Can anyone who has handled this sword please provide comments and impressions. It is on the short list for my next sword purchase and I would particularly like comments on it's handling characteristics.

Hello,
I recently received mine. It is a very light and nimble sword. For some reason I expected it to feel heavier (probably because I didn't pay any attention to the posted specs) but I like the way it feels. It's the opposite end of the spectrum from my Albion St. Maurice which feels like a huge meat cleaver.

Nathan,
How do you find the Oakeshott's point control and manouverability?

Taylor,

It is very easy to manuever and control. To me it feels like a light dress saber in the hand.

Thanks Nathan. I don't know if you have handled the Machiavelli or Knight, if so can you draw comparisms with these? I have been absolutely amazed with the difference bewteen these two swords, it has been a real learning experience. I am awaiting the Sovereign which I know will be different once again to these two I already have.

The Oakeshott is unlike anything I have ever seen before and the uniqueness of the sword it is based on is apparent. There are so many different factors about this sword that make it appealing to buy.

My preference for collecting is clearly starting to lean towards the single handed swords although the Baron is meant to fit somewhere into the plans if all continues to go well.

Paul,

I haven't handled either of those but I do own a Sovereign which is fantastic sword as well. Stout and robust are good ways to describe that one. The Oakeshott is my only Crusades era sword other than the St. Maurice and they are so wildly different that I won't bother to compare them. The Oakeshott I would call elegant if that makes any sense.

Out of curiosity, for the sake of a hypothetical custom job, would it be period-appropriate to have this blade mounted in fittings similar to the Ritter?

Why not? Nobody actualy knows when this sword was made. :)

Similar to the Ritter? Do you mean something from Ritter Steel? Which fittings do you mean?

I am going to purchase either the Oakeshott or the Chevalier... I want to see the final version of the Chevalier before deciding. (Actually, I am going to wait until there are some new swords announced from Albion since you have to buy 6 within one year to get a seventh free... I'd like to do another round of 7 with the seventh being free. Unfortunately, you must buy all 6 within one year).

Slightly off-topic, but does anyone know how suited this sword would be for 1.33 sword and buckler?

With many thanks to a fellow member here, I got the chance to handle an Oakeshott, as well as several other Albions he has. It is unlike any other sword I have handled. It feels lighter when held but lacks nothing when set in motion. The blade looked more slender than I imagined from photos I have seen, but I think this is due more to proprtion as the blade is quite long. The hollow grinding makes for a visually interesting piece. The pommel is the most comfortable I have ever felt when the sword is in use due to the bevelled surfaces. All I can say is now I am sure I want one.

I plan on checking out the Oakeshott and Chevalier at the Blade show in Vegas before making the final decision.... The Chevalier should be at the show...