Code: EU14
The “Estoques de Torero”, (also called the “Espada”) or “Bull-fighter’s sword”, is used by the matador for the final, single killing blow to a bull at the end of the bull fight. In Spain, the swords of the master Matadors are made only by the metal-smiths of M. Bermejo S. A, located in Toledo, Spain.
“Because of its craftsmanship, its Spanish tradition and the elegance and lightness of its curved blade, the Bullfighter's Sword is an article of great value in Bermejo, S.A. production range. The forging process of the blade, which is done by hand, and the subsequent tempering make this a highly appreciated product among bullfighters, bladed weapons enthusiasts, and lovers of tradition. One can say that this sword is the latest in a long line, representing traditional spanish sword-making.”
The bullfight in Spain is called the “Fiesta Nacional” (National Sport). The faena portion of the fight is where the Matador must prove his courage and artistry. The bull will charge the Matador, who carries a muleta to distract the bull from its intended target. The muleta is a thick crimson cloth draped over a short stick, or alternatively, over the killing sword held in the right hand. This showy “dance with death” is dramatic - one wrong move and the Matador could become impaled on the horns of the bull. The faena continues until the Matador has demonstrated his superiority over the bull (who is exhausted and no doubt in pain from earlier pricks and pokes of the picadores).
The matador stands a few meters from the bull, aiming the espada between the shoulder blades. The bone and heavy musculature of the bull provide a target that is only about the size of a hand. Here is where the Matador must strike. Due to the angle of attack, the end of the sword is slightly curved at the end to help assure a hit to the heart of the bull.
The matador attacks, pushing the sword over the horns and deep between the shoulder blades. If the sword goes in to the hilt it is called an “estocada”, usually with the result that the bull drops immediately to its knees and dies swiftly. A small miss, causing the sword to hit bone is possible, in which case the Matador immediately takes a “descabello”, a small sword, which he stabs into the bull’s neck immediately severing the spinal cord.
