First Impressions of Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword immediately evokes images of chivalry and historical martial prowess. Legacy Arms aims to deliver a functional piece that respects the aesthetic of a classic medieval weapon, and I was eager to see if it lived up to that aspiration. With a satin-finished 5160 carbon steel blade and a leather-wrapped handle, it promised a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern materials.
My interest in historical weaponry sparked from years participating in reenactments and studying edged weapons. I had been searching for a sword that could balance display appeal with practical handling for test cutting. I was looking for a blade that felt authentic without the exorbitant price tag of a custom-made piece.
Upon unboxing, the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword had a substantial feel, weighing in at 2.9 pounds. The black leather-wrapped handle provided a comfortable grip, and the steel guard and pommel felt solid. The satin finish of the blade was clean and professional.
Compared to other similarly priced swords I’ve handled, like the Windlass Steelcrafts European Sword, the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword seemed to offer a superior level of fit and finish. While the Windlass often requires some initial tuning and sharpening, the Legacy Arms product appeared ready for use right out of the box. The Hanwei Tinker Pearce Viking Sword came to mind as well; that sword is known for its cutting ability, but the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword seemed like it would offer better balance. My first impression was positive; I was excited to see how it would perform in real-world cutting scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword through its paces in my backyard cutting range. I used a variety of targets, including water-filled plastic bottles, rolled tatami mats, and thick cardboard. The weather was dry and mild.
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword performed admirably. The blade sliced cleanly through the water bottles and cardboard. The rolled tatami mats required more deliberate technique, but the sword, when swung with proper edge alignment, performed well. It felt well-balanced in hand, though initially, the grip felt a little thick.
After my initial cutting session, I noticed a slight loosening of the pommel. This required tightening with a wrench. No other issues arose during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword has proven to be reasonably durable. The blade has held its edge fairly well, needing only minor touch-ups with a sharpening steel. The leather wrap on the handle shows slight signs of wear, but remains secure.
I’ve used the sword in various weather conditions, including light rain, and the blade has not shown any signs of rust. I regularly clean the blade with oil after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with swords using lower-grade steel, the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword has exceeded my expectations in terms of edge retention and resistance to corrosion.
Breaking Down the Features of Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword
Specifications
- The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword features a satin-finished 5160 carbon steel blade. This steel is known for its toughness and ability to hold a decent edge.
- The sword weighs approximately 2.9 pounds, making it relatively light and maneuverable for its size. This allows for quicker cuts and less fatigue during extended use.
- The blade length is approximately 87.6 inches, giving it a substantial reach. The overall length is listed confusingly as both 100 inches and 42.5 inches, but the 42.5 inch length seems more accurate.
- The handle is wrapped in black leather. This provides a comfortable and secure grip.
- It features a steel guard and pommel which are essential for balance and weapon retention. These contribute to the sword’s overall durability.
- It includes a black leather scabbard. This protects the blade during storage and transport.
These specifications contribute to a sword that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Performance & Functionality
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword performs its job as a cutting weapon quite well. The blade is capable of slicing through a variety of targets with relative ease. The balance point is located closer to the hilt, which allows for faster swings and better control.
The sword’s primary strength is its combination of decent steel, manageable weight, and reasonable balance. The main weakness is the potential for the pommel to loosen over time. It generally meets expectations for a sword in its price range, but could benefit from improved quality control.
Design & Ergonomics
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword features a classic medieval design. The materials used, such as the 5160 carbon steel and leather-wrapped handle, give it an authentic feel. The sword weighs 2.9 pounds which makes it relatively comfortable to wield for extended periods.
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword is reasonably user-friendly, although the handle may be slightly thick for those with smaller hands. There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering proper edge alignment and cutting techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword should last for many years. The 5160 carbon steel blade is relatively resistant to corrosion. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust.
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword is relatively easy to maintain. Sharpening the blade can be done with standard sharpening tools. The leather handle can be cleaned with leather cleaner.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword comes with a black leather scabbard. Aftermarket customization options are somewhat limited due to the sword’s specific design and construction. However, the leather grip could be replaced.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many specific accessories designed solely for the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword. However, the sword is compatible with universal sword stands and maintenance kits.
Pros and Cons of Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword
Pros
- Good quality 5160 carbon steel blade for the price point provides a decent balance of durability and edge retention.
- Comfortable leather-wrapped handle offers a secure and pleasant grip.
- Classic Templar design appeals to enthusiasts of historical weaponry.
- Relatively lightweight at 2.9 pounds makes it easier to handle than heavier swords.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Cons
- Pommel may loosen over time requiring occasional tightening.
- Conflicting information on overall length makes purchasing difficult.
Who Should Buy Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword?
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword is perfect for collectors of historical weaponry. It’s also great for reenactors looking for a functional and aesthetically pleasing sword. Those interested in backyard cutting practice will also enjoy this sword.
Those looking for a battle-ready sword, or those with very small hands who may find the grip too thick, should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a good quality sharpening steel. Leather cleaner is also useful for maintaining the handle.
Conclusion on Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword
The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword is a solid choice for those seeking a functional and aesthetically pleasing medieval-style sword at an affordable price. While it may not be a museum-quality piece, it offers a good balance of durability, handling, and historical accuracy.
At $229.81, the price is justified considering the materials used and the overall craftsmanship. The Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword offers excellent value for its price.
I would personally recommend the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword to anyone interested in historical weaponry or backyard cutting. This sword is a fun and engaging piece. Add the Legacy Arms Templar Knight 34.5in Sword to your collection today and experience the thrill of wielding a piece of history!