Xiphos Description
Xiphos swords describe the primary short sword used by Ancient Greek infantry, particularly the hoplites. The xiphos has origins that may date back to the Bronze Age of Greece. While early Greek swords exhibited various designs, by the time of Classical Greece, the xiphos had become a standard sidearm alongside the hoplite's spear. In many historical accounts, hoplites would utilize the spear first in formations like the phalanx; once the spear was broken or discarded, the xiphos would be drawn for close combat. Designed for slashing as well as thrusting, the xiphos was a versatile weapon in the hands of skilled Greek warriors.
Blade Material
The xiphos is crafted from Pattern welded Damascus steel. Pattern welded Damascus steel is a heat-treated, folded carbon steel. The blade consists of 11 pieces of steel, folded five times, culminating in 352 layers. This steel provides the optimal balance between hardness and resilience, with a Rockwell hardness rating between 55 and 56 HRC. True high carbon Damascus steel incorporates layers of high carbon steel. The high carbon steel used in this xiphos is the 1095 variant, renowned for its high carbon content. The intricate layering of the steel yields a blade that maintains a razor-sharp edge while also being robust and flexible enough to withstand intense combat. The hilt of the sword is made of micarta complemented with brass bolsters. A leather sheath accompanies the sword for protection.
Sword Details
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Handle Material: Micarta with Brass Bolsters
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Overall Length: 22"
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Rockwell Hardness: 55-56 HRC
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Number of layers: 352
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Sheath: Leather sheath
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Blade Material: Damascus steel
- 6 Pieces of Carbon Steel #43 and #40
- 5 Pieces of High Carbon Steel 1095
- 1st Fold- 11x2=22 Layers
- 2nd Fold- 22*2=44 Layers
- 3rd Fold- 44*2=88 Layers
- 4th Fold- 88*2=176 Layers
- 5th Fold- 176*2=352 Layers