Oakeshott Type XIIIb by Michael Pikula
Feb 12, 2017 4:23:36 GMT
Post by patrick kelly on Feb 12, 2017 4:23:36 GMT
I took delivery of this beast earlier this week. Having lived with it for a few days I can now offer some observations.
I've wanted to check out Michaels work for quite some time. I also have a love for swords with large, bold proportions, so when this one became available I decided now was the time. However, it wasn't the swords design that intrigued me, but rather a combination of elements that have resulted in a very interesting sword. The design itself is that of a XIIIb, in Oakeshotts typology. The XIIIb is a lesser seen variant when compared to its sibling the Type XIIIa, the classic Great Sword or Sword of War. The type saw its heyday during the age of mail, specifically from 1240 to 1370, given the dates of existing examples and their representation in period artwork.
The entire purpose of the type is to deliver huge slashing blows and I have no doubt Michaels example will do exactly that. The sword has a forceful, yet still dynamic presence. At 2 pounds, 15 ounces it's no lightweight, but it isn't cumbersome or ungainly, as it might appear in a photograph. It possesses a very authoritative yet dynamic feel. It isn't a weapon I'd used for sword and buckler fencing, but it would be right at home in the armored press of a battlefield. When taken in context it's handling is quite pleasing, but it isn't a sword for those faint of heart or light of stature.
The swords hilt components are forged from wrought iron. This has become my favorite hilt material and one of the things that drew me to this sword. The wood grain like structure of the wrought iron gives the components a very natural, almost organic look . The appearance strays from the modern sensibilities of symmetric perfection and gives the sword a much more pleasing look, at least to my eye.
The guard is a fairly standard Oakeshotts Type 2 in design and is cleanly shaped and tightly fitted to the blade. Again, I love the sense of texture the wrought iron provides.
The pommel is one of the swords most interesting features. It's closest comparison would be the spherical shape of Oakeshotts Type R pommel. However, This one varies from that type with its strong and pronounced central ridge.
To make matters even more interesting, it also happens to be hollow.
The pommel is forged from two separate pieces that form a hollow cavity. This feature is more commonly found on originals than is commonly believed, yet it's very uncommon in swords of modern manufacture. The popular view describes the pommel as being a counterweight to the blade. While this is partly true it's only a small part of the picture. One very simple function of the pommel is to prevent the sword from slipping out of ones hand, yet its real function, from a mechanical point of view, is to tune the blade. A swords overall handling is dictated by the blades design and mass distribution, as well as the overall length of the hilt. While the pommels weight does help dictate the swords point of balance, it has far greater effect in dictating the placement of the nodes of vibration within the blade itself, ie. the center of percussion, etc. Consequently, if a pommel of a certain size is desired it might need to be hollow in order to obtain the proper size/weight ratio. Hollow pommels could also be filled with lead or sand in an effort to further fine tune the swords performance. This feature, rare in a sword of 21st century manufacture, was one of the things that drew me to this piece.
The pattern welded blade has its own set of interesting features. The blade has a width at its base of 2.7 inches, with very minimal taper towards the point. At its tip, before curving to the point, the blade still possess a width of 2.67 inches. Subtle or graceful it is not, but it isn't crude either. The blade is cleanly executed with a fuller running three quarters of the blades length. All surfaces are cleanly and evenly finished and the blade has a very sharp edge. This is a very purpose built weapon with a clear motive in mind. It isn't meant to be graceful or subtle, but instead powerful and dynamic. It certainly is that.
The blade features a random pattern weld, with minimal contrast between the steels used. From across the room you'd think it was a monosteel blade, with the pattern welding only becoming obvious upon closer examination. I like this bit of subtlety in a sword that's otherwise so "in your face". The sword may be bold and anything but subtle in its proportions, but this is one indicator that it has secrets to share if you take the time to get familiar with it.
From Michael concerning the blades composition:
"The steel is a mix of two modern alloys, 6150 and 8670M. I mixed several different layer counts into a billet which was forged out into the blade. The variation in layer count was used to create additional patterning and interest versus a standard random pattern."
In terms of visual interest I think Michael achieved the desired goal quite well.
As previously stated, the sword handles well for its purpose. It exhibits quite a bit of presence yet still maintains a good level of dynamic handling ability, with a center of percussion positioned at the end of the blades fuller and a point of balance six inches below the guard. Everything is tightly fitted and well finished. My only minor quibble lies with the grip. The leather covering is smooth and well applied, with the seam being nearly invisible. Nothing to complain about there. However, the grip is a bit skinny for my large hands. I would have preferred a grip just a bit wider at the top. Still, its tightly fitted to the tang, as well as to the guard and pommel. The grip length is perfect as it firmly wedges my hand between the pommel and guard. So all things considered, I'd give the grip a 9.5 out of ten. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
It's been said this sword appears a bit "Conanish". To my eye, it seems more like a dwarvish weapon. Something forged long ago from the iron of a star stone, by dwarven smiths beneath the lonely mountain. In reality, it's a finely executed example of an historic design that sees little representation in the modern craft. It possess features that make it unique and therefore even more interesting. Well done Mr. Pikula.
