“Oakeshott”
BASTARD SWORD
Type XVa
Details & Specs
Length
Overall Length
42.5”
Blade Length
33.5”
Hilt
Handle
Leather Wrap with Poplar Core
Hilt Fittings
Mild Steel
Blade
Material
5160 Steel
Thickness
0.25
Width
2”
Wielding
Point of Balance
4” from Guard
Total Weight
2 lb 14.2 oz
How was the Type XV Bastard Sword Used in Real Combat?
The two handed Type XV bastard swords were specialized swords primarily designed to use against heavily armored opponents.
The beginning of the 14th century saw sword design evolve to balance thrusting ability with the cutting designs of earlier years.
“OAKESHOTT”
The Story of the Sword
Oakeshott Type XV Hand and a Half Sword
The classic "Bastard Sword" with the same characteristics as the single handed Oakeshott Typology XV. The two handed XVa has a longer, narrower blade and a longer grip for two hands.
Type XVs may have appeared as early as the second half of the 13th century. The Type XV didn't seem to see its full development and widespread use until the end of this transitional period during the middle of the century.
The use of the Type XVa lasted for more than two centuries, extending upwards to 1550. There seems to be a period in the early 15th century that the type lost favor, but it returned again after the later half of that same century.