14th C. Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword
Apr 7, 2023 23:02:09 GMT
Post by Barahir on Apr 7, 2023 23:02:09 GMT
Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword
(by Erik Steelcrafts for SPQR.se)
Introduction
A 47-year-old Canadian, I have been collecting swords since 2003. I own all sorts of weapons… ranging from movie replicas, historical replicas, fantasy weapons and a mix of all of these at the same time! I am by no means a weapons expert, nor a historian, nor a time traveler who thinks I know everything (like some folks on internet). I'm just a fan who likes to add shiny steel items to his armory. I am not used to making very elaborate reviews, but I am launching here to present this magnificent sword which had piqued my curiosity. Here is the SPQR.se Exclusive Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword.
Full Disclosure
This is one my first OTC / Erik Steelcrafts sword. In fact, I discover at the same time as you this new collection of swords which seems very promising to me. Knowing my great interest in swords in general, Shahzeb Ansari (owner of Erik Steelcrafts) sent me this sword so that I could also review it. We concluded that I would do an honest review. I was not asked anything specific. I therefore have no affiliation with them and I am in no way an expert in weapons, as mentioned in my introduction. So, let's start.
Manufacturer Overview
Erik Steelcrafts is the new project of the workshop of Shahzeb Ansari of Overseas Trading Corporation (OTC) in India. Shahzeb has been in the business of making swords for several years for several companies around the world based on the research and patterns made by his 3D developers. We particularly knew him as the first manufacturer of the Balaur Arms brand.
Shahzeb chose the name 'Erik' because it is an old Norse name referring to Vikings. It is from 1060 carbon steel that they will manufacture a whole new line of swords for collectors and HEMA fighters. The main focus of Erik Steelcrafts will be for the moment to produce swords of as good quality as Albion for example, but offered at a better price range (300-500$ USD). They have a vision to also produce military weapons for the future. These swords will soon be available at several online retailers or recognized stores around the world.
From the mouth of the owner …
''Erik Steelcrafts produce best quality swords in India and even competitors of our country cannot compete with our quality''
We're excited to see how far this line of swords goes.
Historical Overview
Oakeshott Type XVI swords were in many ways the ultimate answer to the increasing use of heavier armor types starting to dominate the battlefields of the early 14th century - combining deadly cutting with incredible thrusting power. In the arms race of the 14th century, these swords stood apart from earlier attempts to combine the cut with the thrust - and as noted, the reinforced diamond profile tip was strong enough to pierce plate armor (though of course, this required a perfectly tempered blade and a particularly forceful and accurate hit that targeted the weakest points of the armor). As such, they are an eminently versatile design, able to take on with confidence a wide variety of both heavily and lightly armored opponents.
Because it is quite a distinct style, few entry level manufacturers accidentally create a Type XVI. But a few have tried their hand at making one, and there are several more at the mid and high end of the medieval sword market.
At first glance, you could say that Erik Steelcrafts was “freely inspired” by a sword offered by Albion, the Prince Sword, to build this version which will be exclusive to SPQR.se. The blade of this sword features a wide base, a deep and well defined fuller and an outer third of the blade that gradually curves to an awl shaped point. The pommel is a faceted type K, inspired from an original sword in the national museum in Kopenhagen. The grip on this sword is octagonal in section with a riser in the middle. Nevertheless, Erik Steelcrafts generally offers us refined swords, of very good quality, at very good prices. Let's see in more detail what he offers us here regarding this version of an Arming Type XVI sword.
Initial Impressions
In march 2023, I received this sword along with 6 other models all wrapped up in a big box full of shredded paper which kept the swords safe. Yes, I needed the vacuum cleaner to pick it all up afterwards! Each sword was wrapped in very tight film paper. It is very tedious and difficult to remove all that. I have to use a knife being very careful not to damage the leather of the grip or scratch any other surface. So the swords are very well protected and well oiled in the package!
I am at first sight impressed with the quality of this sword. I was roughly expecting to find something similar to Windlass Steelcrafts, also from India. It seems to be, and maybe even a little more refined. Everything seems fine and no major flaws jump out at me at first glance (maybe except for the blade that was not 100% centered with the guard). I had concerns about some past problems with the gap between the guard and the blade but it's very good, no worse than other manufacturers. Over all, the craftmanship seems to live up to my expectations. Now lets start with the review of this Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword.
Actual Statistics
Blade Length : 32’’
Overall Length : 39’’ (including peen block)
Grip Length : 4’’
Weight : 2 lb 7.5 oz
Edge : Factory Blunt
Pommel : Peened (with block)
Width : 53mm
Distal Taper : 5.4 mm – 4.7 mm – 3.3 mm
P.O.B.: 5.5’’ Below hilt
COMPONENTS
The Hilt
As mentioned before, the mild steel hilt is very beautiful and refined. It is solid, well-aligned, centered and without any scratches. Very nice one handed sword.
