Chateauneuf-de-Randon Bastard Sword

After the harsh defeat at Poitiers, France struggled to field a large, organized army against the English. Instead, they turned to guerrilla tactics, relying on smaller, more mobile forces. Around 1380, Bertrand Du Guesclin, who earned the nickname “Eagle of Brittany” from his men, gathered a determined irregular force that succeeded in retaking Chateauneuf-de-Randon. This bastard sword carries the name of that final campaign, embodying the spirit of those turbulent times.

The sword’s design is straightforward and practical, shaped for the rigors of battle. Its blade is forged from well-tempered high carbon steel, chosen to hold a keen edge while standing up to the shocks of combat. At 34 inches long, the blade features a fuller running about three-quarters of its length,this groove eases the blade’s weight without weakening its structure. Along the fuller, a simple etched floral pattern typical of the late 14th century offers a quiet nod to the craftsman’s hand, reminding us that even weapons bore some artistry.

The grip consists of a wooden core wrapped in dark brown marbled leather, giving a steady, reliable hold through long fights. The steel pommel mirrors the floral etching on the blade, serving as both a counterbalance and a subtle signature of the swordsmith’s work. The accompanying scabbard is wrapped in matching dark brown leather, built to shield the blade while allowing the bearer to move freely.

Weighing just over two and a half pounds with an overall length of 41 5/8 inches, this bastard sword reflects the balance soldiers of the late 14th century needed between reach and control. The included leather belt and scabbard are modeled on the typical gear a fighter of the era might have carried into battle.

Fun fact: The Chateauneuf-de-Randon bastard sword bridges the gap between the longer medieval longswords and the shorter arming swords, offering a versatile weapon suited to both mounted and foot combat in its day.