- Model: Baselard Sword
- Product Code: Baselard001
- Location: Kathmandu,Nepal
Available Options
Baselard Short Sword — A Hand-Forged Medieval European Sidearm
The Baselard Short Sword from Everest Forge is one of the most distinctive European sidearms of the late Middle Ages — a broad, straight, double-edged blade that bridged the gap between dagger and sword. Named for the city of Basel and carried across Swiss and German lands from the 13th to the 15th centuries, the Baselard gave more reach and presence than a dagger while staying compact in the hand.
Each blade is hand forged in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 high carbon spring steel, oil-tempered to working hardness, with a full tang. It is fitted with a rosewood grip and comes with a leather scabbard. This is a piece for late-medieval arms collection, living-history reenactment, HEMA practice, and controlled cutting where permitted by local law. The standard blade is 20.5 inches, and other lengths can be specified before forging.
The Baselard — A Brief History
The Baselard takes its name from the city of Basel, where this distinctive blade rose to prominence in the 13th to 15th centuries before spreading across Switzerland and Germany. Broad and straight, with a double-edged blade and a sturdy hilt, it sat between dagger and sword — longer and more authoritative than a dagger, yet compact enough to wear at the belt.
In late-medieval towns where the wearing of full swords was increasingly restricted, the broad-bladed Baselard became the civic sidearm of choice for townsmen, guards, and soldiers. By the 15th century its lines had influenced a whole family of arming daggers and short swords, leaving a lasting mark on European edged-weapon design.
Why This Baselard Short Sword Stands Apart
True Baselard pattern
The broad, straight, double-edged blade and sturdy hilt of the 13th-to-15th-century European Baselard, the sidearm that bridged dagger and sword.
Broad cut-and-thrust blade
Wide through the body for authority in the cut, straight and pointed for the thrust — the practical proportions of the historical Baselard.
5160 spring steel, oil-tempered
The same high carbon spring steel used in vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and resilience. Oil-tempered to a working hardness — not a stainless display blade.
Full-tang construction
The tang runs the length of the grip for structural integrity — the foundation of a sword built to be handled, not just displayed.
Rosewood grip and leather scabbard
A shaped rosewood handle paired with a handmade leather scabbard, included for safe carry and storage.
Hand-forged in Nepal
Forged on hammer and anvil by our blacksmiths in Kathmandu. See the process on The Making and meet the team on Meet the Maker.
Specifications
Customise Your Baselard
Most details on this Baselard can be specified to your preference before forging begins. Use the options on this page to build your blade, or contact us for anything outside the standard list.
Blade Length
Standard 20.5-inch blade, or choose any length from 16 to 30 inches — forged to your dimension before the blade is made.
Blade Finishing
Satin as standard, or choose a Polished / Mirror finish, a Raw / Forge finish, or a Blacked / Coated blade to suit display or handling.
Handle Material
Rosewood as standard. White-wood (Sadhan), and rosewood-and-white-wood or rosewood-and-horn spacer combinations are available.
Scabbard Colour
The leather scabbard comes in black, brown, yellow, red, green, or blue leather.
Personalisation
Add a name, initials, or a short message engraved on the blade or handle — included with your order.
Custom Logo & Photo Engraving
Upload your own logo, crest, or photo to have it engraved on the blade for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Hand-Forged, Not a Wall-Hanger
An Everest Forge Baselard
- 5160 high carbon spring steel
- Oil-tempered to working hardness
- Full-tang construction
- Forged and shaped by hand
- Stands up to controlled cutting practice and reenactment use
A typical decorative wall-hanger
- Stainless or unknown steel
- Little or no heat treatment
- Rat-tail or partial tang
- Cast or stock-removed in a factory
- Built for display only — not for handling
The Complete Degen & Baselard Collection
Baselard Dagger-Short Sword
The 17-inch Baselard — the sword-and-dagger crossover.
Baselard Dagger
The compact 14-inch Baselard dagger.
Swiss Baselard Dagger
The Swiss-pattern Baselard in dagger form.
Swiss/German Degen Sword
The slender Degen sword from the same Central European tradition.
All Degen Medieval Swords
Browse the full Degen and Baselard range by length and pattern.
Who This Baselard Is For
- European arms collectors — buyers who want the iconic late-medieval Baselard to anchor a Swiss, German, or European arms collection, forged from the historical pattern.
- Reenactors and living history — 13th-to-15th-century Swiss and German portrayals that need period-correct Baselard geometry in real, hand-forged steel.
- HEMA and martial-arts students — those studying broad cut-and-thrust short-sword work with a real-weight blade. A blunt training version is available on request.
- Cutting-practice users — buyers who work tatami, bottles, and bamboo and want a broad, authoritative blade.
