15th Century Falchion

This late 15th-century English infantry hanger, or falchion is part of the Royal Armouries Collection by Windlass. The original sword has resided in the Royal Armouries collection since before 1916 and its exact origin before that is unknown. These types of short swords were popular sidearms for billmen and archers during the Wars of the Roses and into the early Tudor period. Thousands of swords similar to this would have seen action in battles like Towton, Barnet, Tewkesbury, and Bosworth.

This example features a single-edge blade, with subtle transitions of cross-section and clever hollow grinding, and a fuller to make it lighter. It has a graceful hollow ground front edge and a slender but strong point with a thick spine able to deal with the rigors of fighting armoured opponents in jacks, mail, and plate.

This replica is crafted with a hand-forged blade by a skilled blacksmith using modern 1080 high-carbon steel that is fully tempered and is distally tapered for proper weight distribution. The sheath is made with a wood body and covered with leather. The tip is reinforced with a brass chape. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso. Includes a certificate of authenticity on heavy stock, a tin of Windlass Classic Wax, and a polishing cloth. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts, the original can be seen in the Royal Armouries Collection, Object Number IX.144.