Death Sentence Sword

Execution Awaits: The Death Sentence Sword

In medieval times, professional executioners had special ceremonial swords that they would use when beheading their victims. This principle can be seen in this blade, which has clearly been designed with death in mind.

However, the blade itself is more like an arming sword that would have been used in battle, rather than the ceremonial swords of history. It is a straight, double edged blade, which slots neatly into the provided scabbard.

The design features of this sword are most clear in the handle. The pommel features the impassive skull of Death, while the grip is made up of black ABS material (a kind of plastic) with a decorative wire spiralling to the guard. The guard has a unique design. The centre of the guard depicts a grinning, winged skull, while the bar is shaped like extended bat wings.

The scabbard matches the theme of this sword perfectly. It is primarily black, with steel accents that are intricately carved with skull designs. The scabbard allows you to safely carry the sword around with you, whether at a LARP event or when Cosplaying.

Because of the rather macabre design of this blade, it is a perfect match for a darker character. Undead characters especially suit such a blade, although humans with a ghoulish aesthetic may well wield a dark fantasy sword like this one. It goes especially well with some of our darker armor sets, to create the true dark warrior.

If you’re more into displaying your weapons, then you’ll be pleased with the clear skill and effort involved in the design of this particular sword. It stands out among other fantasy swords, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection.

The Executioner’s Sword in History: A Truly Unique Blade

While this fantasy sword is based on a more battle-ready design, with a blade shaped for thrusting, cutting, and slashing, historical executioner’s swords were a different beast entirely. To start with, they were generally reserved for the nobility.

Most beheadings in medieval Europe were executed by axe, if you’ll pardon the pun. However, execution by sword was considered a much more noble and respectable way to go, even if the end result was much the same.

One of the most famous victims of this form of beheading is likely Queen Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s hapless wives. Officially, she was executed for high treason, adultery, and incest. More likely, however, she was executed for the crimes of not producing a male heir and not being Jane Seymour, her husband’s future wife.

Because of the charges brought against her, Anne could have been burnt at the stake. However, her husband at least gave her the dignity of a noble’s execution. He brought an expert swordsman, and her death was a clean one.

That particular executioner’s sword seems to have been lost in history, but similar blades remain. Unlike most swords, these blades were designed for one purpose and one purpose only, chopping. The blade was wide and very sharp, and often had no tip to speak of. They were also rather heavy, likely so that gravity would help the sword swing with more power. Even when beheadings became less common, these kinds of swords remained for other ceremonial purposes.

Tech Specs

The technical specifications of this sword are as follows:

•         Overall Length: 33.5 Inches.
•         Blade Length: 24.25 Inches.
•         Handle Length: 8.75 Inches.
•         Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel.
•         Scabbard Material: ABS Material with 440 Stainless Steel Accents.