Oakeshott Type XVIII Sword w/ Sword Belt
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Oakeshott describes type XVIII swords as "the very quintessence of the true, age-old cut and thrust fighting sword" Very common in 15th and 16th century Europe, these swords were a perfect marriage of cut and thrust and did a mighty good job of getting through the chinks in the armor of nights and soldiers, while retaining a very large amount of cutting or chopping ability. A weight and balance needed to effectively make a good two handed cut on a blade that came to a well tapered point. Though other forms of weaponry and warfare were becoming ever more widely used at this time, this sword remained a very potent weapon in the knight and soldiers arsenal and was still very often called upon and still decided the fate of more than a few battles.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
As a Windlass product, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I bought this sword, but I knew this was a slightly better piece than some of their past and current offereings. Having owned 3 of their swords already, and knowing that they have managed to design some really great swords in the past, I decided to give this one a try. I am glad I did. I have been impressed by its ballance, hollowgrinding, construction, and overall look of this piece.
STATS
Overall Length: 41.5''
Blade Length: 33 15/16''
Weight: 2lb 11oz
P.O.B. 4.''
Thickness: 3.7mm-2.8mm
Width: 48mm
Grip Length: 4 7/''
Pommel: Peened
The grip is one place where this sword is pretty typical of a Windlass sword. Where companies like Valiant Armory, Albion and Hanwei typicaly shape the wood core of their sword grips into something more contoured, Windlass typical way is to round out the edges of a squared grip. There is no swell in the middle as can be seen in the photographs below. However, that being said, the stiching up the side seem (another attribute common to Windlass) has been done very well and the risers, though wide, are also neetly installed.
The chosen color of dye for the grip is really quite pleasing and the sword feels very nice in hand as there is plenty of room for gripping this handle. This is a true bastard sword in size because the second hand only half fits, while the last few fingers are over the pommel. Thus the term Bastard or Hand and a Half.
THE GUARD
The guard is made of solid steel an is of my favorite type being in between a type 2 and 3, according to Oakeshott's typology of the medieval sword. It is a squared bar which has had the edges ground off to give it a slightly octangular shape.
THE POMMEL
The pommel of this sword is of the type K fasion according to Oakeshott typology. “Very similar to Type J pommels but wider and flatter. This type was common at the end of the 13th century and through the middle of the 14th century with a brief resurgence in appeal at the end of the 15th century”. This particular one has an almost floral pattern motive on the face of each side. It has been peened at the end for durability, and as can be seen, the sanding job over the peen isn't perfect. I, personally like the size and design of the pommel.
THE BLADE
The blade has been billed by Windlass as a type XVIII, but I think it could be a bit more accuratly described as a type XVIIIa. Because it has a slightly more slender blade and a bastard grip. Normally all Windlass products come unsharpened, so if you want it to come sharp you will need to order it from a vendor who offers a sharpening service, and does a good job, to put a usable edge on it. The Sword Buyers Guide Forum is a great place to ask questions about sharpening technech and reliable sharpening services.
SCABBARD
The scabbard is far better than the usual ones Windlass will package with some of their offerings. Most of their scabbards are made of hardened leather ans have a podery substance that dandruffs the blade every time you pull it out. This one, however, has a wood core that has been wrapped in leather. It has three buckles and a nice riser design that runs all along the scabbard. It has been dyed the same colour as the grip and suits the overall package nicely. The sword fits snugly and doesn't rattle around when moved or shaken.
\HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS
This sword isn't quite as lively as I would have liked, but is by no means dead in hand. It is a bastard sword and as such, it is very good with two hands. The Hanwei Albrecht II sword is a better example of the handling characteristics I would find optimum in a sword of this size and type.
MY CONCLUSION
Whatever Windlass's short coming are and have been in the past, this sword remains a fare representation of this type of cut and thrust sword. It is sturdy and strong, yet not without note in its appearance. If you have been sitting on the fence about this sword I think you won't be let down if you take your chances with this one.
