Windlass Steelcrafts – Royal Armouries Collection – 15th Century Longsword

Royal Armouries Sword #IX.16. This is a reproduction of an early 15th-century longsword, believed to have been found in the River Thames before finding its way into the Tower of London collection. Part of the Royal Armouries Collection by Windlass, the original dates to around 1400-1430. This is a hand-and-a-half sword. The stiff and acutely-tapered blade ends in a robust but slender point. This type of sword was used in one or two hands, depending on circumstance, and in armored combat, the blade could also be gripped in half swording, to better drive the point into the gaps of an armored opponent, and also to use the crossguard and pommel for wrestling and striking. This is the type of sword that English knights would have carried at the Battle of Agincourt. The blade of this sword has three transitions, from a hollow ground blunt ricasso next to the guard to a hexagonal cross-section, and finally to the flattened diamond section point. A relatively nimble sword, but with more blade presence than you might expect.

This replica is crafted with a hand-forged blade by a skilled blacksmith using modern 1080 high-carbon steel that is fully tempered and distally tapered for proper weight distribution.

The sheath is made with a wood body and covered with leather. The tip is reinforced with a brass chape that features a traditional cut-out. At the throat, the leather extends upward and covers part of the guard at the ricasso. Includes a certificate of authenticity on heavy stock, a tin of Windlass Classic Wax, and a polishing cloth. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts, the original can be seen in the Royal Armories Collection, Object Number IX.16.