Spathion "Joshua sword" / 800-1100 A.D. (850g approx)

SPATHION

The 10th century byzantine spathion was an evolution from the late roman spatha, which was a cavalry sword. Following influences from Goths and Vandals, the spatha was passed on to the infantry, replacing the traditional shorter gladius. In the following centuries, and as Maurice’s Strategikon suggests, influence was also born upon by Sassanids, Avars and other steppe nomadic cultures.

The main sources available are military treatises from 9 ^th and 10 ^th centuries CE, depictions from art, which includes mainly ivory carvings, a far more reliable source than byzantine hagiography and we are lucky to have those form 10 ^th century, and the work of modern scholars on byzantine military history and weaponry.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Full length: 92cm.
• Blade lenght: 75cm.
  
• Handle lenght: 12-13cm.
• Balance point: 15-17cm from the guard approx (it can slighty vary, from one product to another)
• Weight: 850g approx.
• Blunted for reenactment fights
• Forged in Europe by skilled craftmens, on order within 4-5 weeks ! Shipped from France, worldwide!
• Suitable for historical fencing, like western-eastern fight! The blade is 51crv4 steel hardened in factory heat threatment to 50 HRC.
  
• Supples & strong blades.
• 6 months warranty!
  
  * As this is a handcrafted product, very slight variations may occur.
  
  

OPTIONS:

• Handle: Leather wrapped handle (I) / Leather covered handle, decorated with 2 cords (II) / Dark brown wood handle - walnut (III) / Leather covered handle, decorated with 3 cords (IV) / Medium brown wood handle - Oak (V) / Light brown wood handle - Ash (VI)
  * The leather may be medium, or dark brown coloured according to current stocks.
• Half-finished scabbard: Plywood, linen inner lining, mouthpiece made of solid wood. You just have to cover it yourself with leather. And the price is very competitive!
• Fuller: Classical fuller / Wide fuller. The wide fuller option lightens the blade by around 10%, and generally gives it a little more flexibility. The durability of the blade remains unchanged.