Oakeshott Type XVIa

This sword is based on Ewart Oakeshott's typology of medieval swords. It is not a direct copy of any one particular sword, but is a study in the style of the type Oakeshott denoted as XVIa. This design, a classic knight’s bastard sword, would have been in use around the time of the 100 Year War on both the English and French sides.

It is a very well-balanced sword that feels substantial yet swift in hand. It was rough forged by Elias Sideris and then gifted to me. I reforged, heat treated, and then finished it. The blade is made of 5160 and handled with a two piece oak core wrapped in cord and then leather.

The scabbard is made of two poplar slats, each 1/16 of an inch thick. They are wet formed over the blade for a secure fit, and then wrapped in linen. Next, the linen is covered with leather risers, and in turn a thin hide of kidskin is glued overtop and blended into the corners of the risers to better define the detail.

The final touch on this sword is an original coin from 1351-1353 as per the minting mark seen in the image. It was minted in London right around the time that this type of sword would have been in use. It was a common custom to place an enameled or silver emblem on the pommel of a sword, and this touch serves to root the blade firmly in the history it is meant to immortalize.

Weight: 940.9 g

Total length: 97.8 cm
Blade length: 78.9 cm
Blade width at base: 4.8 cm
Guard width: 14.6 cm
Grip length: 12.7 cm