A side-sword was a type of war sword used by infantry during the Renaissance of Europe. This sword was a direct descendant of the arming sword. Quite popular between the 16th and 17th centuries, they were ideal for handling the mix of armored and unarmored opponents of that time. Early versions look very much like an arming sword with an ornate hilt and ricasso. A new technique of placing ones finger on the ricasso to improve the grip (a practice that would continue in the rapier) led to the production of hilts with a guard for the finger. This sword design eventually led to the development of the civilian rapier, but it was not replaced by it. While correct to call it an early rapier since it gave birth to the true rapier, it continued to be used during the rapier's lifetime. As it could be used for both cutting and thrusting, the term cut and thrust  sword is sometimes used interchangeably with side-sword. Also of note, side-swords used in conjunction with bucklers became so popular that it caused the term swashbuckler to be coined. This word stems from the new fighting style of the side-sword and buckler which was filled with much "swashing and making a noise on the buckler".

The French Cut and Thrust sword that we are offering here is based on a photograph of a piece that was found in a pamphlet from the early 1900's. This sword is a one-handed weapon, but the grip is larger than normal, and can be gripped with two hands if need be. The hilt has two loops extending at right angles with a small ricasso on the blade. The blade is made of a high-carbon spring steel and will stand up well. This piece comes sharpened to a razors edge.  

BLADE: 34 1/4" long and 1 1/2" wide

OVERALL: 41"
WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 6 oz.