Rhinelander Bastard Sword

The Rhinelander Bastard Sword from Kingston Arms brings the proportions and character of a late medieval European cut and thrust sword into a refined modern reproduction. Designed around a versatile hand and a half configuration, it combines a 35 5/8 inch blade with an extended leather wrapped grip that provides room for either single or two handed control. At 3 lb 6 oz with a point of balance just 4 1/2 inches from the guard, this sword is built with an emphasis on responsive handling rather than simply looking impressive in a collection.

The design draws inspiration from late 15th century Central European swords, a period when sword forms increasingly reflected the need for versatility. Cut and thrust designs paired capable edges with effective points, while longer grips gave the swordsman additional leverage when desired. The Rhinelander captures that late medieval character through its distinctive ring guard, scent stopper pommel and deeply ridged fuller. Together, these features give the sword a profile that stands apart from simpler medieval arming swords while remaining firmly rooted in historical European styling.

Kingston Arms has refined this version of the Rhinelander with a 5160 high carbon steel blade hardened to approximately 54 HRc, providing a combination of resilience and edge retention suited to a sword designed for cutting. The tang construction terminates in a peened pommel, while the smooth scent stopper shape settles naturally into the palm. Its 7 inch leather wrapped grip tapers evenly for secure purchase, and the fuller contributes to the sword's distinctive blade geometry. The blade measures 6.5mm thick at the guard and tapers to 4.5mm near the tip, with a width of 46mm at the guard narrowing to 22mm toward the point.

A leather covered scabbard is included, completing a package that will appeal to collectors of European swords as well as enthusiasts looking for a historically influenced Kingston Arms sword with cutting capability. With its unusual ring guard, long grip and well balanced 5160 steel blade, the Rhinelander Bastard Sword offers a distinctive interpretation of the versatile swords carried during the closing decades of the Middle Ages.