Greek Xiphos – 29 1/8” Length

The classic sword of the Greek heroes and Hoplites, this Xiphos forged by Kris Cutlery has a blade of sharpened 5160 high carbon steel. Its leaf-shaped blade brings considerable cutting and slicing power to bear and despite its widened and elongated cutting section it manages to remain quite nimble and responsive and this is largely due to distal taper and a flattening to the blade profile in the main cutting portion which serves to not only keep the blade maneuverable, but to also allow it to pass through a target with minimum drag.

The crossguard and pommel are steel and the grip is well carved hardwood. The Xiphos is paired with a wooden scabbard which is painted black and accented with a locket and banding of brown leather. Two hanging rings of brass complete the sword.

A truly ancient design, the leaf-shaped form of the Xiphos likely dates back to some of the earliest of swords which were crafted in bronze. The design was adapted to iron as the superior metal superseded softer bronze and both likely co-existed for a period as well. A fine design for cutting, the Xiphos is also surprisingly capable in the thrust and the wide end of the blade forces even a shallow puncture to be quite wide. While the Hoplite and his companions relied on their spears as a primary weapon, the Xiphos served well as a sidearm to be relied upon if the spear became broken or disabled – or if combat became too closely entwined between competing formations. Unlike the spear which was cumbersome to carry around, a convenient Xiphos on the hip ensured that the Greek warrior was always armed, both in camp and when indoors.