The “Ribaldo” Milanese Arming Sword is LK Chen’s latest venture into the medieval European reproduction market, as a collaboration with Matt Easton, who provided accurate measurement parameters and handling characteristics of the original Oakeshott type XIX sword that was auctioned by Sotheby’s. After close examinations and extensive testing cutting and thrusting on historically accurate targets in this video, I can attest with confidence that this is one of the best reproduction medieval swords on the current sub-$800 market, in terms of faithfulness to the original, handling and fit and finish.
It captures all the unique traits of not only the type XIX-a relatively rare type among late medieval swords, with a high degree of attention to detail-from the 4 different cross sections on the blade, to the pronounced and complex distal tapering, the decorative detailing on the blade and the hilt furnitures. The result is a surprisingly lightweight sword for its impressive 36.5” blade (one of the longest among medieval single-handed swords) but quite authoritative at cutting yet still precise at thrusting. For a sword that weighs only 2 lbs and 1 oz it’s shockingly efficacious during test cutting, when paired with a buckler or rotella shield, or used by itself.
The fit and finish show a strong handmade feel because the sword is hand forged and handcrafted from start to finish. Yet the result is nonetheless on par with many premium reproduction swords priced above $1000. The blade is very symmetrical and flat with little rippling. The transitions among 4 cross sections are done with precision and care. The blade has accurate distal tapering not only resulting in a very lively and lightweight long blade, but also incredibly rigid in the first ⅔ of the blade but appropriately flexibly in the top ⅓ of the blade. The blade has refined edge bevels without any secondary bevel and shaving sharp edges.
The aperture of the crossguard is a rather tight-fit to the base of the blade. The hot peening is cleanly executed yet forms a desirable geometry. The leather wrapped wood-core grip with twin risers and cord impression is thoughtfully done considering it’s a first for LK Chen to make an European style grip, with the right amount of tapering and overall circumference. The choice of leather for the grip and scabbard wrapping is an unusual one, yet still of premium grade and feels very comfortable. The scabbard is sturdy yet lightweight and slim to fit the blade with good retention while still easy to draw. The oxblood color has a nice contrast to the brass chape.
I compared it to its close relative the Irish ring-pommel swords with almost identical blades in terms of handling and context of usage, and even a premium reproduction type XIX sword--the Lockwood Gallowglass Ring-pommel Longsword. While the Lockwood is an excellent reproduction, LK Chen does an equally great job with only a quarter of its price.
Please watch my review for detailed showcase and historical analysis. It’s not a short video, but I implore you to consume it in its entirety to see me make the case in each aspect that this is one of the best reproduction models in recent years.
Quick stats:
Blade length: 36.3”
Overall length: 43.1”
Weight: 950g (2 lbs 1 oz)
Point of Balance: 6.8”
Distal taper:
5mm at the base
5mm at the end of the ricasso
3mm at midpoint (termination of the long fuller)
2.6mm at the end of the hexagonal cross section
2.3mm at 1.5” from the tip
Profile taper:
39.3mm at the base
35.3mm at midpoint
26.6mm at 2” from the tip
The sword reviewed can be found here:
lkchensword.com/ribaldo
Matt Easton's Schola Gladiatoria RU-vid Channel and antique sword store:
/ scholagladiatoria
www.antique-swords.co.uk/
Background Music:
Assassin's Creed 2 soundtracks
00:00 Introduction
02:07 Test Cutting/Thrusting
12:03 Historicity & Comparison to Other Period Swords
29:50 Fit & Finish, Build Quality
36:34 Scabbard
37:56 Final Verdict
11 июл 2024
