These Sideswords were designed with HEMA durability in mind. I modified an earlier hilt design to make things more robust...slightly longer quillions (9"), less shaping to increase the cross-sectional area of the quillions (so they'll be less prone to bending under heavy blows), a thicker transition into the side ring, and a reinforcing bar opposite the ring, to help distribute stress to the finger rings.

The blades are heavily modified Hanwei Practice Rapier blades. I've had good feedback on these--it's a 43" blade that's shortened to 37" from both ends, producing a flexible but fairly stiff blade. The 6mm threading has been replaced with 5/16"-18 threading, and the transition point from unthreaded to threaded occurs slightly above the base of the pommel, so the torque point when your pommel gets struck is unthreaded.

These weigh 2.2 lbs and the POB is +4.5. The grips are solid PETG covered in pebbled red leather. The blades can be shortened on request, and I do have heavier pommel options if that's your preference. I also have a more slender, rapier-like grip option if that suits you better…..