Since 1981, people from around the world have come to Arms and Armor's founder Chris Poor for quality medieval- and renaissance-period replica weaponry. Arms and Armor's swords and armor are reknowned for their incredible aesthetic accuracy as art pieces and also for their battleworthiness, weight and balance as weapons, bearing striking resemblance in all manners to original period swords.

This high standard of excellence shouldn't come as a surprise. Arms and Armor staff take yearly research trips to Europe, meeting with the likes of Bob Savage of the Glasgow Museum, and David Edge of the Wallace Collection - both of whom have been instrumental towards helping Arms and Armor study period weaponry. However, their unparalleled relationship with the esteemed Ewart Oakeshott has been paramount, opening doors to many private collections, seldom seen by the public eye.

The results are clearly visible. Endorsements as to the quality and accuracy of reproductions have been made by Mr. Oakeshott himself. While competitors of Arms and Armor may claim Oakeshott as pinnacle inspiration to their businesses, none else can claim the same degree of direct input. Mr. Oakeshott refers to Arms and Armors offering of weapons as "The best replicas I've ever seen." (Featured right: Arms and Armor's famous Edward III sword.)

Endorsements aside, the quality of the swords have resulted in tremendous customer loyalty, especially seriious collectors.

In the interest of authenticity, Arms and Armor uses AISI 10xx steel due to its low alloy content. Their latest choice - after much experimentation and experience - is AISI 1075 steel, as it responds well to their heat treating and tempering process, enabling them to achieve the desired hardness and spring qualities, and the ability for the blades to remain straight.

A tyipcal Arms and Armor sword features a blade with a "brush" finish and made from the stock-removal process prior to heat treating. The pommel and guard are cast steel or bronze and are polished to a "brush" finish or a "mirror" finish depending on the model. The grip is usually made of ash and covered with a leather wrap sewn together and "shrunk-fit" using heat and beeswax as shrinking agents. The work performed on each item is labor intensive and demanding, not only to get the required finish, but also to arrive at a weight and balance which resembles the originals as closely as possible. (Featured Left: Henry CV Sword No. 755 - Made from notes contributed by Ewart Oakeshott for an exceptionally accurate reproduction. This may be the very sword carried by Henry V at Agincourt. Circa 1422.)

The result of these efforts could not be more noteworthy. Museums which feature the work of Arms and Armor include The Jamestown Site run by Colonial Williamsburg of Virginia - which feature some rapiers, and Witte in San Antonio - which feature two suits of armor, several breastplates, three swords, a various shields and several models of conquistador swords.

Arms and Armor have also made their mark in the movie industry; their work appeared in Renaissance Man, Earnest Scared Straight, Dragonslayer, and Army of Darkness.

Due to the combat-worthiness of their work, Arms and Armor weapons have also had good success in stage combat circles. Organizations that use Arms and Armor weaponry include:

1. Society of American Fight Directors
2. Utah Shakespeare Group
3. Shakespeare Theatre of Washington D.C
4. Chessment in Florida
5. Kansas City Shakespeare Group
6. University of Wisconsin
7. Enguarde Unlimited in the Minneapolis area

Interestingly enough, Craig Johnson - Arms and Armor's general manager - was involved with Enguarde Unlimited and has performed with them for quite some time. His main weapon is an Arms and Armor broadsword which has survived eight full years of brutal stage combat. Craig "blames" his interest in medieval and renaissance arms and armor (pun not intended) on Errol Flynn and Robin Hood.

In 1987, Craig Johnson was working with Chris Poor on a hobby basis while trying to make a living in construction and substitute teaching. One day he walked into Chris Poor's office to see about securing full time employment just as Chris got off the phone taking his first big order. It has been a labor of love ever since.

Craig Johnson is a frequent visitor of Sword Forum where he can answer questions regarding your Arms & Armor swords!

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