Cold Steel Small Sword Second - Sword Review

Introduction

About a month and a half ago, i purchased the Cold Steel Small Sword Second after reading a thread about them on SBG here: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/48390/cold-steel-cavalier-rapier-2016?page=2 and here: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/48530/small-swords-cold-steel-option.

In recent months, i've become more interested in Renaissance and Modern Age swords. And while smallswords haven't been an area of focus for me - i was interested in owning one, to see how it would compare to my two rapiers. And, as a Game of Thrones fan, I thought it would be cool to own something analogous to Arya's 'Needle.'

Though i own many Cold Steel knives, i'd never purchased one of their swords. After reading so many mixed reviews of their swords in general, i'd become a bit wary. But at $100 shipped, this Small Sword Second offering, seemed like the perfect way to fill a small niche in my collection without too much damage to the credit card.

Happily, whatever reservations i'd had proved to be unfounded, and the sword exceeded my expectations. In fact, I consider this the best sword bargain i've yet come across.


Historical Overview

I cannot pretend to be any kind of authority in this area - so the following text is taken from the KOA site...

"The advantage of the sword point over the edge became increasingly evident by the end of the 16th century. The Rapier, with its long, elegantly thin profile which emphasized its point, became the popular choice in civilian self-defense. It was however a somewhat unwieldy weapon especially when it was used in narrow, crowded streets and alleyways. Eventually a more sophisticated, shorter and lighter version emerged that by the end of the 17th century had evolved into an entirely new weapon, the Small Sword.
Civilians carried it for as long as swords remained an integral part of fashionable dress. Its primary advantage was its stiff, lightweight blade which was forged in a triangular cross section. It was a highly lethal weapon, ideal for thrusting, and hung conveniently from a sash, baldric, or belt. The hilt (compared to the Rapiers) was simple and smartly functional, consisting of no more than an elliptical plate, or two shells and a light knuckle guard."

Full Disclosure

I purchased this sword second at full (reduced) price from Lynn Thompson's Special Projects. I am a customer - that's all.

I am not a backyard cutter. But if i had a backyard, i would be. I do, at times menace helpless cardboard shipping boxes.

I have been collecting swords for just under a year. And, while Ive learned a lot, there is much, much more i don't know.

No waifs were harmed during the writing of this review.


Initial Impressions

The sword made its way across the continent in a mere 5 days. However, i had immediate cause for concern when i saw that both the outer and inner shipping boxes were damaged in the area of the guard. Fortunately, the sword was well packed and sustained no damage.

In fact, what impressed me most initially was how little i could find wrong with this sword that would cause it to be sold as a second. The blade, the guard, the grip - everything is solid and well-aligned.

Nor can i find any stamp on either the blade or handle that would designate this as a second. Whatever. I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth... or ask what truck it fell off the back of.

Of course, there are a few minor cosmetic imperfections (which i'll mention below). And perhaps it is the accumulation of these which make it a second. But if i had paid the full current KOA, price of $270, i still wouldn't be too upset by any of these imperfections.

Though the sword does not ring like a chime when tapped, she does make a lovey 'woosh' sound when i carve initials in the air.




Statistics

My measurements for the Cold Steel Small Sword Second:
Weight: 1lb, 7.5oz. / 666g
Weight w. Scabbard: : 2lb, 0.4oz. / 919g
Overall Length: 37.75" / 959mm
Blade Length: 30.75" / 781mm
Blade Width: 1.08" / 27.5mm at guard
Blade Thickness: 10.2mm at guard / 6.5mm at 22" / 5.6mm at 1" from tip
Handle Length: 6.875" / 175mm
Grip Length: 4.25" / 108mm
Guard Width: 3.0" / 76mm
POB (Point of Balance): 3.875" / 98mm
COP (Center of Percussion): 23" / 584mm
Blade Steel: 1055 High Carbon


Components


The Blade
The blade, with its triangular, hollow-ground geometry, is an uncompromising thruster. It is straight and cleanly executed, with very little flex. The unsharpened length tapers gradually for nearly 31 inches to a wicked point. Re-enforced on one side, scooped on the other, it looks like a huge hypodermic needle.




The Handle
The handle is the common smallsword configuration: D-guard, top quillion, and two finger-rings. Everything is tight and solid. The wire-wrapped grip has a gentle palm swell, and fits my medium-sized hand well.
However, it is here - the handle - where we find most of the small imperfections. For instance, there are a few small rough spots where it looks like a grinder or polisher got away from someone. The curves of the finger-rings are not exactly smoothly executed. There are a couple black patches of polishing residue. And there is a small white glob of epoxy visible where the handle meets the guard. None of these imperfections are horrific on their own, and overall, the handle presents as attractive and well-made.




The Guard
Not much to say about the guard. It is solid and shows no ill effects from whatever impact damaged the shipping boxes. If i had to level any criticism at this sword - i could say that the floral motif used to decorate the front of the guard is a bit uninspired. It literally looks like someone placed a piece of clip art, duped and rotated it 3 more times - and voila! But really, it's not a big deal.



The Pommel
The attractive pommel is secured with a nut - the edges of which are slightly chewed up.



The Scabbard
The Small Sword's scabbard is quite sturdy. It evidently has a hard core of wood i'm guessing. And it fits and retains the sword very well. It does only offer one small ring for attaching to a belt. I'm not sure how that would work.



Handling Characteristics

The Cold Steel Small Sword is hands-down the most nimble, easy-to-handle sword that i own. Then again, most of my swords are Viking swords. But this is just a fun blade to play with. It feels light - and quick - like an extension of my arm, requiring virtually no effort to change direction or speed. I've read online that some folks think the Cold Steel Small Sword is heavy or not as balanced as a smallsword should be. But owning no other smallswords, all i can say is - it handles great as far as i can tell.

Test Cutting

I have pitted the Small Sword against some ornery cardboard boxes - and it acquitted itself admirably. That lethal point is easy to put on-target while the stiff blade sinks deep into, and out the back of whatever it goes up against.

Conclusions

Honestly, i was surprised at how much i enjoy this Small Sword. As mentioned earlier, i'd never been too interested in the smallsword. To me, they just seemed a bit effete and uninspiring. But this Cold Steel model has changed my opinion. It's a tough little SOB. And in the hands of a well-trained practitioner, it no doubt would inspire great admiration and/or terror.

Now, i look forward to finding another smallsword - perhaps an actual antique - to one day add to my collection.

Pros
- It's unique - there really aren't a lot of smallswords on the market.
- It's solidly constructed.
- The price ($100 shipped) - was freaking amazing.
- The blade is a beast when it comes to thrusting.

Cons
- Minor cosmetic imperfections - but then again it's sold as a second so...
- Uninspired decoration in spots.

The Bottom Line

Remarkably, this deal is still being offered at the time of this writing:
www.ltspecpro.com/Product/88SMS2/SMALL_SWORD_SECOND.aspx

I'd recommend the Cold Steel Small Sword Second, without reservation, to anyone. Even to people who don't think they'd ever be interested in a smallsword. It may just change your mind, as it did mine. And for $100, what have you got to lose?

This has been my second sword review. I hope you found some useful information here. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I'd be happy to know what your thoughts are on this sword.