ATrim French Medieval Falchion
Oct 14, 2017 23:19:06 GMT
Post by Aikidoka on Oct 14, 2017 23:19:06 GMT
ATrim French Medieval Falchion (FMF) by Angus Trim
Introduction
Per the Elmslie typology, the ATrim French Medieval Falchion (FMF) is an f3e falchion. It was inspired by this Italian storta that resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. James Elmslie was kind enough to provide this photo with the blade profile at various points, shown below in white. As can be seen here, this Italian sword had a very complex blade profile. The ATrim FMF has a much less complex blade profile.
Although the inspiration for this design was an Italian piece, this design was popular in France as can be seen by the number of these falchions found in period artwork. Here is an example from a 15th century French manuscript:
Full Disclosure
This sword was loaned to me by Angus Trim and I'm receiving no compensation for this review. After cutting with this sword, I will be returning it to him unless I decide I would like to buy it, in which case I would do so at full retail price.
Statistics
Blade Length: 31.25 inches
Grip Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 37.75 inches
Guard Width: 7.5 inches
POB (Point of Balance): 4.75 inches
Distal Taper:
Base: 6.5mm
Midpoint: 2.8mm
End of Fuller: 2.3mm
1" from Tip: 1.7mm
Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
The Blade
This blade has a distinctive spine with two clip points and a third peak located about 1/3 of the way down the blade.
Handling Characteristics
As a fairly light blade with plenty of distal taper, this sword is handles very nicely. The blade has sufficient blade presence to deliver powerful cuts, but is then able to recover quickly.
Test Cutting
Today, I did some test cutting with the ATrim French Medieval Falchion. As can be seen in this video, this falchion cuts very well through both a single mat target and through multiple mats. The gradual edge formation on this single edge blade allows for very powerful cuts.
Note: I sharpened this blade before cutting with it. The edge that came on this blade was not quite sharp, except for the last couple of inches near the tip. It only took a few passes with 800 grit to finish the edge, so it was almost there. I spoke with Gus and he said that I had confirmed what he suspected. That the edge was not quite up to his usual standards. He said he will make adjustments so that future blades have a very sharp edge.
Conclusions
Pros
- Interesting blade type
- Powerful cutting sword
- Solid hilt. The sword sings with every cut!
Cons
- Edge needed some sharpening (this is being corrected)
The Bottom Line
I would highly recommend this sword to anyone interested in falchions and/or looking for a very effective and powerful single hand cutting sword.
Introduction
Per the Elmslie typology, the ATrim French Medieval Falchion (FMF) is an f3e falchion. It was inspired by this Italian storta that resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. James Elmslie was kind enough to provide this photo with the blade profile at various points, shown below in white. As can be seen here, this Italian sword had a very complex blade profile. The ATrim FMF has a much less complex blade profile.
Although the inspiration for this design was an Italian piece, this design was popular in France as can be seen by the number of these falchions found in period artwork. Here is an example from a 15th century French manuscript:
Full Disclosure
This sword was loaned to me by Angus Trim and I'm receiving no compensation for this review. After cutting with this sword, I will be returning it to him unless I decide I would like to buy it, in which case I would do so at full retail price.
Statistics
Blade Length: 31.25 inches
Grip Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 37.75 inches
Guard Width: 7.5 inches
POB (Point of Balance): 4.75 inches
Distal Taper:
Base: 6.5mm
Midpoint: 2.8mm
End of Fuller: 2.3mm
1" from Tip: 1.7mm
Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
The Blade
This blade has a distinctive spine with two clip points and a third peak located about 1/3 of the way down the blade.
Handling Characteristics
As a fairly light blade with plenty of distal taper, this sword is handles very nicely. The blade has sufficient blade presence to deliver powerful cuts, but is then able to recover quickly.
Test Cutting
Today, I did some test cutting with the ATrim French Medieval Falchion. As can be seen in this video, this falchion cuts very well through both a single mat target and through multiple mats. The gradual edge formation on this single edge blade allows for very powerful cuts.
Note: I sharpened this blade before cutting with it. The edge that came on this blade was not quite sharp, except for the last couple of inches near the tip. It only took a few passes with 800 grit to finish the edge, so it was almost there. I spoke with Gus and he said that I had confirmed what he suspected. That the edge was not quite up to his usual standards. He said he will make adjustments so that future blades have a very sharp edge.
Conclusions
Pros
- Interesting blade type
- Powerful cutting sword
- Solid hilt. The sword sings with every cut!
Cons
- Edge needed some sharpening (this is being corrected)
The Bottom Line
I would highly recommend this sword to anyone interested in falchions and/or looking for a very effective and powerful single hand cutting sword.
