Gothic Longsword Type XVIa with Fishtail Pommel and Red Leather Scabbard

Gothic Longsword Type XVIa with Fishtail Pommel and Red Leather Scabbard

Functionality and Historical Context

This sword is a replica of weapons used during the 14th and 15th centuries. Type XVIa is specific for its blade, which gradually tapers to a sharp point but retains enough width at the guard for effective cutting. The main purpose of this design was to pierce mail and find gaps in an opponent's plate armour (thrusting) without losing its cutting capacity. The "Fishtail" shaped pommel was very popular in the 15th century, not only for its aesthetics but also for the ability to comfortably grip it with the second hand or brace the palm against it during leverage techniques.

The blade has a diamond cross-section, giving it high stiffness—a key feature for precise thrusts. Weighing just under 1.5 kg (3.24 lbs) with a point of balance close to the guard, you will be surprised at how lively and agile the sword feels in the hand. It is ideal for practising forms (katas) or cutting tests on soft targets.

Craftsmanship and Materials

The manufacturer, Swordier, has spared no expense on quality with this model. The blade is forged from spring steel with a hardness of approx. 49-53 HRC. This steel ensures the blade is flexible enough not to snap upon impact but hard enough to hold an edge. The cross-guard and pommel are made of stainless steel. Although this is a modern material, its advantage is absolute zero maintenance—these parts will not rust even when in contact with sweat from your hands.

The grip consists of a wood core wrapped in leather and accented with silver wire, which not only looks great but also improves your grip. Included is a beautiful leather-covered wooden scabbard, equipped with an intricate belt suspension system. This allows you to wear the sword immediately out of the box.

Technical Specifications

Safety and Maintenance

To preserve the beauty and functionality of the sword, proper care is essential. Wipe the blade dry after every use (or after touching it with bare hands) and use gun oil or a similar preservative to prevent rust. Treat the leather parts occasionally with leather balm to prevent cracking. Do not store the sword permanently in the scabbard, as the leather can trap moisture and cause corrosion on the blade.

Warning: This product is a sharp replica of a historical weapon. It is intended for collection purposes, solo drills, or cutting tests (Tameshigiri) by experienced users. It is strictly NOT intended for contact fencing (HEMA) against another person! Due to the stiffness of the blade (16 kg flex) and the sharp point, there is a risk of serious or fatal injury during thrusting. Use is entirely at your own risk. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller accepts liability for damage to health or property caused by improper use.

For a complete experience, we recommend you also acquire a sword stand to make this gem the centrepiece of your collection, and a maintenance kit for the steel.