Italian Long Sword

The era of the long sword spanned almost three centuries from some time during the 1300's to middle of the 17th century. This sword was very effective during a transition between chain mail and plated armor knights. The longsword was sufficiently effective against either type of opponent. It featured a distinctive cruciform hilt and a long, double edged blade and was equally adept at opposing both light and heavily armored foes. The extra long blade gave the wielder reach and leverage for powerful thrusting and slashing while its long cross guard and heavy pommel were useful for hooking, striking and smashing while grabbing the blade and using it like a hammer. When heavy plate armor was encountered, slashes with the edge were only marginally effective with limited target areas. A sword can not slice through plate armour. When facing a heavy armoured knight "Half-Swording" is a preferred technique; where one hand grips the hilt and the other the blade to better direct the point in powerful jabs, thrusting into the gaps and joints in the suit of armor. Companion to our Italian Dagger.

Historical & Fictional Inspired

S.M. Stirling's "Change" series of science fiction novels about a world that loses 600 years of technological evolution overnight (an event called "The Change") has left Cold Steel President Lynn C. Thompson quite taken with the Long Sword and inspired him to make a this variation. Remaining designed on the Italian long sword concept, the blade and balance slightly favours thrusting attacks. However, its cutting edges are astonishingly effective and can deliver some ferocious slashing blows.

How Does it Perform?

Cold Steel claims this sword is "built like a tank" which I respectfully disagree. It does have a very strong hand forged 1055 high carbon steel blade. The long upturned cross guard and counter balancing fish tail pommel offer a very nice feel. It is a very fast sword with very solid construction. Now when I disagreed it was simply to the comparison of a "tank". I feel this long sword is better compared to a long range ballistic missile. It is light, fast and delivers an incredible blow and when it comes to the tank; It could almost certainly take one apart.