Erbach Sword, circa 1480, Signature Series

Sharp Renaissance Bastard Sword Erbach High Carbon Steel

Historical Legacy and Oakeshott Typology

This weapon is a faithful replica of an original dating back to circa 1480, housed in the collections of Schloss Erbach in Germany. In terms of weapon typology, created by the renowned historian Ewart Oakeshott (and detailed in his book Records Of The Medieval Sword), this is a Type XVIIIa. This type is characterised by a broader blade at the crossguard that smoothly tapers to a sharp point, along with a longer grip allowing for one- or two-handed use. It is a classic bastard sword that excelled in both devastating cuts and precise, lethal thrusts into the gaps of plate armour.

Perfect Geometry and Lightning Agility

This weapon belongs to an exclusive and upgraded replica series. The blade is hand-forged from 1075 high carbon steel and features a light hollow grind. A major improvement is the precise distal taper of the blade towards the tip by 1.59 mm (1/16"). As a result, the weapon is not unnecessarily blade-heavy; its point of balance lies a comfortable 9.5 cm (3.74") from the guard, offering fantastic dynamics. Whether you wield the sword with one hand or two, you will feel its incredible lightness and manoeuvrability. The beautifully shaped, finely fluted pommel and the elegantly twisted crossguard of polished steel give the weapon an unmistakable aristocratic appearance.

Authentic Wet-Wrap Grip and Upgraded Scabbard

A secure hold is ensured by the wooden core grip covered in brownish-black leather. This leather is textured using a historically authentic method known as wet-wrap. During manufacturing, a fine cord is tightly wrapped around the wet leather on the grip. Once the leather is completely dry, the cord is removed. The result is a beautiful indented pattern that not only looks fantastic but, more importantly, provides you with a much safer and grippier hold. Your hand will not slip, even during dynamic movements. The included scabbard comes in the same brownish-black colour and now features a solid wooden core beneath the leather to protect the blade. It is adorned with elegant steel fittings (chape and locket).

Safety Guidelines and Warnings

Warning: The edge of this blade is razor-sharp! This is a fully functional, sharp replica of a historical weapon, not a toy or a theatrical prop. This sword is ideal for cutting tests (tameshigiri), for example on filled PET bottles or soaked Tatami Omote mats. However, for safety and technical reasons, we must strongly warn you: this weapon is absolutely not intended for contact fencing, stage combat, historical battles, LARP, or HEMA sparring. The clash of a sharp blade with another steel weapon would inevitably lead to chipping of the edge and pose a severe risk of injury. Handle the sword with the utmost caution and keep it out of the reach of children.

Care for High Carbon Steel

The 1075 high carbon steel is excellent for maintaining sharpness and flexibility, but bear in mind that it is not stainless. For your sword to retain its flawless beauty for years to come, it requires proper care. After every use—even after merely touching the blade with your fingers—the steel must be cleaned and preserved with a thin layer of high-quality gun oil (e.g., Ballistol or WD-40). The leather parts of the grip and scabbard should occasionally be treated with a special leather balsam containing beeswax.

Technical Specifications of the Erbach Sword

To accompany this wonderful piece, we highly recommend purchasing gun oil for blade maintenance and a sturdy wall mount so the weapon can elegantly decorate your home.