[Nathan Robinson]

Today's update:


Spotlight: Oakeshott Type XI Swords
An article by Patrick Kelly


Albion Armorers Ritter Sword
A hands-on review by Patrick Kelly


As always, you can see our Complete History of Updates listed right from our home page.

[Aaron Schnatterly]

The XI spotlight was quite well put together, Patrick - good summation of this type, and a nice addition to the series of discussions on the Typology as a whole.

The Ritter review was also great. Good collaboraive effort between Patrick and Joachim - two gents whose opinions and knowledge I have come to trust. I also own the Ritter, and find the review's comments to be highly representitive of the piece. It is true - the XI is quite rarely represented in the modern market. True too, the Ritter is one of those aesthetically odd pieces. As I have mentioned before on this forum and in numerous private conversations, I really almost felt sorry for the sword in a way when I first saw it on Albion's site. It looked awkward, perhaps even a bit freakish, with it's cocked-hat pommel and it's spatulate point. I just didn't care for it. I spent some time in private discussions with Patrick, Nathan, and Harlan, and got a better understanding of the piece. I also got the opportunity for a hands-on evaluation at the blade show in Atlanta. I was handling most of the pieces Harlan and Mike brought down, and I wasn't paying a huge amount of attention to which piece Harlan put in my hand. It immediately felt different - an oddly inviting feel, which quickly developed into an affinity for the piece. It shocked me with it's handling characteristics - just as Patrick and Joachim describe in the review. As is obvious, the impact it had on me was profound, and I brought it home with me. It continues to grow on me every time I take it out for dry handling or cutting. Cutting with this piece is just downright nasty. As a cavalryman of this period, this would have been a devistating weapon. It works quite well as a footman's weapon, though, too. As was mentioned, this piece doesn't thrust - it's very nearly exclusively a cutter. The blade's geometry is pretty complex and unique - the last few inches is quite thin and is quite flexible. This isn't to say it isn't durable - it certainly is - a sweeping cut through light or no armour would have been brutal due to this design.

All in all, Patrick, excellent effort! Thanks!

[Jeremiah Swanger]