Henry the Lion Longsword, Type XIIa with Scabbard

Henry the Lion Longsword, Type XIIa with Scabbard

Weapon Construction and Design

The blade of this impressive medieval longsword is forged in our own workshop from high-quality spring steel. Looking at its broad profile and the massive fuller (blood groove) extending about two-thirds down the blade, this masterpiece falls perfectly into the Type XIIa category of the Oakeshott typology. The fuller significantly reduces the weapon's weight without sacrificing its structural integrity and formidable strength.

The hilt is designed for a comfortable two-handed grip, ensuring maximum leverage and power during a cut. The wooden core of the grip is carefully wrapped in synthetic leather, with a central riser (ring) providing excellent support and preventing your hands from slipping. The straight crossguard is strictly functional and made of polished stainless steel, as is the massive wheel pommel. Recessed into the center of the pommel is a highly detailed shield featuring a rampant roaring lion—a favoured symbol of many European royal houses.

Matching Scabbard with Belt

This replica comes complete with a custom-fitted scabbard. The core of the scabbard is made of sturdy wood, covered in durable faux leather in a matte black finish that matches the hilt. The scabbard is finished with an elegant stainless steel chape to protect the tip from damage. An intricately woven faux leather belt suspension system is already integrated into the scabbard, allowing you to hang the weapon directly at your hip at a historically authentic angle.

Historical Context and Usage

Type XIIa swords dominated European battlefields roughly during the 13th and 14th centuries. They were primarily designed to combat increasingly heavy mail armour and early forms of plate protection. Thanks to the extended grip, they allowed for devastating two-handed strikes, while the sharp point was ideal for thrusting into the gaps of enemy armour. Interestingly, the introduction of these longer swords led to the gradual decline of large shields, as the warrior required both hands to wield the weapon effectively.

Safety and Practical Application

The Henry the Lion Longsword belongs to our SWM series of fully functional, forged weapons. The spring steel blade is hardened to approximately 49-53 HRC. While the blades are forged in-house, the heat treatment process for this specific series is outsourced to our trusted local workshops to maintain strict quality control. We must strongly emphasize that this sword features a sharp blade and constitutes a fully functional, potentially lethal weapon. It is excellent for test cutting (tameshigiri) on tatami mats or plastic bottles. Under no circumstances is this sword intended for full-contact historical fencing (HEMA), stage combat, or human-to-human sparring. Using a sharp blade is entirely at your own risk, and the seller bears no responsibility for any injuries or property damage.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure this beautiful piece lasts for generations, the steel blade must be properly maintained. After every use, or even just after touching the bare steel with your hands, the blade must be wiped with a dry cloth and coated with a thin layer of high-quality gun or preservation oil. The acids from human sweat can quickly cause rust on the surface. The faux leather scabbard and grip can be occasionally wiped with a damp cloth and should be kept away from extreme temperatures or direct radiant heat, which could damage the synthetic material.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Accessories

To complement this magnificent sword, we recommend acquiring a period-accurate linen tunic and a padded gambeson, which will elevate your historical appearance to absolute perfection. For safe and easy maintenance, our cold weapon cleaning kit, complete with premium preservation oil, is an excellent choice.