Fencing Hilts

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Our steel hilts are currently available in several models, finishes, and guard types. This allows for a range of customization to meet the buyer's requirements. All hilts come in either a factory blue black or wire brushed gray finish. Rod tang blades are mounted with wooden grips banded at both ends to eliminate splitting. These come in a natural wood or black stain finish. Other colors are available on request. Flat tang blades now come with wooden slab grips unless otherwise noted. Longer heavier rod tang blades are shipped with a 12 ounce (338g) ball pommel. A lighter 7 3/8 ounce (210g) ball pommel is available upon request. We also offer a 16 ounce (444g) truncated cone pommel for use with very heavy rod tang blades. For an example of this, please see the photo on our Long Blades & Hilts page. Flat tang blades are mounted with pommels of appropriate weight. We currently produce two perforation patterns. The first of these is based on a Pappenheimer rapier in the collection of the Cleveland Museum Of Art.

Adetailed look at the Pappenheimer cut out pattern.

The second is a playing card motif which we refer to as the mercenary pattern. A detailed look a below...

http://www.alcheminc.com/longhilts.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Reaver Basket Hilt

The above is a photo of our standard basket hilt which we refer to as our "Reaver" model. The example shown is mounted on an Alchem Safeflex broadsword blade. This example is nearly identical to the hilt found during the excavation of the Mary Rose which sank in the English Channel in 1545. The one difference is that the Mary Rose sword had a half basket whereas this is the full version. The photo below shows the Mary Rose half basket version, set up for use in the right hand. The example below is mounted on our Safeflex broadsword blade which may either be curved or straight. This design dates from before 1550 and was the hilt of choice of border reavers and of seamen. It later evolved into the scottish basket hilt. Our hilt may be ordered in either a full or half basket, and has a 9 inch long cross guard.

Prices are as follows:
Reaver hilts alone (any finish, or guard shape) $150 US ($145 foreign) 1.08pounds = .49kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Hilt with Alchem Safeflex rod tang schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $210 US ($203 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Hilt with Alchem Safeflex rod tang broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $210 US ($203 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Hilt with Alchem 30" to 40" flat tang blade (any finish, or guard shape) $220 US ($214 foreign) 3.08pounds = 1.40kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries

Add extra curve to your blade $10 US

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
full or half basket.
if half basket, to be held in left or right hand?

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, full.
If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify

blade length.
straight or slightly curved.
Please note: If not specified, the default is 36 inches and straight.

http://www.alcheminc.com/reaver.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Above left is a photo of our Sinclair half basket hilt. According to Oakeshott, in his European Weapons And Armour, this form of hilt first appeared in Germany at the end of the 16th century. It was originally mounted on estoc or falchion blades, as in the photo on the right, but was later adapted to cutlass and broadsword blades. The name "Sinclair" was applied to this type of hilt by 19th century collectors. It is now known as a Sinclair type 1 hilt to distinguish it from another form. Colonel George Sinclair was a commander who led an army of mercenary Scots across Norway in 1612. Supposedly his men used swords of this type. The example shown on the left is mounted on an Alchem flat tang blade. It may be ordered mounted on a threaded rod or flat tang blade with a standard ball pommel. It may also be ordered mounted on a threaded rod tang blade with the classic square estoc pommel and the estoc grip for an additional charge of $15. This option is not available on our blades with flat tangs. Our design is basically a scaled up version of our main gauche dagger hilt with a heavier pommel and an added knuckle guard. A dagger with matching hilt may be ordered by following this link to our Main Gauche Dagger page.

