Fiore dei Liberi Longsword, Pattern-Welded Steel, Oakeshott XIIa

Fiore dei Liberi Longsword, Pattern-Welded Steel, Oakeshott XIIa

Historical Context and Purpose

This sword is inspired by classic European longswords from the 13th to the 15th century, most closely matching the Type XIIa in Ewart Oakeshott's typology. These weapons, often referred to as war swords, were designed for two-handed use and served as the primary weapon for heavily armoured knights and men-at-arms across medieval Europe. They were highly effective at crushing chainmail and combating infantry. We named it after the famous Italian martial arts master, Fiore dei Liberi, whose manual "Flos Duellatorum" remains a foundational text for many of us in the HEMA community today.

Practical Application and Safety Guidelines

This sword belongs to our functional SWM series. However, the blade is sharpened, and the hardness of the pattern-welded steel reaches an impressive 50-55 HRC. The weapon is intended primarily for technique drills and test cutting (tameshigiri) on appropriate targets such as tatami mats or plastic water bottles. We strongly warn against using this sword for human-to-human contact sparring or stage combat! Blunt weapons with flexible blades are exclusively designed for those purposes. Using a sharp weapon for partner exercises carries the risk of lethal injury. Neither the seller nor the manufacturer accepts any liability for injuries or property damage caused by the improper or dangerous use of this weapon. Any practical use is entirely at your own risk.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure the sword serves you for generations, it requires regular care. The high-carbon, pattern-welded blade is prone to rust. Therefore, it must be thoroughly cleaned and treated with a suitable gun oil (such as Ballistol) after every use and after touching it with bare hands. Do not store the weapon in its scabbard for prolonged periods in highly humid environments, as the wood and synthetic leather can trap moisture and cause the blade to corrode. The synthetic leather scabbard can simply be wiped with a damp cloth, while the stainless steel hilt fittings should occasionally be polished with a soft rag.

Recommended Accessories

To complement this magnificent piece, we highly recommend acquiring a sturdy wooden wall display stand that will highlight the Damascus steel patterns, alongside a basic cleaning kit with anti-corrosion oil. For safe test cutting, you will also appreciate a pair of heavy-duty leather gloves and a medieval gambeson.

Technical Parameters

The Traditional Values of Swordier

This sword is proudly crafted by Swordier, a brand based in the Chinese city of Longquan (Zhejiang Province), globally renowned for its metalworking heritage that dates back an astonishing 2,600 years. The makers and smiths behind Swordier are true enthusiasts who "live by the steel." To them, a sword is not merely a product, but an eternal symbol of strength, honour, and master craftsmanship. The SWM series, to which this model belongs, offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance. Although the heat treatment process is outsourced to specialized local workshops to maintain high volume and quality control, and synthetic leathers are used for the scabbards, one crucial fact is guaranteed: you are holding a fully functional, well-forged blade that is ready to face any challenge.