Assassin's Creed Syndicate Cane Sword and Hidden Blade Replicas Released

McFarlane Toys, a company known for its detailed collectibles from pop culture franchises, released two life-size weapon replicas from Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. The items became available for purchase in North America in early October 2015, building anticipation for the game’s launch later that month. Fans and cosplayers were offered a chance to acquire detailed versions of Jacob Frye’s Cane Sword and the Frye twins’ signature Assassin’s Gauntlet with Hidden Blade. These products appeared on online retailers, providing a tangible connection to the game’s Victorian London setting before players could explore it digitally.

Jacob Frye’s Cane Sword

One of the standout replicas was the Cane Sword, the signature weapon of one of the game’s protagonists, Jacob Frye. This piece perfectly encapsulates the game’s atmosphere, functioning as both an elegant gentleman’s walking stick and a brutally effective concealed weapon. This duality reflects the era’s blend of high society and violent street crime, a central theme in Syndicate. The replica captures this design with a spring-loaded mechanism. At the push of a button, a curved, scythe-like sword deploys from the cane’s shaft.

The design is faithful to the in-game weapon, featuring an ornate, gold-colored, bird-shaped handle that provides a sophisticated and unassuming appearance. The shaft has a wood-grain texture, further selling the illusion of an ordinary walking cane. The entire accessory measures 36 inches long, making it a full-scale prop. According to product listings, it was constructed from PVC and thermoplastic materials. This choice of materials allows for intricate sculpting and a durable finish that mimics wood and metal, while remaining lightweight and safe for use as a cosplay prop at events. For those looking to embody the more direct and pugnacious of the Frye twins, the Cane Sword was an essential and character-defining accessory.

The Assassin’s Gauntlet and Hidden Blade

The second replica released was the iconic Assassin’s Gauntlet with Hidden Blade, a weapon synonymous with the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise. For Syndicate, the weapon was redesigned to fit the Industrial Revolution aesthetic. Worn by both Jacob and Evie Frye, this gauntlet is a more ornate and visibly mechanical piece than some of its predecessors, featuring exposed gears and intricate filigree. The McFarlane Toys replica mirrors this detailed design, with simulated stitched leather straps, metallic buckles, and other components that evoke the steam-powered technology of the era.

Functionally, the plastic blade is spring-loaded and features a switchblade-style action for quick extension. It is also fully retractable and includes a locking mechanism to prevent accidental deployment, a crucial safety feature for a wearable prop. The gauntlet also prominently features a replica of the rope launcher, a new traversal tool in Syndicate that allowed players to quickly ascend buildings and create zip lines. While the replica’s launcher is non-functional, its inclusion adds to the authenticity of the piece. Like the Cane Sword, the gauntlet and its hidden blade were made from PVC and thermoplastic, ensuring a high level of detail suitable for collectors and the durability needed by cosplayers.

Context for the Game

These replicas were strategically released just weeks before Assassin’s Creed Syndicate itself. The game was scheduled to launch on October 23, 2015, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a PC version also announced for that date. The story follows twin assassins Jacob and Evie Frye as they work to build a criminal syndicate, the Rooks, to liberate London from Templar control in the year 1868. This period, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, provided a backdrop of technological innovation, social upheaval, and stark inequality.

The two protagonists offer distinct gameplay styles, a first for the series. Jacob favors a more direct, brawling approach, while his sister Evie specializes in traditional stealth and tactical planning. The release of both the Cane Sword (Jacob’s preference) and the versatile Hidden Blade (used by both) allowed fans to align with their preferred character’s style before even playing the game. The merchandise served as an effective marketing tool, immersing players in the world of Syndicate before it was even in their hands.