Prices are as follows:
Sinclair hilts alone (any finish, or guard shape) $115 US ($110 foreign) 1.61pounds = 0.73kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Hilt with Alchem Safeflex rod tang schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $175 US ($170 foreign) 2.75pounds = 1.25kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Hilt with Alchem Safeflex rod tang broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $175 US ($170 foreign) 2.75pounds = 1.25kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Substitute the estoc grip and square base pommel $15 US
Hilt with 30" to 40" flat tang blade (any finish, or guard shape) $190 US ($185 foreign) 3.08pounds = 1.40kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries
Add extra curve to your blade $10 US
When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
pierce pattern ('P'appenheimer or 'M'ercenary),
for use in the left or right hand,

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, Pappenheimer, right.
If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify
blade length.
blade shape, straight or slightly curved.
Please note: If not specified, the default is 36 inches, straight.

http://www.alcheminc.com/sinclair.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Cutlass Hilts

The above is a photo of our simple munitions grade naval cutlass hilt. This example is similar to authentic naval cutlasses in many collections. The one difference is, we have given our product a four and one half inch wide bell for extra hand protection. Additionally, our bell is hand forged from 14 gauge steel for extra strength. Our cutlass hilts may be orderered mounted on either the straight or curved versions of our long blades. This hilt is also available on our Safeflex model 15/6 dagger blade.

Prices are as follows:
Cutlass hilts alone (any finish, or guard shape) $95 US ($90 foreign) 1.08pounds = .49kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $155 US ($150 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $155 US ($150 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

Hilt with up to 40" flat tang blade (any finish, or guard shape) $170 US ($165 foreign) 3.08pounds = 1.40kgs

Add extra curve to your blade $10 US
Hilt with Safeflex 15/6 dagger blade (any finish, or guard shape) $125 US ($120 foreign) 1.43pounds = .65kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),

Please note: If not specified, the default is gray.

If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify
blade length.
blade shape, straight or slightly curved.

Please note: If not specified, the default is 36 inches for long blades, 18 inches for dagger blades, and straight.

http://www.alcheminc.com/cutlass.html

 

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Swept Hilts

 

The following three swept hilt models are variations on what is known as a Pappenheimer which is an early type of swept hilt. These all have a knuckle guard, a pair of pierced shell guards protecting the ricasso, and swept arms connecting the shells to the knuckle and cross guard. Guards are available in two lengths and may be ordered straight, curved forward (C shaped), or serpentine (S shaped (with the upper arm curved forward and the lower arm curved back to follow the knuckle guard)).

 

To the right is an example of our "Mercenary" model with the long (11 3/4") curved forward (C shaped) guard, in the brushed steel gray finish. This model has a pierce work design consisting of hearts and spades surrounded by diamonds and clubs. This design is also available on our main gauche dagger hilts.

 

To the left is an example of our "Pappenheimer" model with the long (11 3/4") serpentine (S shaped) guard, in the factory blue black finish. This model has a pierce work design identical to that seen on a rapier in the Collection of the Cleveland Museum Of Art. This design is also available on our side ring and main gauche dagger hilts.

 

To the right is an example of our "Ring" model with the short (10") straight guard, in the brushed steel gray finish. This model has a pierce work design consisting of non-concentric rings supported by four lobed clubs. With the short guard, this is the lightest of the three available swept models.

 

Prices are as follows:
Swept Hilt alone (any model, finish, or guard) $150 US ($145 foreign) 1.6pounds = .73kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any model, finish, or guard) $215 US ($210 foreign) 2.4pounds = 1.08kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade (any model, finish, or guard) $215 US ($210 foreign) 2.4pounds = 1.08kgs

Hilt with Alchem flat tang up to 40 inch blade (any model, finish, or guard) $230 US ($225 foreign) 2.4pounds = 1.08kgs

When ordering swept rapier hilts, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
hilt model ('M'ercenary, 'P'appenheimer, 'R'ing),
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
guard length (10" or 11 3/4"),
shape for 11 3/4" guards ('I' straight, 'C' curved, 'S' serpentine).

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are Pappenheimer, gray, 10", straight.

If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify
blade length.
stiffness (see the Long Blades page for examples).

