One Handed 14th C. Type XIV / Red Dragon
Apr 8, 2023 21:39:49 GMT
Post by Barahir on Apr 8, 2023 21:39:49 GMT
One Handed Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword
(by Erik Steelcrafts BR-127 for Red Dragon Armouries)
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 One Handed Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword by Erik Steelcrafts, manufactured for Red Dragon Armouries.
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
This beautiful single-handed sword is a reproduction of an original, remarkably well-preserved 14th c. one-hander which was classified as a Type XIV according to Oakeshott's typology and is on display for people to admire at the Metropolitan Museum ('Met'), Gallery 373, New York.
It is an incredibly well preserved sword (almost pristine) with splendid proportions and great size. It was probably kept and cared for before in a church, far from dust and bad weather, or time has not come to the end of deteriorating it and causing it to rust.
There is an inscription on the original blade but time has made it almost unreadable so it is not found on the representation of Erik Steelcrafts. It is a beautifully ornamented sword that was unlikely to be used in combat, surely more of a ceremonial or presentation sword.
This is a single handed medieval broadsword with a single wide fuller or multiple narrow partial length fullers and mounted with a wheel pommel designed for versatile use in cutting and thrusting. Extremely popular and commonly used during the late 13th century to the mid 14th century, it was also one of the last swords made for defeating maille armor.
This sword is therefore a historical artifact but is also represented in the film Bram Stocker's Dracula (1992). Erik Steelcrafts are therefore not the first to make a replica of this sword. Factory X (made by Windlass Steelcrafts) and Del Tin in Italy had also previously released their own version. So that all sounds interesting, so let's get started.
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 One Handed Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword.
Actual Statistics
Blade Length : 26 3/4’’
Overall Length : 34’’
Grip Length : 5’’
Weight : 2 lb 13 oz
Edge : Factory Blunt
Pommel : Peened
Width : 66 mm
Distal Taper : 5.8 mm – 4.9 mm – 3.4 mm
P.O.B.: 2.5’’ Below hilt
COMPONENTS
The Blade
The blade is obviously a Type XIV ! (haha). A flat wide (66mm at the guard) cutting blade which steadily tapers to an acute point reinforced by a clearly defined ridge, making it equally effective for thrusting. A typical 26.75'' blade with a central fuller that is 18.5 '' (so exactly 70% 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 5.8mm at the guard, reaches 4.9mm in the middle and ends at 3.4mm near the tip. The blade of this sword comes unsharpened from the manufacturer (but pointy!).
There is no visible wave in the blade, no forging mark, and it is fully straight. Almost no traces of grinding. Amazing blade for this price range. 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 18 1/2’’ from the tip. On my sword, the fuller is almost well centered. Really nice looking finish overall. The point of balance at 2.5'' below hilt and *center of percussion is 6.25’’ 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 66mm 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 !
The Handle (Hilt/Pommel/Grip)
Obviously, when we see this sword for the first time, it is of course the pommel that we like. The pommel is made of polished bronze.
So, the pommel is cast in solid bronze (like the original) and features the words “SUNT HIC ETIAM SUA PRECUNE LAUDI” which is interpreted as “Here also are the heralds of his praise”. The grip is made from indian teak wood and wrapped with leather just like the well preserved original. The durable steel guard also follows the proportions of the original sword. The tang is peened. The peen looks little bit rough unfortunately but the pommel is firmly attached, no movement, and well aligned with the guard. No rattling as stated.
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 5’’. The length is perfect and offers a secure grip. Everything is tight and well decorated. The seams of the leather are a little visible and I think Erik Steelcrafts could improve on that.
The guard is curved and quite wide with 3" quillons on both sides, which offers good protection to the hand. There is small gap between the blade and the guard but nothing excessive. Perfect.
The Scabbard
I did not review the scabbard because I did not receive it.
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 Red Dragon 14th Century Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword, as we saw earlier in the review, despite the relatively light weight at 2 lb, I find it does handle very well. In fact, it feel very light in the hand ! The way the handle is made, could be little long 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 with a POB of 2.5’’.
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.
Unlike the other swords received in this package, this one is already available at just about every Red Dragon retailer for around $250 USD (£199.00).
Do I recommend this sword? Yes, without any hesitation. For the quality of the craftsmanship, the materials, the good historical representation, and above all the expected price. The 14th Century Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword, with bronze pommel, is extremely handsome and battle ready, somewhat unique with the inscribed pommel and wide blade. Absolutely stunning sword, and a great representation of the sword from the Metropolitan Museum.
I saw a video on Youtube of a buyer who had received a lemon from his retailer. I don't think you should trust this video for judging the over quality of this sword because his blade was ruined by whoever sharpened it. Definitely the retailer because these swords come blunt from the foundry in India. I cannot speak for the pommel which was badly fixed and which caused rattling because I do not know whose fault it is. However, I must say that the sword I received was well fixed and solid.
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 Red Dragon One Handed 14th Century Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword.