Review: Windlass Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword
Jan 15, 2008 0:45:51 GMT
Post by Brian of DBK on Jan 15, 2008 0:45:51 GMT
Sword Review - Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword Review
This medieval arming, or short sword features a blade that swells slightly at the top to put more weight in the hand to improve its cut and thrust capabilities, making for a very fast, functional sword.
The furniture is steel and the grip is wood covered in leather. A very effective and important sword. Includes a matching scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®.
Blade Length: 26"
Hilt Length: 4"
Overall Length: 33"
Balance Point: 3" from center of guard
Center of Percussion: 16.25" from center of guard
Weight: 2.4 lbs
www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=500972&Category_Code=WSC
This is a very fast and maneuverable sword. Initially I was skeptical about the length of the blade, but upon dry handling and test cutting, I fell in love with this sword almost immediately. My early impressions are pretty simple, and that is to buy this sword now, while they're still in production!
Size wise (length), it is very comparable to the Darksword Norman, which I reviewed before handling this sword. In terms of weight, there is no comparison, as this sword is so much lighter than the Norman. Also, the point of balance is much closer to the hilt, making this much faster and more maneuverable. The blade comes in at 3/16" thickness at the base, but this blade has the perfect flex for this length of sword. I'd like to see a slightly longer hilt, as the pommel comes in a little too tight for my hand. Occasionally making for a little discomfort on some swings. But I dare say, this sword has the ideal point of balance at just 3" from the guard.
While it isn't the most fancy looking sword, it is most charming in it's functionality. The leather on the hilt is fairly plain & simple, and a little slick, but the shape of the hilt is ideal for grip blade alignment. From a hobbyist point of view, you won't get a sword much more enjoyable than this one to cut with, as this blade handles the usual sword fodder with ease. The 26" blade never really seems too short, and clean cuts aren't completely dependent on hitting the sweet spot on the blade, known as the point of percussion. I had much success with pool noodles, which generally are a difficult target to slice through cleanly with any medieval sword. Although this blade seemed sufficient at it's length of 26", you wouldn't really want to go any shorter, however.
This sword truly reminds me of what you would think they would hand out to men-at-arms as they lined up preparing for on oncoming siege, or preparing to march to battle. Nothing too fancy, simplistic lines, and a classic design of the Oakeshotte XIV type sword. This Windlass is solidly built, and has the pommel peened on as well. But I'd like to see a nicer leather on the hilt, as it is a little slick, and has too much of a sheen to it. But, the shape of the hilt is a nice touch, which in contrast the thin 'shiny' leather seems to accentuate very well. The guard, along with the rest of the sword, is of simple design and fairly plain in it's design, but this works for the sword as it is a simple design sword. As stated before, it's most charming feature is it's functionality of which I have no finer cutter than this one in the medieval collection. Truly, if you ever had any hesitation about this sword in wondering how it performs and delivers, then wonder no more as it does not disappoint. A fine addition to anyone's collection, it is a short sword that makes itself welcome whether it be for show, or demonstration.
This medieval arming, or short sword features a blade that swells slightly at the top to put more weight in the hand to improve its cut and thrust capabilities, making for a very fast, functional sword.
The furniture is steel and the grip is wood covered in leather. A very effective and important sword. Includes a matching scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®.
Blade Length: 26"
Hilt Length: 4"
Overall Length: 33"
Balance Point: 3" from center of guard
Center of Percussion: 16.25" from center of guard
Weight: 2.4 lbs
www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=500972&Category_Code=WSC
This is a very fast and maneuverable sword. Initially I was skeptical about the length of the blade, but upon dry handling and test cutting, I fell in love with this sword almost immediately. My early impressions are pretty simple, and that is to buy this sword now, while they're still in production!
Size wise (length), it is very comparable to the Darksword Norman, which I reviewed before handling this sword. In terms of weight, there is no comparison, as this sword is so much lighter than the Norman. Also, the point of balance is much closer to the hilt, making this much faster and more maneuverable. The blade comes in at 3/16" thickness at the base, but this blade has the perfect flex for this length of sword. I'd like to see a slightly longer hilt, as the pommel comes in a little too tight for my hand. Occasionally making for a little discomfort on some swings. But I dare say, this sword has the ideal point of balance at just 3" from the guard.
While it isn't the most fancy looking sword, it is most charming in it's functionality. The leather on the hilt is fairly plain & simple, and a little slick, but the shape of the hilt is ideal for grip blade alignment. From a hobbyist point of view, you won't get a sword much more enjoyable than this one to cut with, as this blade handles the usual sword fodder with ease. The 26" blade never really seems too short, and clean cuts aren't completely dependent on hitting the sweet spot on the blade, known as the point of percussion. I had much success with pool noodles, which generally are a difficult target to slice through cleanly with any medieval sword. Although this blade seemed sufficient at it's length of 26", you wouldn't really want to go any shorter, however.
This sword truly reminds me of what you would think they would hand out to men-at-arms as they lined up preparing for on oncoming siege, or preparing to march to battle. Nothing too fancy, simplistic lines, and a classic design of the Oakeshotte XIV type sword. This Windlass is solidly built, and has the pommel peened on as well. But I'd like to see a nicer leather on the hilt, as it is a little slick, and has too much of a sheen to it. But, the shape of the hilt is a nice touch, which in contrast the thin 'shiny' leather seems to accentuate very well. The guard, along with the rest of the sword, is of simple design and fairly plain in it's design, but this works for the sword as it is a simple design sword. As stated before, it's most charming feature is it's functionality of which I have no finer cutter than this one in the medieval collection. Truly, if you ever had any hesitation about this sword in wondering how it performs and delivers, then wonder no more as it does not disappoint. A fine addition to anyone's collection, it is a short sword that makes itself welcome whether it be for show, or demonstration.