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are 36", Medium stiffness.

http://www.alcheminc.com/swept.html

Photos displayed on this page were provided by H.Ravenwood

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

We produce an early form of cruciform rapier hilt known as a "Reitschwert". According to "The Archaeology Of Weapons" by Ewart Oakshott, plate 20 lower left, this design dates from the end of the 15th century. Our Reitschwert hilts may be purchased unbladed, or mounted on a blade with either a flat or rod tang. This hilt may be ordered with either a 10 inch or an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, two open (unfilled) side rings of equal size, and a pair of annallet (finger rings) protected by filled and pierced flat shells. The shells may be ordered in either the pappenheimer or mercenary (hearts and spades) piercework. 11 3/4 inch long Guards may be ordered straight, curved forward (C shaped), or serpentine (S shaped). A knuckle guard may be added as an option for an additional $15. If a rapier is being ordered primarily for sidesword fencing, let us know via e-mail or through PayPal's "note to seller" and we'll mount a lighter pommel. Our Alchem blades can be used for either thrust only or cut and thrust sidesword fencing.

 

Prices are as follows:
Reitschwert rod tang hilts alone (any finish, or guard shape) $125 US ($120 foreign) 1.6pounds = .73kgs

Hilt with Alchem 30" to 40" flat tang blade (any finish, or guard shape) $195 US ($190 foreign) 2.65pounds = 1.20kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $185 US ($180 foreign) 2.65pounds = 1.20kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $185 US ($180 foreign) 2.65pounds = 1.20kgs

Optional knuckle guard $15

When ordering a hilt, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
guard length either 10" or 11 3/4"
shape for 11 3/4" guards ('I' straight, 'C' curved, 'S' serpentine).
perforation ('P'appenheimer or 'M'ercenary)
if the rapier is to be used for sidesword (cut & thrust) fencing

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, 10 inch, straight, thrust & parry fencing.

If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify
blade length

Please note: If not specified, the default length is 36 inches.

http://www.alcheminc.com/reitschwert.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Espada Ropera Hilts

The above is a photo of our basic rapier hilt. This design is a smaller, lighter, and cheaper alternative to our reitschwert hilt. Espada roperas developed in Spain during last half of the 15th century and were the original rapiers. Our hilt consists of a 7 1/2 inch long straight cross guard, with two arms joined by a small plate. This hilt is currently available only on our Alchem flat tang rapier blade. With a short blade of 34 inches or less, this is a very light rapier and is appropriate for small sword fencing. The example above is in the wire brushed gray finish with the mercenary perforation and a black grip. Normally gray finished hilts come with an unstained grip. We'll mount a pommel of the appropriate weight for the blade length specified.

Prices are as follows:
Hilt with 32" to 40" flat tang blade (any finish) $155 US ($149 foreign) 2.50pounds = 1.13kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
perforation ('M'ercenary or 'P'appenheimer),
blade length,

Please note: If not specified, the default is gray, Pappenheimer, 36 inches.

http://www.alcheminc.com/espada.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Aguirre Hilts

 

The above are photos of our simplest cruciform hilt which we refer to as our "Aguirre The Wrath Of God" model. According to "The Archaeology Of Weapons" by Ewart Oakshott, plate 20 top right, this design dates from 1420 to 1450. Our hilt consists of an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, and two open (unfilled) side rings. The side rings measures 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. An optional perforated plate may be added at a cost of an additional $10 to cover the side rings as seen on the example to the right. An optional knuckle guard, as depicted on the example to the left, is now available which may be ordered separately for an additional $15. The wooden grip is from 5 1/2 to 6 inches long and the pommel, on the example to the left, is our large 1 3/4 inch diameter ball. Guards may be ordered straight (I), serpentine (S), or curved forward (C shaped). The Aguirre hilt may also be mounted on a dagger blade. For dagger blade specifications, follow the Dagger Blades & Hilts link.

Prices are as follows:
Aguirre hilts alone (any finish, or guard shape) $95 US ($90 foreign) 1.08pounds = .49kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $155 US ($150 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $155 US ($150 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

Hilt with up to 40" flat tang blade (any finish, or guard shape) $170 US ($165 foreign) 3.08pounds = 1.40kgs
To US To Canada Other Countries

Add extra curve to your blade $10 US
Optional knuckle guard $15 US
Add a perforated plate $10 US

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
shape for 11 3/4" guards ('I' straight, 'C' curved, 'S' serpentine).

