FAQ

Are the files available and can I print them myself?

Yes! The current files are available at Cults 3D.com - https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/smallsword-hilt-for-historical-fencing-hema-version-02-for-resin-printing

How strong is the material?

While offering many benefits, the material performance is limited compared to steel. Every effort has been made to avoid breakages, including maximising the 3D design and material research but ultimately these are plastic parts. The benefit is that replacements are cheaper and easier to produce compared to their metal counterparts! Please see the Materials page and why we think it is particularly suited to this application.

What happens if the 3D parts break?

Please let us know via email including some photos and we will send replacements during the first 12 months.

Can I use my existing Epee blade and just order the hilt?

Yes you can! 

The hilts have been designed to fit standard epee blades which have a longer 6mm diameter tang, sometimes called a French Grip. If using your own blade, you will need to cut the tang to the correct length (138-145mm long) with a hack saw or similar. The pommel holds everything together so there needs to be sufficient thread (30mm long) on the bottom of the tang. 

I adapted my size 2 Leon Paul blade, cutting it down and re-tapping the end with this die kit on Amazon and a good vise, but some blades come with a fully threaded tang already! 

Who is AetherEdge

I am just one person in Scotland doing this as a hobby! I love HEMA, having started with Longsword but am enjoying Rapier and Smallsword more and more. I think most of us who started with Longsword can appreciate the difficulty and financial barriers to trying different types of weapons. I had access to a 3D printer and some CAD experience and wanted to offer something back to the community.

Why 3D-printed hilts? 

After a few years of using the Leon Paul Starter Thearter Weapon which had a French grip and a large shell guard, I tried holding a more historically accurate smallsword which felt very different. I wanted to upgrade, but could not afford many of the available options or found waiting lists of over a year! Market research implied that this might be a common issue and my experience with 3D printing was that it was easy and cheap to produce designs of this size. 

I started prototyping with the expectation of developing a metal hilt. After the first few prints, it became obvious that 3D printing could help resolve a lot of the initial project aims and I started to explore different materials to maximise the potential benefits.