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Dark Rocks

The Rowanclaw Dussack



This Scottish-inspired dussack features a short, broad blade with yelman, a full, spacious basket, and a surprisingly versatile balance. Based on a medley of originals, it has been closely tailored to fit the client's fencing needs.


Its close pivot point, sabre grind and hollow pommel create a characterful feel in the hand, with a central rotation and a prominent blade presence. The sword will excel at very close measure, from Meyer's dussack to Highland broadsword and targe plays to piratical boarding actions.


The hardened basket hilt is formed of broad, flat bars, opened at the base to allow for a longer hand grip while cutting into measure.


The sword's name reflects the hand-carved rowan leaf decorations to the quillons and pommel, as well as the sword's fierce propensity for slashing cuts.


Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.



 

∴ Specs ∴


  • Total length: 78cm

  • Blade length: 62cm

  • Blade width at base: 4.5/5.5cm

  • Blade stock: 6mm

  • Grip length: 12cm

  • Grip and pommel: 15cm

  • Grip to guard: 5.5cm

  • Quillon span: 26.5cm

  • Weight: 1480g

  • Point of Balance: 6cm

  • Ambidextrous

  • Blunt edges

  • Rounded tip

  • Stiff blade



 

∴ Notes ∴



The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel are blackened to a matte finish. The basket is formed of broad flat-section bars in a historically-based pattern of loops and saltires, while the quillons are made from square-section bars with hand-carved rowan leaf terminals.


The hollow mushroom pommel is hand-forged, and finished with a faceted nut. The oak grip is wrapped first in linen thread, and then in oxblood kidskin.


The blade features a strong sabre grind and a single edge, ending in a broad yelman with a false edge.


 

∴ Gallery ∴



 

∴ A Close Call ∴



The rowans stand sentinel around you, red berries hanging like drops of blood in the evening sun. You shift your grip on the hilt of your sword, feeling the eager weight of its short, broad blade.


As you sweep the black basket up into a hanging guard, muted light catches the carved leaves on the quillons, reminding you of the old stories of the rowan's protective powers. For a brief moment, adrenaline gives way to a deeper calm. And then the blade falls.


Steel flashes as your opponent parries. You twist the blade, taking control of the bind, and step in. Here you have the advantage, the wide basket protecting your hand as the short blade slashes upward and in.


You feel the shudder of impact as blade meets flesh, and your opponent falters. You realise you have been holding your breath. You exhale and the grove seems to breathe with you, wind rustling the leaves as if the trees themselves are watching.


And all is still once more.


Ready to start your Balefire journey? Get in touch now to share your vision.

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