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Colichemarde Sword

Colichemarde Sword

By: Cold Steel
Colichemarde Sword
Price (CAD): $504.99
or 4 payments of
$126.25 with

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Product Code: 5537
Price (CAD): $504.99
or 4 payments of $126.25 with
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Colichemarde Sword: The Evolution from Rapier to Small Sword

The Colichemarde Sword captures one of the most fascinating periods in European sword development, when the long rapier was giving way to the lighter and increasingly fashionable small sword. Cold Steel's interpretation preserves the defining feature that makes a colichemarde immediately recognizable: a dramatically broad forte that abruptly narrows into a slender blade designed to combine authority near the hilt with a remarkably quick point. For collectors of historical European swords, it is an intriguing design that stands apart from both the classic rapier and the small sword that followed it.

A Distinctive Blade from the Age of the Small Sword

The colichemarde appeared around the late 17th century and became associated with the changing fashions of European swordsmanship during the late 1600s and early 1700s. Its unusual blade geometry provided substantial width and rigidity through the forte, the section closest to the guard where strength was particularly useful during blade engagement and parrying. The blade then narrowed considerably toward the point, reducing mass farther from the hand and creating the lively handling expected of a thrust-oriented sword. Rather than simply being a smaller rapier, the colichemarde represents an interesting stage in the development of the elegant small swords that became closely associated with European gentlemen and officers during the 18th century.

Cold Steel's Interpretation of the Colichemarde

Designed with the assistance of Dave Baker, the Cold Steel Colichemarde follows the historic concept with an elongated, broad forte that transitions sharply into a narrow blade and acute point. The elaborate hilt complements its late 17th and early 18th century inspiration with a double shell guard, finger rings, knuckle bow and matching pommel. A fully wire-wrapped grip completes the traditional appearance and gives the sword the refined character expected of the period.

The result is a distinctive addition to a collection of European swords and an excellent companion piece to a rapier or small sword display. Its unusual blade profile also tells a larger story about changing sword design, fashion and fencing culture at the dawn of the 18th century, making the Cold Steel Colichemarde particularly appealing to collectors interested in the evolution of the European sword.

Canada Canadian Customers: All stocked items ship from our Ontario store. Duties, tariffs, and brokerage are already paid, so the checkout price is the final price you pay. Learn more.

Specifications

Reliks Product ID 5537
Manufacturer SKU CS-88CLMS
Manufacturing Origin India
Blade Length 32 3/8"
Blade Material 1055 Carbon Steel
Edge Type Sharpened
Full Length 40"
Scabbard Leather w/ Steel Fittings
Weight 25.6 oz

Product Overview

Cold Steel Product Video

Reliks Customer's Rating

All ratings & reviews are from verified customers (read more)

5/5 average from 3 reviews

R Peter R. - Verified Buyer


"Well made, no flaws found. A bit blade heavy and that wire wrap is very slippery, other than that it's a great piece. Looks amazing. Waiting for the matching dagger to be back in stock."

F Dustin F. - Verified Buyer


"Excellent quality. Not a flaw or any sort of issue with it. A beautiful and well balanced piece."

T Jean T. - Verified Buyer


"Firstly as opposed to many later smallswords the edges of this one are sharp and came paper cutting sharp out of the box, with slightly rough edges that a little polishing with an abrasive ceramic hone removed a slight bur on the edges, that didn't seem to keep the edge from cutting well. The wide "Forte" of the blade nearest to the guard is wide enough to be like a medium wide 1 1/4" dagger blade and is 12" long, the "Foible/Weak" of the blade is about 5/8" wide below the transition point from "Forte to Foible" and tapers evenly to just 1/4" wide near the tip. The "Forte's" cross-section is double fullered blade with the edges being reinforced backing up the actual edges, the blade in transition to the narrower blade section is diamond shaped with the central ridge between the double fullers continuing as the central ridge of the diamond shaped blade. Now, the light weight and narrowness of the blade means that one shouldn't expect too much cutting power with this blade other than draw cuts or push cuts on uncovered by clothing skin, it's efficiency is 95% using point with some minimal cutting potential. The wire handle seems very well done with the wire firmly in place, but the grip does seem a bit slippery? Using light leather gloves would improve the firmness of the grip, the finger ring also help a great deal in keeping a good grip on the smallsword. Before buying this sword I had little interest in this period sword and type, but in hand it feel good and aiming the point at a specific place seems easy and as natural as pointing one's finger. Anyway, bottom line, I'm impressed with this Colichemarde as a credible weapons as long as one uses good smallsword fencing technique. Extremely useful I think in a civilian self-defence context in period, but also obviously it was also historically a duelling weapon, but also a fashion and status statement."


Colichemarde Sword FAQ's

A colichemarde is a distinctive form of late 17th and early 18th century sword characterized by a broad forte near the hilt that abruptly narrows into a much more slender blade toward the point.

The colichemarde is associated primarily with the late 1600s and early 1700s, during the period when the rapier was declining in popularity and the lighter small sword was becoming fashionable in Europe.

The broad forte provides greater substance close to the guard, while the narrower outer portion reduces weight toward the point. This creates the unusual combination of a substantial base and comparatively light, responsive blade that defines the colichemarde design.

It is most closely associated with the small sword tradition, although its development occurred during the transition from the rapier to the small sword. Its unusual construction makes it particularly interesting for collectors studying the evolution between these sword forms.

Cold Steel developed this modern interpretation with the assistance of sword designer and craftsman Dave Baker.

It features an elaborate double shell guard with finger rings and a knuckle bow, along with a wire-wrapped grip and matching pommel inspired by European swords of the period.

Related Categories

Functional Rapiers Cold Steel