[Michael Pearce]

Oakeshott Type: XVa
Overall Length: 41-1/4 inches
Blade Length: 32 inches
Blade width @ Base: 1-7/16 inches
Blade Width 3 inches from point: 5/16 inches
Blade Thickness @ Base: .362 inch
Blade Thickness 3 inches from Point: .170 inch
Hilt Overall Length: 29-1/4 inches
Length of Handle: 7 inches
Pommel Type: J
Center of Gravity: 3 inches from guard
Location of Blade Node (measured from Guard): approx. 17-1/2 inches
Primary Hilt Node: approx. 1/2 inch from cross on handle
Weight: 2lbs 15 oz

Type XVa sword in the style of the late 14th through mid 15th C. Blade is 5160 spring steel hardened to HRc58-60, then selectively drawn down to HRc45-48 through the spine, shoulders and tang with the last 8 inches towards the point drawn to a uniform HRc51-53. The blade has a very convex distal taper making it super rigid. The guards and pommel are made from Mild Steel. The handle is sandwiched hardwood with risers at the top, bottom and center. The handle is wrapped in real linen cord then covered in green Chrome-tanned leather. The hilt is secured by passing the tang through the pommel and riveting the tip of the tang over the pommel. The sword is currently provided with a brown leather scabbard reinforced at the throat and chape; A leather-covered wooden scabbard with metal fittings can be provided at additional cost.

The type XVa is an 'Espee Batard' or bastardsword suited to use in either one or two hands. This sort of sword with it's very rigid, dagger-like blade evolved as a response to plate armor, allowing the user to stab 'around' the plates to attack vulnerable areas between the plates. The very thick, narrow blade makes cutting challenging.

More photos here: http://tinkerswords.com/forsale.html

[Tim Lison]

Really nice. The tip looks wicked! I'd love to see some better shots of the tip if you have them.

[William Swiger]

Very excellent work. Someone is going to be very happy with this one.