The Blade
The blade is obviously a Type XVI ! (haha). A flat cutting blade which steadily tapers to an acute point reinforced by a clearly defined ridge, making it equally effective for thrusting. A typical 32 '' blade with a central fuller that is 21.5 '' (so exactly 2/3 of the blade).The blade is made of 1065 carbon steel. 1065 carbon steel is good because when it is properly heat treated it becomes resilient. It is quite tough and can keep its edge fairly well. Since I'm not a metallurgy expert, I can't verify if this is really what Erik Steelcrafts used in the India forge but let’s trust them ! It sports a high level of resistance to fatigue, has high ductility, and has good spring qualities useful for applications where flexibility is desired. In order to lighten and help a blade perform, it is often said that there must be a distal taper. Distal tapering refers to a blade's cross-section thinning from its base to its tip. I measured using a caliper and indeed, there is indeed a distal taper on this blade, a small one but its there. The thickest part of the blade (the back of the single edge) is 5.4mm at the guard, reaches 4.7mm in the middle and ends at 3.3mm near the tip. The blade of this sword comes unsharpened from the manufacturer.
There is no visible wave in the blade, no forging mark, and it is fully straight. Almost no traces of grinding. The finish is on the satin side, not too mirrored. Just perfect like that. there is a fuller (mostly well centered everywhere) running from guard to 26 1/2’’ from the tip. On my sword, the fuller is almost well centered. Really nice looking finish overall. The point of balance at 5.5'' below hilt and *center of percussion is 10.5'' from the tip (just where the fuller end).
* Center of Percussion: the point where a perpendicular impact to the blade will produce rotational and translational forces that will cancel out at some other point of interest, causing the blade to pivot about that point. Usually this other point of interest is taken to be the location of the hand on the sword.
When you play with the sword a bit, you don't find the sword too heavy or the blade too sturdy. When hitting the blade on the flat against my knee, I don't hear any rattling at all. The sword is solidly built. There is also a relatively good flex to this blade, I bent it in both directions and it went back to true. The tip is perfect and pointy, nothing bent. The blade is about 53mm wide at the guard. I like wide blades but it's a personal taste and not necessarily always historically correct but most welcome on this type of sword !
Since Erik Steelcrafts made this sword exclusively for SPQR.se, it is their mark that is found on only one side of the blade, 2 cm from the hilt. It is still discreet and very well done.
The Handle (Hilt/Pommel/Grip)
Obviously, when we see this sword for the first time, it is of course the hilt that we like. The pommel is a faceted type K. The grip on this sword is octagonal in section with a riser in the middle. An octagonal pommel is not trivial and it is very attractive. The lines on the pommel are not 100% equal but it does not really matter. It gives a more authentic look. We know well that in the 14th century they did not have laser machines to have it perfectly equal!
The grip is rocket shaped (wider towards the guard and shorter towards the pommel) which usually gives a good grip. But the grip is rather flat, so the sword won't tend to roll in the hand because the grip is too round. The length of the grip is 4’’. The length is perfect and offers a secure grip. The grip is not so big on the other hand, it feels small in the hand and it seems that the grip is less good (?). The core of the handle is made of Indian teak wood, leather wrapped and cord wrapped. There are notably 3 risers in the middle, which secures the grip and gives a nice look. Everything is tight and well decorated. The seams of the leather are a little visible and I think Erik Steelcrafts could improve on that.bSo the hilt is made in three parts : curved guard, octagonal pommel and peen block.
The guard is curved and quite wide with 3" quillons on both sides, which offers good protection to the hand. There is practically no gap between the blade. Perfect.
The Scabbard
As of this writing (april 2023), there has yet to be an official Erik Steelcrafts scabbard that comes with this sword. It's a prototype for now. Rest assured that Erik Steelcrafts and SPQR will come to decorate this beautiful sword with the scabbard it deserves. To be continued.
Handling
Honestly, I did not do any cutting or strength test with this sword. I know that many collectors like to see water bottles waltzing into pieces in the air, but it is often only the sharpening of the blade that we analyze in these cases in my opinion, which can be very different from blade to blade for the same model. Also, I treat my swords like oeuvre d’art, and I don't see the point in testing for destruction. There are other ways to analyze the handling of swords than trying to destroy them. That's my personal opinion.
Now concerning the 14th Century Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword, as we saw earlier in the review, despite the relatively light weight at 2 lb, I find it does handle very well. The way the handle is made, could be little small for my personal tastes. Nevertheless, the handle offers a good and secure grip. The blade is sturdy and not whippy. The sword does not feel unbalanced.
Conclusions
Overall, I love this sword. The Quality/Control is better than I would have imagined with this Indian Foundry. Overall I'm not disappointed. Im sad because my sword feel naked without scabbard but when you will buy it, you will be lucky because you will get one.
You should see this sword available soon on SPQR.se website (owned by Battle Merchant) for 250 euros (300 including VAT).
Do I recommend this sword? Yes, without any hesitation. For the quality of the craftsmanship, the materials, the relative historical representation, and above all the expected price. The 14th Century Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword, with Type K pommel, is extremely handsome and battle ready, somewhat unique with the octagonal pommel and wide blade. Absolutely stunning sword, and a great representation of an Oakeshott type XVI. I was a little unsure how the octagonal grip would feel in the hand, and I didn’t particularly like it when I first handled it, but after a using a bit more, it grew on me and I ended up really liking the way it felt, even If the grip feel little bit small in my hand.
Because nothing is perfect in this world, including the craftmanship from Erik Steelcrafts foundry, I give a nice 4.5 stars out of 5 for the 14th Century Oakeshott Type XVI Arming Sword.