Today we take a look at a one of a kind type XVIII longsword we've recently finished. We periodically make custom pieces for sale, which we post on our Artisan Collection page. Sometimes these are study pieces for products, sometimes they are just a sword that one of the guys in the shop has really wanted to make.
This particular piece weighs 2.75lbs, has a 36" diamond-section blade, and a shorter crossguard in a style common to the first half of the 15th century. The guard includes filed decoration at the quillion ends. The pommel is a disc with a raised center and the grip has a single fuller. The balance point is approximately four inches from the guard, giving this sword pleasing blade presence that would work great fighting in the bind, and contributing to a really nice cutting ability. That said, the weight is not too far forward and the sword retains plenty of point control.
As always, our swords are entirely made by us, by hand, at our shop in Minneapolis, MN. The blades are hand ground of 6150 carbon steel, hardened and tempered to 50-52 Rockwell. All of our products are made to look, feel, and function just like the historical originals on which they are based. Arms & Armor is dedicated to quality and authenticity. For over four decades we have worked with museums, collectors, and scholars to develop a deep understanding of European weapons; knowledge we use to make products that exemplify the finest qualities of the very best historic pieces. When we select historic items to reproduce, being pretty isn't enough, they have to move with grace and beauty, and beg to be used when in the hand.
These are pieces that feel as good as they look, and that work as well as they feel. Our mission is to craft items that recreate the look, feel, and function of the best historic originals. Whether you are a Collector, Curator, Reenactor, or Historical Martial Artist, we will work with you to create the sword or other weapon of your dreams. Check out all of our products here.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985