and the tip diameter (20 mm);
- not designed for use against heavy swords and its blade is likely to be deformed;
- the category is suitable for sabers and one hand swords, not suitable for long blades swords;
