Renaissance Side Sword

The renowned Renaissance Side Sword returns with all the features that made it a great sword but with major unseen improvements. Through the process of retooling the guard, grip and the pommel of the side sword, our friends at Dragon King were able to fix a minor design flaw to prevent the grip from turning and becoming loose after extensive and heavy use. Another added benefit of retooling, the lines, fit and finishing of this new version are crisp and clean again that will make you believe you’re holding an early original model. Keeping all the attributes that made the Renaissance Side Sword a favorite, we’re proud to present this updated version for the modern sword market.

The Side Sword was a military sword of the 16th and 17th century Renaissance period that also achieved popularity among civilians, due to its relatively light weight and quickness.  It also had an advantage over its contemporary, the rapier, in having the ability to cut efficiently as well as thrust.  Based on an original German sword of this type, this sword is well balanced and feels exceptional in the hand.  The “swept” hilt affords excellent hand protection and the blade geometry makes for outstanding performance in both the cut and the thrust.

Originally introduced in the mid to late 2000s, the Renaissance Side Sword swept into a hole in the sword market that was badly needed by practitioners and aficionados alike. Also introduced was a blunted and reenactment ready version called the Fencing Side Sword which earned a place in the HEMA world in its own right. Both are our most popular models in in the European sword market.

Produced formerly at the legendary Hanwei forge that closed in 2024, the famed artisans of Dalian at the Dragon King forge take the mantle of this legendary brand. Former protégé of Paul Chen and original engineer of the manufacturing of the Hanwei brand, Frenchie Jin knows these swords better than anyone else as he was a part or their conception at the original Hanwei Metal Factory. 

Item# SM22031

Please note: The current photos are of the original product, which shouldn’t be that different from the new and improved version. We will update the pictures when the product arrives in the first shipment.  Also, the product specifications are of the original, which will be updated if needed.