Late Medieval Hallwyl Longsword Oakeshott Type XVIIIb with Scabbard

Late Medieval Hallwyl Longsword Oakeshott Type XVIIIb with Scabbard

Historical Context and Blade Construction

This sword is inspired by the famous typology established by British historian Ewart Oakeshott, falling precisely into the Oakeshott Type XVIIIb category. These weapons enjoyed immense popularity roughly between the years 1410 and 1510. This was an era dominated by full plate armor on European battlefields. For a sword to succeed in such an environment, its design had to evolve radically. The blade features a distinct diamond cross-section, which provides extreme torsional stiffness while maintaining a surprisingly light weight. The long, slender, and razor-sharp tip was designed specifically for finding weak spots and gaps in the opponent's plate armor through precise thrusts.

Hilt Anatomy and Craftsmanship Details

Every part of the hilt is engineered for maximum weapon control while executing complex historical fencing techniques. The elongated grip is made of a sturdy wooden core wrapped in premium brown leather. The upper section of the handle is further reinforced with an elegant silver-plated wire wrap, ensuring perfect adhesion and a secure hold even when wearing heavy combat gloves. The solid steel pommel features the characteristic faceted scent-stopper shape, effectively counterbalancing the long blade and serving as an excellent support for the left hand during two-handed use. The crossguard curves gently down toward the blade, which aids in capturing and controlling the opponent's weapon during parries.

Premium Scabbard with Integrated Suspension System

Accompanying the sword is an exceptionally well-crafted wooden scabbard, covered in dark leather and decorated with precise hand-embossed geometric and floral motifs. The scabbard features a complete, integrated belt system with cast brass buckles. This historically accurate suspension allows you to comfortably attach the sword to your waist immediately and fine-tune the exact angle at which the weapon hangs by your side. A polished steel chape protects the tip of the scabbard from mechanical damage and wear.

Table of Technical Parameters

The Historical Legacy of Knight Hans von Hallwyl

This sword was forged in honor of the famous Swiss knight named Hans von Hallwyl (1433–1504). This legendary military commander achieved eternal fame as a hero of the Battle of Murten (1476), where he led the vanguard of the Confederate Swiss forces against the overwhelming odds of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. During this exact epoch, longswords of Type XVIIIb were the elite sidearms of noble commanders. This model celebrates his courage, tactical genius, and unyielding loyalty to his people.

Weapon Care and Safety Guidelines

The 65Mn spring steel used for the blade offers excellent toughness, but it is not stainless. After each use or handling, the blade must be wiped with a dry cloth and treated with a thin layer of gun preservation oil or silicone oil. We recommend storing the sword in a dry environment and not leaving it inside the leather scabbard long-term if humidity levels fluctuate, as moisture condensation could occur. Leather parts of the hilt and scabbard should occasionally be treated with leather wax or conditioner.

Important Warning: This sword is delivered with a sharp blade and is fully functional. For safety reasons, it is absolutely not intended for contact historical fencing (HEMA, reenactment combat, hard blade-on-blade sparring). Striking other steel weapons will cause irreversible damage to the edge, resulting in deep nicks and gouges. Always handle the sword with extreme caution, use it exclusively for cutting tests (tameshigiri) on suitable soft targets, and keep it out of reach of children. Use of this weapon is entirely at your own risk.

Recommended Accessories

To keep this 15th-century masterpiece in pristine condition for years to come, we recommend complementing your gear with a universal sword maintenance kit containing specialized oils and cleaning cloths. Another excellent accessory is a wooden horizontal wall display stand, allowing the sword and its beautifully embossed scabbard to shine as a centerpiece in your hall or study.

The Swordier Brand – Living Steel from Longquan

The Swordier brand stands for the perfect fusion of traditional bladesmithing techniques and modern metallurgical precision. This sword originates from workshops located in China's most famous sword-making city – Longquan, in Zhejiang Province. The local history of metalworking and weapon forging dates back an incredible 2,600 years. The smiths at Swordier are true enthusiasts who literally live by the steel. Each blade undergoes meticulous hand-forging and a sophisticated heat treatment process to achieve an optimal balance of flexibility, strength, and edge retention. For these masters, a sword is not just an item of commerce, but an eternal symbol of honor, strength, and craftsmanship perfection.