Description
Legacy Arms Templar Knight Sword
The Knights Templar, formally known as the Order of the Temple (French: Ordre du Temple or Templiers), were among the most renowned Western Christian military orders of the Middle Ages. Established soon after the First Crusade of 1096, their original mission was to safeguard pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem following its capture.
Officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1129, the Order quickly gained influence and grew in numbers. Templar knights, recognizable by their white mantles emblazoned with a red cross, were formidable warriors during the Crusades. Beyond the battlefield, non-combatant members developed an extensive economic network throughout Christendom, pioneering early financial practices akin to banking and erecting numerous fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land.
The fortunes of the Templars were closely tied to the success of the Crusades. As the Crusaders lost control of the Holy Land, support for the Order diminished. Suspicions about their secretive initiation rites spread, and King Philip IV of France, burdened with debts to the Order, pressured Pope Clement V to act against them. In 1307, many Templars in France were arrested, subjected to torture, and forced into false confessions before execution. The Order was officially disbanded in 1312 by papal decree. This sudden disappearance of such a powerful institution spawned numerous legends and mysteries, ensuring the Templar name endures to this day.
Key Features:
- Blade length: 34 1/2″ forged from 5160 high carbon steel, known for its toughness and resilience
- Leather-covered wooden scabbard, reflecting traditional methods of blade protection and carriage
- Matte finish steel crossguard and pommel, providing balance and hand protection typical of medieval swords
Templar Knight Sword
Overall length: 42 1/2″
Blade length: 34 1/2″
Handle length: 6″
Weight: Approximately 2 lbs 13 oz
Point of balance: 6″ from the guard, offering a balance suited for both cutting and thrusting
Width at guard: 45.1mm
Width at tip: 26.5mm
Thickness at guard: 5.8mm
Thickness at tip: 4.2mm
Blade steel: 5160 high carbon steel, prized for its combination of hardness and flexibility
Note: Slight variations in measurements may occur as each blade reflects the hand-forged nature of traditional smithing.
Fun Fact: The distinctive red cross worn by Templar knights was not only a symbol of their faith but also served as a means to identify friend from foe on the chaotic battlefields of the Crusades.