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, straight.
If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify
blade length.
straight or slightly curved.

Please note: If not specified, the default is 36 inches and straight.

http://www.alcheminc.com/aguirre.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Estoc Hilts

 

The above is a photo of a typical form of the estoc. The pommel consists of a 3/8 inch thick by 1 7/8 inch square plate topped with a half ball. The edges of the plate are well rounded. This standard version of the estoc is single handed and has a 5 1/2 inch long grip. The grip tapers from 1 1/4 inch diameter at the pommel, down to approximately 1 inch at the guard. Our estoc has an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, and two, or one open (unfilled) side rings, or with no side rings. The side rings measures 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. We can optionally add a flat pierced side ring cover plate at an additional charge of $10. Guards may be ordered straight (I), curved forward (C shaped), or S shaped. The S shaped guard can also be bent in a plane 90 degrees to the blade, like a more open version of a katzbalger. This hilt is available on our Alchem rod tang rapier blade.

Price is as follows:
Standard estoc with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $175 US ($170 foreign) 2.27pounds = 1.03kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray).
grip finish (black, dark brown, or natural).
shape for 11 3/4" guards ('I' straight, 'C', or 'S' curved).
number of side rings, both, 1, or none.
blade length (36 to 40 inches).
Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, straight, both, dark brown grip, 40".

 

Saxon Estoc

The above is a photo of a common historical variant of an estoc with a nine inch long Northern European grip. This is two handed and is an early type. Our two handed estoc is similar to our zweihander, but with a different grip and a narrow blade. Our estoc has an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, and two, or one open (unfilled) side rings, or with no side rings. The side rings measures 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. We can optionally add a flat pierced side ring cover plate at an additional charge of $10. The pommel is our large 1 3/4 inch diameter 12 ounce ball. Guards may be ordered straight (I), curved forward (C shaped), or S shaped. The S shaped guard can also be bent in a plane 90 degrees to the blade, like a more open version of a katzbalger. This hilt is available on our Alchem Safeflex rod tang schlager/rapier blade.

Price is as follows:
Long grip estoc hilt alone (any finish, or guard shape) $115 US ($110 foreign) 1.55pounds = 0.70kgs

Long grip estoc with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $170 US ($165 foreign) 2.38pounds = 1.08kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray).
grip finish (black, dark brown, or natural).
shape for 11 3/4" guards ('I' straight, 'C', or 'S' curved).
number of side rings, both, 1, or none.
when included, blade length (36 to 40 inches).
Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, straight, both, dark brown grip, 40".

 

http://www.alcheminc.com/estoc.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Gothic Hilt

 

The above is a photo of our simplest cruciform hilt, which we refer to as our "Gothic" model. This design dates back to the middle ages. The example above in mounted on our flat tang blade. Our hilt consists of an 8 inch long cross guard, and one (unfilled) side ring. The side ring measures 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide and can be removed at no additional cost. An optional perforated plate may be added to cover the side ring at a cost of $5. The wooden grip is from 5 1/4 to 6 inches long. In the above photo the pommel is our large 2 inch diameter disk. A pear shaped or ball pommel may be substituted at no extra charge.

Prices are as follows:
Gothic hilts alone (any finish) $95 US ($90 foreign) 1.08pounds = .49kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex schlager/rapier blade (any finish, or guard shape) $155 US ($150 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $155 US ($150 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

Hilt with up to 40" flat tang blade (any finish, or guard shape) $170 US ($165 foreign) 3.08pounds = 1.40kgs

Add extra curve to your blade $10 US
Add a perforated plate $5 US

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),

Please note: If not specified, the default is gray.
If your order includes a blade, be sure to also specify
blade length.
straight or slightly curved.

