Kit review: Tinker Pearce Norman Sword

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"Designed by Michael "Tinker" Pearce and made by Paul Chen / Hanwei to Tinker's exacting specifications, this sharp Norman style sword is balanced to optimize cutting ability and authentic handling characteristics. The disctinctive brazil-nut pommel is peened to the full-length tang. The blade is forged from 5160 high carbon steel marquenched to HRc50-52, allowing superior edge retention. The grip has a cord-wrapped wood core covered with leather. The wooden scabbard is covered with leather and has steel fittings. A very light and fast sword with a slender grip for great control. "

Leaving aside the technicals I have bought the sharp version of this sword for a deal off the New Zealand version of ebay and then, after being impressed with it, I bought the blunt version also.

Pro's

Both sharp and blunt versions, they just well designed swords with the closest feel to a historical design for a "mass produced" sword that I've yet handled.

In terms of design it is rare to find a sword, even swords termed "single handed", that do not cater for the largest possible hand size by having a grip that is so long as to verge on a hand and a half. With this I can quite comforably wedge my hand solidly between guard and pommel like many historical singled handed swords of this period that I've handled. This allows you to gain extra leverage by pushing off the pommel with your palm as you cut which compensates nicely for the slight pommel.

The fact that doesn't have a massively overweighted pommel to give it a point of balance near the hilt is another happy plus, instead it allows the point of balance (and hence feeling) to travel further towards the business end of the sword. This coupled with the width and weight of the blade gives it a great cutting action. I can perform good cuts, even if thrown from the wrist with this blade.

The guard is also longer than the average providing for better protection and easier binding which is also a bonus.

Also, though I'm not an expert on blades and I don't get overly technical about this, the sharp it seems to me to be a remarkably easy blade to put/keep an edge while the blunt seems very resistant to burring without being overly hard.

Finally the simple, unadorned and business like pommel, guard and blade appeal to me both visually.

Con's

They appear to have stopped making them?

Also, they are not necessarily the most accurate weapons to use for most HEMA but I have had some good action with 1.33

Summary

Excellent for a mass produced blade, I would recommend.

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