How Medieval Extreme Evaluates Medieval Swords for Training, Durability, and Fair Play

Deciding on medieval swords to be used for training or a competition should be based on objective and measurable data instead of visual appeal. Medieval Extreme inspects every sword through parameters like blade geometry, mass distribution, balance, material properties, and edge compliance so that the sword has controlled handling, durability under repeated armored contact, and conformity with competition safety standards.

Why “the Best Sword” Depends on Your Training Goal

The definition of the “best sword” is different for endurance training, skill sharpening, or competition. The measurable distinctions are as follows:

• Training swords are planned to be light, usually 1.0-1.3 kg, with blade lengths 85-95 cm. The blades are made with the feature of controlled flexibility so that they do not get deformed permanently and they also absorb the energy released in the impact. This allows for safe high-repetition drills developing technique and wrist endurance.
• In the case of the tournament swords, the weights are heavier, in the range of 1.2-1.6 kg, 90-100 cm blades with ribs to keep stiffness during high-velocity strikes. The extra weight is distributed in such a way that the blade can still cut and thrust without losing balance; the balance point is 20–30 cm from the guard for perfect control during competition sequences.

Training swords present a shorter balance point, 15–25 cm from the guard, which is an advantage because it reduces the rotational inertia. In contrast, 20–30 cm is used for the tournament swords for slight forward bias, which perfectly applies force without overloading the wrist. Grip lengths are counted 15-20 cm for single-handed use and 20-25 cm for two-handed use, taking into consideration gauntlet thickness and wrist mobility.

Balance & Handling: What You Feel After 3 Minutes

Fatigue, strike precision, and control are governed by the balance. The characteristics that can be measured are as follows:

• Balance point distance: The center of mass is determined from the guard along the longitudinal axis. A training sword with a length of 15-25 cm allows swings with low torque and less strain on the shoulder, while tournament swords with 20-30 cm give forward-weighted control which amps up the impact without needing high speed as a demand.
• Moment of inertia: It is determined by the blade’s mass relative to the grip. Reducing the rotational inertia permits quick recovery when doing the same move over and over, while the slight increase in the inertia of the competition blades allows the energy to be transferred in a controlled manner making it easier to score.
• Mass distribution ratio: Sword-head-to-grip ratios that are around 1:7 guarantee that the rotational dynamics of the sword will be predictable and hence non-desirable tip oscillation or wrist torque during lateral strikes will be reduced.

The choice of a single-handed grip of 15-20 cm or a two-handed grip of 20-25 cm together with a cylindrical or slightly oval cross-section will create a situation in which there is complete contact of the gauntlet while axial rotation is totally prevented thus, tactile feedback for edge alignment is maximized.

Steel, Heat Treatment, and Durability Without Jargon

Durability is a function of measurable material properties:

• Steel grade: 65G spring steel, chosen for the outstanding combination of yield strength, toughness, and ductility, which allows it to take repeated percussive blows without breaking.
• Blade thickness: 5-6 mm at the ricasso, tapering to 3-4 mm at the tip. Thicker areas are designed to keep the blade stiff close to the guard while at the same time allowing slight bending at the tip for energy absorption.
• Hardness: Heat-treated to ~50 HRC, giving a good surface wear resistance and at the same time toughness. Super hard blades pose the problem of brittle failure, while the softer steel takes the risk of permanent deformation.

Tip designed to bend 10-15 degrees under controlled load without permanent deformation. This makes energy absorption predictable and sparring with opponents in armor safer.

Safety & Fairness: Why Standards Matter in 2026

Numerical limits are the basis of tournament compliance:

• Tip thickness allowed: 3-4 mm, proven to be effective in avoiding punctures or too much penetration during thrusts.
• Edge radii: Rounded to 2-3 mm for practice, 1 mm for competition, to avoid cutting injuries but still allow for tactile feedback.
• Blade length: 90-100 cm secures equal reach as per the rules, thus preventing unintentional hits outside the engagement areas.

Weights of 1.2-1.6 kg lower the risk of accidents due to tiredness and make the fighters’ swinging mechanics thorough and correct all the time.

Common Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Do not take safety and performance risks with mistakes:

• Selecting sword only based on their visual style or historical accuracy without looking into their weight, balance, and material specifications.
• Using handles that cannot comfortably fit over gauntlets or do not hold the hand in position are likely to give poor edge control and cause wrist torque to be high.
• Disregarding point thickness, edge radius, or adherence to event rules, which could lead to a higher risk of injury or disqualification.

Not counting the moment of inertia and blade flex, which affects the person’s control of the sword, energy transfer, and the amount of strain on the joint in case of repeated impact.

Testing, Feedback Loops, and Community Impact

Medieval Extreme has established itself as a credible source by going through testing based on numbers:

• Measurement inspection: Dimensions (mass, length, and balance point) and edge radius were checked with published specs.
• Dynamic tests: Controlled sparring, repeated strikes with the armor, and tip deflection tests recreate the conditions of the tournament and so guarantee the reliability of the swords.
• Community input: Reports from pro fighters can be considered as a kind of real-world validation of handling, endurance, and durability metrics.

The whole data-driven process is so to speak open and offers predictable sword performance at the same time, hence promoting fighter safety and confidence.

Every sword has its measurements nothing different for Medieval Extreme and this is how warriors get the opportunity to pick the one with the least human judgment involved and the most on measurable performance and safety metrics compared to mere assumption or style.