Please note: If not specified, the default is 36 inches and straight.

http://www.alcheminc.com/gothic.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Zweihander

The above is a photo of our zweihander sword in a gray finish with a dark brown grip. This design dates back as far as 1540 and possibly earlier. Our hilt has an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, and two open (unfilled) side rings. The side rings measures 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. The wooden grip is 10 inches long and the pommels are our large 1 3/4 inch diameter 12 ounce ball. Guards may be ordered straight (I), or curved forward (C shaped). This hilt is available on our 40 inch rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade.

Price is as follows:
Hilt with Alchem rod tang Safeflex broadsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $165 US ($160 foreign) 1.91pounds = .87kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray),
shape for 11 3/4" guards ('I' straight, 'C' curved).

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, straight, dark brown grip.

 

http://www.alcheminc.com/zweihander.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Fiori Hilts

The above is a photo of our Fiori type longsword in a black finish with a maple grip. This is similar to the swords depicted in the treatise by Fiore dei Liberi entitled Fior di Battaglia ('Flower of Battle', also known as Flos Duellatorum) of 1410. Blade blanks are 54 1/2 inches long overall. Stock blades are therefore available in lengths up to 43 inches with an 11 1/2 inch tang or 42 inches with a 12 1/2 inch tang and so on. This design dates back as far as the 14th century and possibly earlier. Our hilt has an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, and two, one, or no open side rings. The example depicted has both rings. The side rings measures 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. The the pommel weighs 16 ounces and is pear shaped. Custom disk pommels are also available. This hilt is available on our Alchem flat tang longsword blade. These blades have a 3/8 inch wide by 1/8 inch thick rounded tip for those individuals who do not wish to use a rubber blunt. The rounded edge varies from 1/8" thick at the middle of the blade and tapers down to .066 inch to .071 inch at the back end of the flare of the tip. The point of balance is about 3 inches ahead of the guard, depending somewhat on blade and grip length. For a customer review and close up photos of this blade type follow this link.

Price is as follows:
Hilt with Alchem longsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $250 US ($243 foreign) 3.5pounds = 1.6kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray).
grip length.
shape of guard ('I' straight, 'C' curved).
both, one, or no side rings.
length of blade, 38" to 43".
pommel weight, 12 or 16 ounces.

Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, 11", straight, both, 40", 16 ounces. 

http://www.alcheminc.com/fiori.html

[Dept of PMM Hall of Steel]

Meyer Hilt

The above is a photo of our Meyer longsword in a black finish with a black stained grip. This is similar to the swords depicted in Joachim Meyer's fechtbuch of 1570. Stock blades are available in lengths from 38 to 43 inches. This design dates back as far as the 16th century. Our hilt has an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, and two, one, or no open side rings. The side rings measures 3 inches long by 2 inches wide. The schilt on the Meyer sword is not attached to the blade. It is actually part of the guard and consists of a rectangular tube which slides over the first several inches of the blade from the tang end. The banded wooden grip may be up to 10 inches long and the pommel weighs 16 ounces and is pear shaped. A 12 ounce pommel of similar shape is also available. Guards may be ordered straight (I), or curved forward (C shaped). This hilt is available on our Alchem flat tang longsword blade. These blades have a 3/8 inch wide by 1/8 inch thick rounded tip for those individuals who do not wish to use a rubber blunt. The rounded edge varies from 1/8" thick at the middle of the blade and tapers down to .066 inch to .071 inch at the back end of the flare of the tip. The point of balance is about 3 inches ahead of the guard, depending somewhat on blade length. For a customer review and close up photos of this blade type follow this link.

Price is as follows:
Hilt with Alchem longsword blade (any finish, or guard shape) $250 US ($243 foreign) 4.25pounds = 1.9kgs

When ordering, be sure to specify (PayPal provides for comments to seller)
finish ('B'lack or 'G'ray).
grip length.
shape of guard ('I' straight, 'C' curved).
both, one, or no side rings.
length of blade, 38" to 43".
pommel weight, 12 or 16 ounces.
Please note: If not specified, the defaults are gray, 11", straight, both, 40", 16 ounces.

 

http://www.alcheminc.com/meyer.html