- Gift buyers — a serious, lasting gift for a history enthusiast, with optional engraving for names, dates, or a crest.
- Film, theatre, and production — full-weight authentic steel for historical productions, with blunt versions for choreography.
How It Is Made
Steel selection
We start with 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, chosen for toughness and shock resistance.
Forging and shaping
The bar is heated and hammered by hand into the broad, straight, double-edged Baselard blade.
Heat treatment
The blade is hardened and oil-tempered to a working hardness, balancing a durable edge against a resilient spine.
Finishing and fitting
The rosewood grip and hilt are shaped and fitted, the edges are brought up, and the leather scabbard is finished to match.
What Is Included
- One hand-forged Baselard short sword in 5160 spring steel
- Leather scabbard in your chosen colour
- Personalised engraving where requested
- Care guidance for the blade, handle, and leather
Shipping, Returns, and Warranty
Every Baselard ships from Kathmandu, Nepal via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis — duties and taxes are handled so there is nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing time. Some countries restrict the import of swords above certain lengths; it is the buyer's responsibility to check local law before ordering.
Standard Baselards carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised pieces are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Shipping and Returns and Warranty and Returns Policy pages.
Caring for Your Baselard
Wipe the blade clean after handling and apply a light film of mineral or blade oil to protect the high carbon steel from moisture. Store the sword out of the scabbard in dry conditions for long-term keeping, since trapped humidity can mark a carbon blade. Treat the leather occasionally with a leather conditioner, and keep the rosewood grip away from prolonged damp or direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Baselard short sword?
The Baselard is a broad, straight, double-edged European sidearm named for the city of Basel. Rising to prominence from the 13th to 15th centuries across Switzerland and Germany, it bridged dagger and sword — longer and more authoritative than a dagger, yet compact enough to wear at the belt.
Is the Baselard a sword or a dagger?
It sits between the two. This Baselard short sword has a 20.5-inch blade, giving it sword-length reach. The shorter Baselard pieces are made in dagger and sword-dagger sizes — see the 17-inch Baselard and the 14-inch Baselard dagger.
What are the dimensions of this Baselard?
The standard piece measures 27 inches overall, with a 20.5-inch blade about 1.6 inches wide and a 6.5-inch handle, and it weighs approximately 0.81 kg without the scabbard. The length is a choice — you can specify any blade length from 16 to 30 inches before forging.
What steel is the blade made from?
The blade is forged from 5160 high carbon spring steel, the same material used in heavy-duty vehicle leaf springs, valued for toughness, shock resistance, and edge retention. It is oil-tempered to a working hardness.
Is the blade sharp, or can I get it blunt?
The standard edge is a sharpened, double-edged working blade. A blunt training edge is available on request for HEMA sparring, stage rehearsal, or where a blunt blade is preferred — just note it in your order before forging.
Can I choose a different length or handle material?
Yes. The standard 20.5-inch blade can be made at any length from 16 to 30 inches. Rosewood is the standard handle; white-wood (Sadhan) and spacer combinations are available. Choose your options on this page when ordering.
Can I personalise or engrave the Baselard?
Yes. Add a name, initials, or a short message, or upload your own logo, crest, or photo for custom engraving on the blade. Personalised engraving is included with your order. See our Personalized Blades page.
Does it come with a scabbard, and what colours are available?
Yes. Every Baselard includes a leather scabbard for safe carry and storage. You can choose black, brown, yellow, red, green, or blue leather.
What is the Baselard good for?
It is a collector's and reenactor's piece — a broad, authoritative European short sword that gives authentic late-medieval presence. For HEMA and cutting practice it carries good weight through the cut, and a blunt training version is available for sparring.
How is it shipped, and how long does delivery take?
We ship from Kathmandu via DHL Express or FedEx International on a Delivered Duty Paid basis, so duties and taxes are handled with nothing to pay on arrival. Typical delivery is 8 to 15 business days from order, including forging and processing. Custom and personalised orders may take longer.
What is your return and warranty policy?
Standard Baselards carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in unused condition and a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Custom and personalised pieces are forged to your specification and are non-returnable. Full details are on our Warranty and Returns Policy page.
Can I order a custom or fully bespoke Baselard?
Yes. Specify your blade length, finish, handle, and scabbard colour with the options on this page, or commission a fully bespoke Baselard from your own reference through our Custom Forge service. We confirm every detail before forging begins.
| Specification | |
| Blade: | 20 inches long Blade got large fuller on it and forged from 5160 carbon steel |
| Total Length: | 26 inches long in total |
| Handle: | 6 inches long Handle Made from Rosewood |
| Weight: | 1.6 KG approximately |
| Note: | This is a hand-forged blade. Minor variations in dimensions, finish, and weight are natural and reflect traditional forging methods. |
