Sparring Swords: Sideswords
General Information
First appearing towards the end of the 15th Century, these swords found widespread use throughout the 16th century as a popular side arm. Spada di Lato, or “Sideswords” are now considered a transitional point between the cross-hilted sword and the rapier.
Sideswords can vary widely in style - therefore, we have made many different variations. Not every type of hilt configuration is represented in our past work - so if you are interested in a style of hilt which is not shown, feel free to reach out with your ideas.
Blades
Our fully in-house crafted Seven Embers Forge sidesword blade is now available. This 6150 blade measures 36” long from the shoulders, and tapers from 1.375” to 0.5”. A narrower ricasso gives the look and feel of a true sidesword while allowing for more room to place a finger over the quillion.
For a more broad style of sidesword, we can use the Castille Standard Broadsword blade. This 5160 blade measures between 34” and 40” long, and tapers from 1.375” to 0.5”. A narrow riccasso can be added to this blade, but does not come standard.
For narrower styles of sidesword, the Castille Standard Sidesword is also an option. This 5160 blade measures between 36” and 42” long, and tapers from 1.125” to 0.4”.
For a narrow option on a budget, we can modify the Hanwei Practice Rapier Blade. Trimming the length from 43” long to 36” long allows for a shorter blade with much more presence in the bind.
Guards
Sidesword guards can vary from a simple cross to a completely enclosed hilt similar to a rapier. Similarly, the guards can be simple in execution, or created with significant decoration with filework, shaping, and inlay. Our most popular style is the “Two Branches and One Port” style, either with or without a knucklebow. Some general forms include:
The Simple Cross
Two Branch, One Port
Two Branch, One Port with a Knucklebow
The Spanish pierced hilt
The Venetian pierced hilt
The “Meyer Rappier”
The Full Swept Hilt
Occasionally, we make styles of guards outside of the ones listed here. If you have a specific style of hilt you would like, feel free to reach out with your ideas or reference images.
Guards are typically made from Mild Steel. However, some styles can be made from heat treated 4130 ChroMoly steel for added durability. Either steel option can be finished in Bright Satin or Blackened.
Pommels and Grips
Pommel options include Disc (Type G), Faceted Scent Stopper (Type T), Round Scent Stopper (Type T2), or Fishtail (Type V1)
Each grip core is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate. It can either be covered with a layer of cotton cord and finished with lightweight hand-dyed veg-tan leather, or wrapped with braided metal wire.
Leather colors available include black, brown, red, oxblood, blue, green, and black (other colors available on request).
Wire options include blackened or polished steel, copper, brass, or a combination of materials.
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- Disc pommel
- Blackened wire-wrap grip
- Two branch, one port guard with knucklebow
- SEF sidesword blade -
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- Acorn pommel
- Blackened wire-wrap grip
- Guard with ring and knucklebow
- Castille blade -
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- Disc pommel with hand-filed details
- Brass wire-wrap grip
- Blackened two branch, one port guard
- SEF sidesword blade with fuller -
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- Disc pommel
- Black leather grip
- Spanish-style pierced guard
- SEF sidesword blade -
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- Acorn pommel
- Blackened wire-wrap grip
- Blackened guard with hand-filed details
- SEF sidesword blade -
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- Acorn pommel
- Green wire-wrap grip with brass wire spiral
- Heat-blued two port, one branch guard with knucklebow
- Castille blade -
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- Faceted disc pommel
- Brass wire-wrap grip
- Blackened two branch, one port guard
- Modified Hanwei blade -
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- Scent stopper pommel
- Blackened wire-wrap grip
- Meyer rappier guard with knucklebow
- SEF sidesword blade
