The Adeptus Walloon
- May 14
- 3 min read
This truly one-of-a-kind walloon sword was made as a surprise to celebrate its wielder's PhD graduation! Designed for an organic chemist, it includes alchemically-inspired engravings that detail the chemical structure of the conductive compound she has been working with.
We worked very closely with our client to design the sword in such a way that it would accommodate the chemical structure correctly, using traditional alchemical symbols for each of the elements combined, and reflecting the colour of the resulting compound in the purple leather of the grip.
While the sword is primarily an heirloom piece, it is designed to handle well and safely as a fencing sword, with a lightweight, willing character, ample hand protection, and a thumb ring to assist in angulation and control.
The sword's name is derived from its celebration of achievements in chemistry. Meaning "one who has attained" in Latin, the word Adept was historically used for those who had proven themselves expert in the protoscientific study of Alchemy.
Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.
∴ Specs ∴
Total length: 103cm
Blade length: 87cm from cross
Blade width at widest: 2.5cm
Grip length: 10.5cm
Grip and pommel: 15.5cm
Grip to guard space: 5.5cm
Quillon span: 15cm
Weight: 787g
Point of Balance: 14cm from cross
Right-handed
Blunt edges & rounded tip
Fencing safe flex
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel are polished to a satin finish. The crossguard is made of a leaf-shaped dish guard with flat barwork emerging from it to form a knucklebow and a sweeping diagonal bar to the front. The reverse of the guard features a thumb ring.
The pommel is octagonal in section, and decorated with alchemical symbols representing the chemical compound PCAT-K. The same structure is detailed along the bars and dish of the guard.
The oak grip is carved into a spiral-shape, then wrapped in deep purple kidskin, overlaid with a twist of steel wire.
The blade bears a Latin inscription, Potentia ex Vinculis, meaning power from bonds in reference to the conductive nature of the compound.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ A Call to Certainty ∴
The air is thick in your underground study, and you cannot determine whether the copper tang on your tongue is the product of your work, or the gathering storm outside.
Above, in the towers of the University, philosophers pore through ancient texts, debating whether lightning is an ignited vapour or divine intervention. You have no patience with their quarrel. You have already made your answer.
Before you, on the crowded bench, sits a glass, filled halfway with a deep violet liquid. This is Storm's Tincture, drawn from sulphur, salt of potassium, and vital air. If the pages of calculations strewn beside it are correct, this essence will encourage the electric spirit.
You sent your hypothesis to the Guild, and they returned it with polite condescension: your name diminished to an initial, and your claims “enthusiastic.” Not even so much as an invitation to the Guild Hall to demonstrate the elixir's power.
Thunder rolls, soft and far, as if your very frustration tinges the air. Is this the invitation you've been waiting for?
With careful, inkstained fingers, you stopper the glass flask. You throw your waxed cloak over your shoulders, and strap your sword to your side.
Another rumble, closer now. A call to certainty.
You snatch up the flask and climb the crooked stair from your underground study into the narrow, rain-streaked streets. The sky looms, charged and listening, and you step forward to find your answer.