I've wanted to check out Michaels work for quite some time. I also have a love for swords with large, bold proportions, so when this one became available I decided now was the time. However, it wasn't the swords design that intrigued me, but rather a combination of elements that have resulted in a very interesting sword. The design itself is that of a XIIIb, in Oakeshotts typology. The XIIIb is a lesser seen variant when compared to its sibling the Type XIIIa, the classic Great Sword or Sword of War. The type saw its heyday during the age of mail, specifically from 1240 to 1370, given the dates of existing examples and their representation in period artwork.
The entire purpose of the type is to deliver huge slashing blows and I have no doubt Michaels example will do exactly that. The sword has a forceful, yet still dynamic presence. At 2 pounds, 15 ounces it's no lightweight, but it isn't cumbersome or ungainly, as it might appear in a photograph. It possesses a very authoritative yet dynamic feel. It isn't a weapon I'd used for sword and buckler fencing, but it would be right at home in the armored press of a battlefield. When taken in context it's handling is quite pleasing, but it isn't a sword for those faint of heart or light of stature.
The swords hilt components are forged from wrought iron. This has become my favorite hilt material and one of the things that drew me to this sword. The wood grain like structure of the wrought iron gives the components a very natural, almost organic look . The appearance strays from the modern sensibilities of symmetric perfection and gives the sword a much more pleasing look, at least to my eye.
The guard is a fairly standard Oakeshotts Type 2 in design and is cleanly shaped and tightly fitted to the blade. Again, I love the sense of texture the wrought iron provides.
The pommel is one of the swords most interesting features. It's closest comparison would be the spherical shape of Oakeshotts Type R pommel. However, This one varies from that type with its strong and pronounced central ridge.
To make matters even more interesting, it also happens to be hollow.
The pommel is forged from two separate pieces that form a hollow cavity. This feature is more commonly found on originals than is commonly believed, yet it's very uncommon in swords of modern manufacture. The popular view describes the pommel as being a counterweight to the blade. While this is partly true it's only a small part of the picture. One very simple function of the pommel is to prevent the sword from slipping out of ones hand, yet its real function, from a mechanical point of view, is to tune the blade. A swords overall handling is dictated by the blades design and mass distribution, as well as the overall length of the hilt. While the pommels weight does help dictate the swords point of balance, it has far greater effect in dictating the placement of the nodes of vibration within the blade itself, ie. the center of percussion, etc. Consequently, if a pommel of a certain size is desired it might need to be hollow in order to obtain the proper size/weight ratio. Hollow pommels could also be filled with lead or sand in an effort to further fine tune the swords performance. This feature, rare in a sword of 21st century manufacture, was one of the things that drew me to this piece.
The pattern welded blade has its own set of interesting features. The blade has a width at its base of 2.7 inches, with very minimal taper towards the point. At its tip, before curving to the point, the blade still possess a width of 2.67 inches. Subtle or graceful it is not, but it isn't crude either. The blade is cleanly executed with a fuller running three quarters of the blades length. All surfaces are cleanly and evenly finished and the blade has a very sharp edge. This is a very purpose built weapon with a clear motive in mind. It isn't meant to be graceful or subtle, but instead powerful and dynamic. It certainly is that.
The blade features a random pattern weld, with minimal contrast between the steels used. From across the room you'd think it was a monosteel blade, with the pattern welding only becoming obvious upon closer examination. I like this bit of subtlety in a sword that's otherwise so "in your face". The sword may be bold and anything but subtle in its proportions, but this is one indicator that it has secrets to share if you take the time to get familiar with it.
From Michael concerning the blades composition:
"The steel is a mix of two modern alloys, 6150 and 8670M. I mixed several different layer counts into a billet which was forged out into the blade. The variation in layer count was used to create additional patterning and interest versus a standard random pattern."
In terms of visual interest I think Michael achieved the desired goal quite well.
As previously stated, the sword handles well for its purpose. It exhibits quite a bit of presence yet still maintains a good level of dynamic handling ability, with a center of percussion positioned at the end of the blades fuller and a point of balance six inches below the guard. Everything is tightly fitted and well finished. My only minor quibble lies with the grip. The leather covering is smooth and well applied, with the seam being nearly invisible. Nothing to complain about there. However, the grip is a bit skinny for my large hands. I would have preferred a grip just a bit wider at the top. Still, its tightly fitted to the tang, as well as to the guard and pommel. The grip length is perfect as it firmly wedges my hand between the pommel and guard. So all things considered, I'd give the grip a 9.5 out of ten. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
It's been said this sword appears a bit "Conanish". To my eye, it seems more like a dwarvish weapon. Something forged long ago from the iron of a star stone, by dwarven smiths beneath the lonely mountain. In reality, it's a finely executed example of an historic design that sees little representation in the modern craft. It possess features that make it unique and therefore even more interesting. Well done Mr. Pikula.