'Practical' series arming sword - third generation
Measurements
This is the third generation version of the Paul Chen/Hanwei practical series" arming sword (also known as the "practical series knightly sword").
It has been superceded by the fourth generation
practical series arming sword.
The first generation had a flat fullered blade and an overly thin tang. (No pictures available, TherionArms did not offer the original version). The second generation, which has been immensely popular with Western martial art students and film, stage, and "live steel" combatants, had a wide fullered blade and the tang was beefed up, making it a lot more durable. Pictures and descriptions of the second generation sword are available here.
The third generation features the same beefy tang as the second generation, with an even better blade - the new blades have a distinct medial rib with a strong central fuller, resulting in an excellent balance of speed and strength. If you're looking for the ultimate combination of price and functionality in a training or combat performance art single handed blade, this is the sword for you.
length: 36 1/2"
blade: 30"
blade width: 1 3/16"
grip and pommel: 6"
guard: 6 1/4"
point of balance: 4" from guard
weight: 2 lb 12.8 oz