AzureForge – German XVllla Medieval Double-Handed Longsword

Taking inspiration from the fantastic examples of late 15th century German Gothic "Writhen" swords like the famed Schloss Erbach sword, this recreation of an Oakeshott type XVIIIa brings all the impressive cutting power of the type to bear with it broad, diamond cross section blade that excels at quick and decisive cuts and slices that cleanly separate the target. Its an excellent choice to start or fill out a collection and functions equally well for display with its aesthetics or as a workhorse target cutter. The sword has an authoritative heft to it that while still feeling agile and responsive.

Though identified as a Type XVIIIa, the blade of this example (like the original Schloss Erbach sword) has an unusually wide blade with dimensions that are more typical of the XVIIIc - like many swords it has some hybrid qualities that do not neatly fit within one specific branch of the typology. The blade which measures almost 34 inches is forged from 65 Mn Spring Steel with a tempered hardness of 51-54 HRc and is polished to a satin sheen and finished with a sharp cutting edge right out of the box. The hilt components are 304 Stainless Steel finished with a high level of polish and the tang of the sword is peened at the pommel for a secure construction. The nearly 7 inch long grip is carved from beechwood before being bound in stitched top-grain cowhide. The grip while still being traditionally styled, is ergonomic, comfortable and affords plenty of leverage for powering the cut.

Completing the sword is a wood-core scabbard wrapped in matching stitched leather and finished with a stainless steel chape and two anchoring points for a sword belt and hangers to buckle into its twin antiqued brass buckles (belt and frog not included).