About the Historical Sword Society

The Historical Sword Society is dedicated to the research, preservation, and practical understanding of European sword traditions. We approach the sword not as a sporting abstraction, but as a historical artifact—shaped by culture, metallurgy, doctrine, and lived experience. Our work bridges academic study and disciplined physical practice to better understand how swords were designed, carried, and used across history.

Our Mission

Our mission is to preserve the art and science of the sword through rigorous study, responsible handling of historical artifacts, and historically informed practice rooted in primary sources. We seek to document, analyze, and teach European sword traditions with respect for their historical context and technical realities.

What We Study

Historical Research & Treatise Study

We study original fencing treatises, military manuals, and historical texts to understand the technical systems and philosophies that governed sword use in their own time. Emphasis is placed on source fidelity, comparative analysis, and contextual interpretation rather than modernized reconstruction.

Sword Collecting & Artifact Analysis

Original swords are primary sources. We examine antique blades to understand form, balance, metallurgy, wear patterns, and construction techniques. This hands-on analysis informs our interpretation of historical texts and helps ground theory in physical reality.

Practical Fencing & Training

Practice is conducted as a method of inquiry, not competition. Techniques are tested through controlled, structured drills informed by historical sources. Safety, accuracy, and technical intent take precedence over sport-oriented rule sets or modern performance metrics.

How We Work

The Society operates at the intersection of scholarship and practice. We prioritize primary sources, artifact-driven research, and careful experimentation. Collaboration with collectors, researchers, and practitioners allows us to refine interpretations and document findings for broader educational use.

Who This Is For

The Historical Sword Society exists for historians, collectors, martial artists, educators, and serious enthusiasts who seek a deeper, historically grounded understanding of the sword. Whether your interest lies in archival research, artifact preservation, or historically informed practice, the Society provides a structured framework for study and exchange.

Together, we work to preserve the legacy of European swordsmanship—one technique, one artifact, and one source at a time.