[Jon Slayton]

Hello, I am new to the site. I discovered this incredible resource through bladeforums.com, where I have been a member for almost 10 years, and I have been relentlessly searching the articles and forums here over the past week (along with ARMA and few other websites). I have been fascinated with Medieval swordsmanship since I was a child but I have never sought to own one due to the abundance of low quality decorative pieces. Having been a knife collector for many years, I knew how worthless and unauthentic they were, and I want quality in an blade that I purchase. However, I recently saw the making of Albion swords on the Science Channel. I started researching, and low and behold I found that quality swords were being produced that were worthy of their namesake and history.

I am interested in purchasing specifically a Medieval European sword due to my interest in that period and its relation to my English heritage. After some research, I've decided to purchase an Albion Squire-Line sword and narrowed it down to the single-hand 13th Century Knightly Sword (Oakeshott type XII) and the two-hand Late 13th Century Great Sword (Oakeshott type XIIa). I decided on Albion because it seems to be one of the most respected sword manufacturers, and they put a lot of research into historic construction. The Albion Squire-Line is also just inside my budget.

The history behind their use is major factor for me, and my research indicates that the single-hand medieval swords evolved from earlier Viking swords and were mostly used in conjunction with a shield or buckler, while the two-hand longswords of the period were developed a bit later to overcome emerging armor when plate armor made shields unnecessary.

I am drawn to the single hand sword because it is so iconic of the Medieval era, but I am equally fascinated by the centrality of the longsword to Medieval combat styles. However, having never handled a real sword, I am having a very difficult time deciding which to purchase. After days of researching articles and message boards, I decided it's time for me to just ask the experts who actually have hands on experience, as I don't think reading on its own can get me much further. So here it is: would a single hand sword and buckler or longsword be a better first sword?

Honestly, while I plan to order the sharp version of whichever sword I purchase, I doubt I see myself doing much cutting (or anything else) with it, and it will likely remain next to my desk for me to handle and admire. I will however give me something tangible to handle while studying the history and use of Medieval arms.

Also, there is one other question that I was unable to find an answer to. While I understand the single hand sword and buckler were commonly carried for self defense off the battlefield, was the longsword carried in this manner as well (without the buckler obviously) or was it reserved strictly for the battlefield?

Thanks you gents very much for your insight. I've already learned so much here.

[Craig Peters]

Jon,

Which of the two are you more drawn to, the single handed or the long sword? I have the sense from your post that it's actually the single handed sword that you find more compelling, and that your interest in the long sword stems in light of what you know from your readings online. From what you've said, though, I don't have the sense that you have the same interest in single handed swords as you do in long swords.

The thing to keep in mind is that all of the texts we have instructing on swords and other weapons come from the Late Medieval Period, which precisely coincides with longswords becoming common and popular weapons. Thus, the centrality of the longsword in what we know about Medieval and Renaissance swordsmanship is a consequence of when people first started to record the European fighting arts. If the first fechtbuch had been written in the 12th century, we would undoubtedly have seen a far greater influence of single handed sword and shield, alongside mounted lance techniques.

So I think the best thing to do is to go with the sword you are most drawn to. Since I own Albion's Knight, which is fairly similar to the Squire Line Knightly, you can be confident that you will have a really outstanding single handed sword. The thing I love about the Knight is that it beautifully pairs agility with robustness in a way that my other single handers do not.

As for your second question, longsword was certainly intended for self-defense as well, given that the blossfechten teachings are for fighting without armour.

[Jon Slayton]

[Brandt Giese]

I know were you are coming from as I had the same dilemma. I had a tough time deciding between the two and decided to get the Baron. I chose this over the Squire line as the sharpened versions of the squire line have a secondary bevel rather than the appleseed edge which I believe were more common in the 13th century. The Baron did not quite fill the void and I bought the Knight as well so in the end my right choice was both. Now that all is said and done I am glad I waited a little longer and bought up to the next Gen line. This is an exciting time for you and I know you will love your Albion which ever you chose!

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Jon Slayton]

Thank you everyone for the information--it has been extremely helpful. I have placed an order with Albion for the Squire-line Knightly single hand sword. I will likely get a longsword as well in the future.

I have contacted DBK Custom Swords about a scabbard, and I'm looking at ordering an Alchem buckler to pair with the sword. Are these good options, or should be looking at something else?

Thanks again.

[Jeremy V. Krause]

[Jon Slayton]

[Craig Peters]

[Jeremy V. Krause]

[J. Hargis]