I've had this sword for a few weeks now. Since we don't like to "scoop" ourselves I've kept pretty mum about it, and that's been difficult in this case. However, now that the review has been published I can say what an incredibly cool sword this one is!

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Albion recently sent me a couple of unexpected review samples and the Knight was one of them. I can't say what the other one is because of the aforementioned "scoop" factor. :p

The funny thing is that I really had no intention of buying this one. I already have a couple of extremely nice single-handed swords from the high medieval period, so I wasn't looking to buy any more any time soon. That changed as soon as I removed this one from it's box. I grabbed the Knight and immediately had a "Hey. Hey! HEY!!!!" reaction. Within ten minutes I knew I couldn't let this one go back. As soon as my wife got home from work I immediately prostrated myself before the the alter of the better half and begged for mercy.

For many of us Oakeshott's Type XII is the archetypal medieval sword. It's the one that we've seen illustrated the most in historical and fantasy artwork. Fair representations of it were carried by our favorite movie and literary heros when we were kids. Often, when we have our first custom sword commissioned it's a Type XII, mine was.

The Knight isn't a fancy sword, but it does have that classic line to it that we're all so familiar with. Very clean and classic lines on this one. As nice as the Knight looks it isn't all window dressing though. This sword has some of the sweetest handling characteristics that I've experienced in a medieval single-hander. As many of the old timers know, several years ago I had my right wrist smashed good and proper in a karate "incident". Consequently, I now have to avoid some of the activities that I used to enjoy, like shooting big booming handguns that classify as crew served weapons, etc. This has also made me pretty sensitive to the handling aspects of many single-handed swords. I've handled a lot of quality swords that just aren't comfortable for me because their mass distribution and/or blade presence is such that it puts excessive strain on my wrist.

Not so with the Knight. This one is an extremely agile sword that I can swing all afternoon without discomfort. At the same time it has the ability to cut as decisively as a heavier sword, not to mention great point control. It has a perfect blend of mass and balance that allows for both power and speed. Handling this one is a real pleasure. I've owned quite a few swords of this type over the years, both custom and production. Honestly, the Knight is the best one yet. It's obvious why the Type XII was such a popular design in it's day. The folks at Albion have scored a dead center bullseye with this one.

By reading the review it should be obvious that I'm extremely jazzed about this sword. There's a million things to love about it and not a single thing to dislike. I currently have two scabbards on order with Albion. After having this sword for a couple of days I called Mikey and changed the latest order to a scabbard for the Knight. This one has to be dressed up for the dance.

Howard Waddell has said that this is the sword he always dreamed of owning. I certainly won't disagree with that. The Knight is just flat out neat! This is a huge amount of sword for the money.

I really enjoyed your review Patrick and I have to admit that this sword has been growing on me for some time now. When I first saw it I thought it looked nice and fit the description of it perfectly but normally I'm drawn to different types like the XVa. I still am really, I can't wait to see the new Agincourt in steel, but the more I've frequented Albion's site the more intrigued I've become with the Knight as well, and its Squire line equivalent. In fact I think I may pick up a sharpened version of the Squire line as my entry level single hander being a po' art student and all. It really does sound like a fantastic sword though and I can't wait to see what your next review piece is.

My first sword ever was a type XII - the Albion first generation Acre. If your stats for the POB are right, then the knight's is 4 inches closer to the hilt than the Acre's. I really like this type of sword, and I really love the way handling characteristics are described. The only catch for me is that the hilt doesn't speak to me the way some might. Still, it is one of the contenders for my first Albion Next Gen.

At least they have the same sweet spot :D

Patrick,

I know its kind of comparing apples and oranges, but how does the Knight compare to the FG Crusader, as if memory serves, it was the better handling of the two FG type XII? I thought you good to ask as you own both.

I have to throw a pin in the direction of your balloon, though. I like the three-band grip on Howy's better. :p

Great review Patrick. I myself have been going back and forth between the Knight, Laird and Caithness as my next purchase ever since the Caithness came out. I would love to hear any comments from anyone who has handled more than one of the three to compare. At the end of the day though I think I may wait until the Bladeshow and see if I can handle all three before I decide. (Mike, Eric, thats a hint! One of each at the display table please!)

I tell you I keep seeing these things and its getting so hard to turn all my money to tuition.

Only 15 or more months or so.

Speaking of type XII's would anyone else love to see a reproduction of the King Sancho IV sword that is on type XII spotlight page? I also really like the sword of Santa Casilda. Interesting name, Santa Casilda, or Saint Casilda, is a female saint who died in the 11th century. She was a muslim princess living in Toledo who fell in love with Christianity. Her father hated the religion and grew angry at her for helping out Christian prisoners. She escaped and died after being baptized by Benedictine monks. I'd love to know a little bit more about why the Spanish attribute a sword to her. I know that she is often invoked during times of war but it's still strange. Also interesting is the short 30 inch blade and small proportions. I wonder if that has something to do with it.