DESIGN

This is a Smallsword hilt used in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). It has been designed to fit a standard Epee sports fencing blade. This version works without having to shorten the tang of the blade, which the old version required, meaning it is more beginner-friendly (at the expense of being a little less historically accurate) as the blade can be repurposed afterwards. Many iterations have been developed and tested before uploading these files. I am always looking to improve, if you have any feedback.

Based on period-appropriate historical smallsword hilts, the guard length and point of balance measurements are comparable with recorded examples. The consensus (as I understand it) is that Smallsword evolved from the Rapier, so the principal parts of the hilt are retained but became much smaller. The index finger no longer goes through the finger loops (now called vestigial loops) but rests along the back, with the thumb on the other side of the Ricasso pinching the hilt between to give good tip control. The remaining three fingers gently grip the handle.

Included Parts

3 printed parts: 1) Shell Guard 2) Quillion 3) Grip

Pommel: (27mm) steel ball knob with a M6 thread - eBay

** This can be changed at a later date, depending on where you would like the Point of Balance

Pommel Washer: M6 solid countersunk NFE27-619 (accu.co.uk)

Shell Guard Washer: M8 square hole washer DIN 440 (accu.co.uk)

Stats (with standard size 2 epee blade)

Weight: 365g

Point of balance: 80mm in front of the guard (with 27mm pommel)

See the picture for sizes

Blade options (not included)

Standard triangular size 2 epee blade with a long straight tang, commonly available e.g.

https://allstaruhlmann.com/product/ecostar-non-electric-epee-blade/

https://hf-armory.com/en/shop/blades/rapiers-en/musketeer-s-blade/