Greek Xiphos, Hoplite Sword with Scabbard

Greek Xiphos, Hoplite Sword with Scabbard

The hoplites of Ancient Greece, the brave citizen foot soldiers best known for fighting in a phalanx formation and wielding a thrusting spear or lance (dory) and a large round shield (aspis or hoplon), are commonly depicted with a secondary weapon at their side. One of these battlefield sidearms, a straight, relatively short sword with double-edged, leaf-shaped blade called the xiphos, was quite popular with the Greek armies (amongst others, the notorious Spartans). Designed for both cutting and thrusting, it was primarily used by the infantry as a backup weapon for close quarter combat or when the spear had been broken, lost or snatched away in the fray. Although surviving examples are extremely scarce, historical illustrations can be found in many ancient Greek artworks, especially in pottery paintings that have stood the test of time.

This handsome reconstruction of a hoplite sword has the leaf blade shape that is so distinctive of classic 6th-5th c. BC xiphoi. The untempered / unhardened EN45 spring steel blade is at first "waisted" just below the wide heel and gradually broadens before tapering again to the point. The edges are not sharpened. The authentically shaped hilt is composed of a wooden pommel with steel cap, a steel guard and a wooden grip riveted onto a thick steel tang.

The one-handed Greek shortsword we offer here comes complete with a wooden scabbard bound in red leather. The characteristic throat and chape are also crafted from wood. Brass suspension rings secured onto the scabbard with leather straps allow the bearer to carry his xiphos slung on a baldric in true Greek fashion.

Please note that this sword is not a battle ready weapon. It is designed as a collector's or decoration/display piece and is not suited for combat reenactment. Besides its quality as a collectible, it is also perfectly suited as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.

Details:
- Material: EN45 spring steel blade (high carbon steel, not stainless), wood and steel hilt
- Overall length: approx. 68 cm
- Blade length: approx. 54 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. 4.5 mm / 4 mm (cutting edges approx. 1 mm)
- Hilt length: approx. 14 cm (grip approx. 9 cm)
- Blade width: approx. 9 cm (at guard) / 3.2 cm / 4.2 cm
- Point of balance: approx. 14 cm from the guard
- Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover
- Weight without scabbard: approx. 0.95 kg
- Weight with scabbard: approx. 1,1 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the blade and the scabbard on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.

Please note:
We do not sell this product to customers under the age of 18. Please provide your birth date when ordering. We'll also need a copy of your ID-card or passport by email, scan, fax or mail.