Sword Grip & Hilt Guide
Sword Grip Wrapping & Hilt Finish Guide: Customize your sword
Every sword should be as unique as the fencer wielding it.
The grip wrapping and hilt finish play a key role in both the performance and aesthetic of your sword, providing not only comfort and control but also protection and visual appeal. This guide will help you choose the best grip wrap and hilt finish options for your Malleus Martialis sword to match your fencing needs, historical style, and personal preferences.
The grip of a sword plays a crucial role in its overall performance and usability, yet it is often overlooked by many swordmakers. Through extensive research and comparison, we’ve discovered several important aspects regarding grips:
- Shape and Design: Grips significantly influence ergonomics and how a sword is wielded.
– Flatter grips are often found on cutting-oriented swords or where the edge alignement is crucial.
– Smoother, rounder grips are favored for thrusting swords or where the point control is primary. - Hand Positioning: Shorter grips on original swords are not just for smaller hands; they encourage precise hand positioning, enhancing control and technique.
As swordmakers, we believe it’s our responsibility to provide these thoughtful designs and educate fencers about their importance in training, that’s why we work relentlessly to update our components, and grips are not an exception. (for example, the Galante grip is under review for Destreza fencers)
1. Grip Wrapping: Leather vs. Cord
Your sword’s grip affects how securely and comfortably you can hold it during sparring or training. At Malleus Martialis, we offer leather and cord grip wrapping options, each with their own benefits.
› Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Leather | Cord |
|---|---|---|
| Grip Comfort | Soft, cushioned | Textured, firm |
| Grip Security | Moderate | Excellent |
| Aesthetics | Classic, polished | Functional, rugged |
| Best For | Historical fencing, reenactment | HEMA, competitive fencing |
| Color Variants | 6 hand-dyed colors | Wide range of colors |
› Leather Grip Wrapping
Our leather grips are made from Tuscan high-quality, hand-selected and vegetable tanned leather, offering a smooth, luxurious feel with a timeless look. Our premium leather wraps are comfortable and cushioned, that are not only luxurious but also feature a distinctive texture, created by the cord we use to tightly secure it while the leather is still wet, ensuring an exceptional grip that feels as good as it looks.
Colors Available:
-
- Black: Sleek and timeless, this color exudes strength and authority, perfect for a classic yet powerful look.
- Colonial: A light, warm shade that embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure, offering a vintage appeal that develops a unique patina with use.
- Red: Bold and sophisticated, this deep red shade represents passion and ardimento.
- Blue: A royal hue that adds a touch of elegance and represents the depth of knowledge and wisdom.
- Green: Inspired by the lush landscapes of nature, this vibrant shade symbolizes vitality and strength, ideal for the passionate fencer.
- Ocher: A warm, golden shade that adds a touch of elegance and character to your sword.
Best For:
-
- Fencers seeking a traditional look and feel
- Historical reenactment
- Comfortable grip during prolonged training, even without gloves.
Why Choose Leather:
-
- Classic Elegance: Timeless and sophisticated look.
- Comfort: Soft and smooth, with a textured and authentic tactile feel.
- Aging: Develops an exquisite patina, enhancing its character over time.
› Cord Grip Wrapping
Cord wraps are designed for fencers who need a secure, non-slip grip during intense practice or competitive sparring. The textured surface provides excellent control, even with sweaty hands, making it ideal for high-intensity fencing.
Colors Available (some may be available on selected models) :
Carbon (Black) – Nightfall (Dark Blue) – Royal (Bright Blue) – Burgundy (Deep Red) – Crimson (Bright Red) – Emerald (Green) – Peacock (Teal) – Ultraviolet (Purple)- Cupcake (Pink) – Fiorino (Gold) – Copper (Metallic Orange) – Tangerine (Bright Orange) – Sunshine (Yellow)
Best For:
-
- HEMA practitioners
- Competitive fencers
- Fencers looking for a high-performance grip
Why Choose Cord:
-
- Superior Grip: Non-slip texture for maximum control during intense bouts.
- Durability: Built to withstand heavy use and high-energy training.
- Practical Design: Ideal for fencers prioritizing functionality and control.
FAQs – Grips
- Do you value aesthetics, comfort, and historical accuracy?
Leather is perfect for historical fencing and reenactments. - Are you focused on intense sparring and need a practical, secure grip?
