Small Swords with Diamond Cross-Section?

Yes, there was a huge variation in blade and hilt types for small swords historically. It's one of the things that bothered me after I saw the vast selection of small swords at the wallace collection--the only readily-available smallswords on the market seem to be of that same blade and hilt configuration that I don't jive with as much.

Yea, I've been looking at one of those Del Tins with a sharp eye, myself. I'm not much for buying blunt swords, but I might make an exception for a swashbuckling trainer.

There's a review of the single-loop version of that A&A sword on MyArmoury, if you're interested.

www.myarmoury.com/review_aa_loop.html

Long time reader, first time poster.

The smallsword went through a large transition period where some blades were similar to the rapier, some had the thickened forte (the colichemarde style), others had triangular cross sections, diamond cross-sections, hexagonal, even flammard (or as some classify it "flamboyant"). The triangular blade was simply one of many styles, although it was among the more common in the later periods. Stephen Fisher actually has some great pictures in his photo album on another of the forums.

Regarding the blade the original poster referenced:

Craig at A&A originally made that piece for me actually with the scabbard so I can weigh in on it a little. I really liked the original loop hilt custom they had done but I also really prefer symmetry (as I do fence with either hand on occasion) so I'm not a fan of "right handed" and "left handed" swords. I asked A&A and they were more than willing to do a double loop hilt.

The sword is amazingly fast and light in the hands. Balance is superb. Thus far I think A&A has been the the most consistent with regards to getting a smallsword to handle properly in my personal experience.

Their price point is typically a little outside the range of the general focus of this forum, but you get what you pay for in the smallsword market. You will see some occasional casting pits on some pieces and such but overall fit and finish is very consistent and they do a good job in making sure it handles as it should. I own two other A&A pieces (the smallsword with flammard styled blade custom which is also now on their page, and their "standard" small sword with a blunt blade which I use for actual fencing/practice) and the balance, fit and finish has always been consistent. Their wire wrap grips are among the best in my opinion and even with my practice blade seeing heavy use I have never felt even the slightest wobble and it hasn't taken a set yet or even chipped (though blade on blade contact has produced some minor scratches which is to be expected. Nothing I can't polish out though).

They don't typically stray too far from historical premise but Craig's usually willing to do custom and they've always been very good to work with for me.

If you're willing to spend the money, its certainly worth it in the smallsword market.