Hanwei Forge ⚔️

Blunt Hand-and-a-Half 'Bastard' Sword Blade Only

Historically Accurate

Designed by Michael 'Tinker' Pearce

Reenactors, Live Combat & Stage Combat

 OH2403


⚔️


This blade sold separately as either a replacement for the Hanwei/Tinker Bastard Sword (SH2400, MSRP $325.00) or for re-enactors that want to design and build their own sword. Several people in my Adria group have created awesome weapons with customized cross guards, grips and pommels.


The Tinker Bastard blades from Hanwei Forge are based on the Oakeshott Type XVIIIA and are designed so that both the sharp and blunt versions of the sword will perform identically in the hand, offering the possibility of sparring and cutting with swords that feel and respond in exactly the same way. Replacement Retention Nuts OH2492 listed separately, designed to be recessed in the pommel. I'll get photos posted soon to illustrate what I'm talking about. For reference, the assembled Hanwei sword SH2400 that this is designed to work with has a handle length of 9 3/8".


The term Bastard undoubtedly comes from the fact that the sword, because of its design, has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a uniquely single-handed or two-handed weapon. The Bastard sword was a weapon developed originally for the use of  foot soldiers and had became quite common by the early 1500’s.


Specifications:

Overall: 42.75"

Blade Length: 33.5"

Blade Width: 1.5" at base

Tang: 9.25" Long, .75" Wide (tapers to .5"), 3/16" Thick, Last 1" Threaded, Metric 6-1.00

Weight:  1 lb, 11 ozs
Blade Steel: 5160 Marquenched Spring Steel


Made by Hanwei Forge. Read more about the Tinker Pearce series of swords at CAS Iberia.


REVIEWS 

As I took the sword out of the scabbard for the first time I was expecting a somewhat flimsy and very light blade, immediately I was proven wrong, this blade does have some authority, but not overly so, it felt like it wanted to hit hard and fast, it just felt good. -- Rob C

Tinker Designed Sword Line

CAS has commissioned Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce to design a line of swords that will satisfy both the sparring and cutting needs of Western Martial Arts practitioners. Matching sharp and blunt versions of each sword in the series offer the same outstanding handling characteristics in both disciplines. The swords meet Tinker`s exacting quality requirements and are built in much the same way as his custom pieces. Each blade is forged from 5160 Spring Steel, Marquenched to the desired hardness of 50-53 Hrc while the tang is drawn back to the low 30s Hrc. For the Medieval models the very end of the tang is threaded to fit a 5mm allen nut recessed into the pommel which allows for dismantling of the hilt assembly for inspection, to exchange blades if needed, and for anyone wanting to easily customize their grip. Also the Sharp and Blunt blades are interchangeable on all Medieval models. The Viking Sword sharps and blunts are peened for historical authenticity and to meet the needs of collector and reenactment groups. The grips are cord wrapped and leather covered wood and tapered for a comfortable grip. Each sword is supplied with a leather covered wood scabbard with metal throat and chape. 


I'm a collector and a weekend warrior, active in my local HEMA group. I only list what I own and can personally recommend. Item guaranteed authentic, new in box and direct from manufacturer. Please see this note from Sword Manufacturer Guide online; ...it is especially important when buying Paul Chen Hanwei swords online to avoid shopping based on price alone, as many of the sellers who stock them at close to wholesale prices are selling seconds or defective items that should have been inspected and sent back to the factory as per Hanwei’s usual policy with their wholesalers. See my seller ratings and buy with confidence, plus super fast shipping. Any questions please ask, I'm happy to help.


Comments: Recommended. This is an impressive blade and methinks an improvement over the traditional Paul Chen/Hanwei low carbon steel construction. We have one of these in use in my Adria group and so far it has virtually no edge notching. The fact that replacement blades are readily available and the tangs are threaded rather than peened is major. There are a number of positive reviews online including the Sword Buyers Guide. We have 3 different custom blades in use in my local Adria group with hand-made cross guards (including a brass clam shell ashtray and dock cleat), grips (two made from cut-down pool cues) and pommels (available at various forges for ridiculous prices, or just find a good selection of plumb bobs).