Choose Cord wrapping for performance-driven fencing.
Leather grips require occasional conditioning with leather oil or balm to keep them supple and in good condition. If you’d like to protect it further, a subtle layer or beeswax or micro-crystalline wax is recommended to enhance their durability and resistance to scratches. However, keep in mind that protective products may darken the shade over time, giving it a richer tone that enhances its character.
Cord grips require occasional cleaning to preserve their color and integrity. For effective maintenance, avoid applying oil. Instead, gently clean the grip by rubbing it with a cloth soaked in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This method helps remove dirt without damaging the cord, ensuring your grip stays looking its best.
Yes, you can order a new grip in both leather and cord, allowing you to change or refresh the grip of your sword as needed.
2. Hilt Finish
In addition to the grip, the hilt finish is another way to enhance your sword’s durability and appearance. Each of our finishes is designed to offer protection from corrosion while providing a unique look that complements the sword’s overall design.
› Standard Finish
The standard finish has a shiny, polished dark hue that complements most sword styles. This finish provides a durable, protective layer that slows down rust formation while adding a touch of elegance.
Benefits:
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- Effective reduction of rust
- Subtle, shiny dark aesthetic
› Blackened Finish
Also known as a passivated finish, the bluing treatment offers a protective black finish that is rust-resistant. While durable, this thick layer can transfer some patina onto hands or clothing and may develop surface scratches with use, so it may require some touch-ups with a standard cold blueing solution.
Benefits:
-
- Enhanced rust resistance
- Dark, tactical appearance
› Brass Coated Finish
The brass coating adds a luxurious golden touch to your sword while helping to control rust formation. The thick coating ensures durability, though heavy use may reveal scratches over time, adding character to the piece.
Benefits:
-
- Luxurious golden coating for rust resistance
- Handmade brushed effect and satin aesthetic
› Silver Coated Finish
This silver coating offers a mirror-finish, eye-catching appearance while providing excellent protection against corrosion. It’s a durable choice, but like brass, scratches may appear with sufficient wear.
Benefits:
-
- Corrosion-resistant coating
- Silky, mirror finish (See our Thiago Smallsword for reference)
› Hand Polished Finish (Only Available for Armeria and bespoke projects)
For those who value exquisite craftsmanship, our hand-polished finish is achieved through a time-consuming process, such as an initial stage of mechanical polishing, followed by several stages of hand sanding. These products showcase an authentic, refined surface, inspired by the historical polishing techniques using stones and sands.
Benefits:
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- Artisan-level polish
- Authentic and elegant finish that highlight the craftsmanship (See our Armerìa Collection products)
FAQs – Finish
Choosing the right hilt finish depends on your personal style and how you plan to use your sword.
- The standard finish and hand-polished finish (available only for Armeria and custom projects) prioritize the surface durability against impacts and scratches. The standard finish, though, provides a higher resistance to rust compared to the hand-polished one.
- The blackened finish offers a sleek, tactical aesthetic along with excellent corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for many fencers. While durable, this thick layer can transfer some patina onto hands or clothing with use and may develop surface scratches with use, so it requires care depending on your needs.
- If you’re drawn to a more elegant appearance, brass and silver-coated finishes add a luxurious touch to your sword. While these finishes may require a bit more care to maintain their pristine look, they are equally valid options as the coating layer is quite thick. Ultimately, consider your aesthetic preferences and how you’ll be using your sword to choose the finish that best reflects your individuality.
- For standard and hand polished finish, oil regularly or consider using a micro-crystalline wax or polish paste like Metaglan to keep the surface shiny and protect it from oxidation.
- For brass, and silver finishes, regularly wipe the hilt with a soft cloth to remove dirt and moisture. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Polishing creams such as Sidol can be used for cleaning.
- For blackened finishes, be gentle during cleaning to prevent wear and maintain the patina. You can restore the tiny scratches by yourself at home using a common Liquid Gun Blue applied with a cloth or a brush. Oil regularly.
Environmental factors such as humidity, moisture, and temperature can impact the durability of your sword’s hilt finish. For example, finishes like brass and silver may tarnish over time when exposed to humidity, while standard, hand polished and blackened finishes may wear down and oxidize faster in harsher conditions. Regular cleaning and appropriate storage—like keeping your sword in a dry place—can help maintain the finish and extend its life.