[D. S. Smith]

Hello all, sorry in advance for what is probably a dumb question, but after searching Google as well as this site, I can't find the answer to the question...

I know that the Albion swords of Type XVIII are hollow-ground (Kingmaker, Earl, etc.), because I've seen them in person and read about it. My question is are Albion's Type XV and XVa swords (Poitiers, Constable, etc.) also hollow-ground? I ask because I've never seen it mentioned that they were, and yet when you read the Type XV article on this site it states that being hollow-ground was one of their characteristics (unless I read it wrong).

It is difficult to tell from photos online whether a blade is hollow-ground or not, so sorry again for the question that will probably seem way to obvious to some. As a side note, if Albion's Type XV's and XVa's are not hollow-ground, does anyone have a theory on why they didn't design them after the specifications for the type? Furthermore, if they are not hollow-ground, can anyone who has owned an Albion Type XV or XVa chime in about their handling? I was extremely impressed with the Earl's balance and handling (I guess I prefer a neutral feeling balance). If the Type XV's are blade-heavy that would be a turn-off for me.

Thanks again.

[Kai Lawson]

Hello sir:

I don't believe that XV's are typically hollow ground, and the ones at Albion are not. That said, they are quite responsive and seem to flow in the hand, when dry handled. Point control is generally quite good as well, and their length and stiffness make them feel very 'useful' and 'handy.' I'm not much of a a XV fan myself, but the Talhoffer was going to be my first purchase, until I fell in love with another. I still intend to pick one up, however.

[Robin Smith]

This isn't really my period, but just perusing Records of the Medieval Sword, its clear that not all XVs have a hollow grind. Some certainly are, but many appear to be a simple flattened diamond cross section...

According to the feature article here, Hollow-Grinds are a feature of the later XVs:
"Unlike previous examples that simply had a well-marked diamond cross-section, these later swords featured blades with a very strong central ridge flanked by deeply hollow-ground faces, or by a ridge rising abruptly from nearly flattened faces as shown to the right."

Albion says of XVs :
"flat diamond, some hollow ground and some with a reinforced triangular midrib"
http://www.albion-swords.com/articles/oakeshott-typology.htm

I've never handled the single handed XVs, but I have played with a Constable... It was a lightening fast and wonderful sword. In fact if this were my period (which its not), it would be one at the top of my list.

[David Sutton]

I own an Albion Poitiers and I can confirm that the blade is not hollow ground.

The sword is a joy to handle, its very fast and responsive with excellent point control. Quite possibly the most agile sword in Albion's range. The point is well re-enforced with plenty of 'meat' behind it. It really excels in the thrust, though its cutting capability is somewhat reduced.

[Chad Arnow]

I don't believe ay of Albion's XVs are hollowground. Hollow-grinding is not a defining feature of the type and only appears on later examples. From our article: