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14th Century Gothic Hand-and-a-Half Sword Graham
Searching for authenticity, master balance, and striking style for historical fencing sparring or reenactment, warrior? This Gothic hand-and-a-half sword Graham (also known as a bastard sword) is a robustly crafted weapon forged from carbon spring steel designed specifically for practical sparring and faithful reenactment. The sword features a long blade with a full-length fuller, a characteristically downturned crossguard spanning 24 cm (approx. 9.44 in), and an extended leather-and-wire wrapped wooden grip. Its hilt is crowned by a solid steel faceted diamond pommel. Made in the Czech Republic, it is forged in honor of Sir John de Graham, a valiant 14th-century Scottish knight and loyal comrade of William Wallace. You will appreciate it for practicing historical martial arts techniques, engaging in contact combat at festival battles, and completing a 14th-century knightly harness. Further product information ...
14th Century Gothic Hand-and-a-Half Sword Graham
Historical Context and Oakeshott Typology Type XIIIa / XVIIIa
The historical template for this hand-and-a-half bastard sword is based on surviving museum finds dating from 1300 to 1400 (14th century), the High and Late Middle Ages. According to the recognized Oakeshott typology, the blade corresponds to Type XIIIa or XVIIIa with its characteristic fuller for weight distribution, paired with a Type V/Z diamond pommel and a downturned Type 6/7 crossguard that effectively trapped opposing blades during parries.
In the 14th century, the bastard sword served as a versatile weapon for knights and heavy infantry. It allowed fast one-handed control paired with a shield as well as powerful two-handed strikes and thrusts in close-quarters combat. Its main purpose was penetrating gambesons and exploiting gaps in developing plate armor. This sparring version features blunted 2–3 mm (approx. 0.07–0.11 in) edges and a rounded safety tip suitable for contact historical fencing.
Classification of Battle-Ready-Weapons
Instructions for Use and Practical Fencing Safety
To ensure long service life and safety for yourself and your opponent, observe these guidelines:
- Pre-Combat Inspection: Inspect the blade before every bout. Immediately file down any sharp burrs or nicks using a diamond file or fine sandpaper.
- Fencing Technique: Execute strikes with proper martial technique rather than excessive brute force. Parry incoming strikes primarily with the flat of the blade rather than edge-to-edge to avoid deep burrs.
- Hilt Maintenance: Heavy impacts may eventually cause the crossguard to loosen. Re-peening the pommel will tighten the assembly. As a temporary field fix, wrapping heavy fishing line into the gap between the guard and grip effectively removes play.
- Product Intent & Warranty: This item is sporting equipment intended for historical fencing sparring. Edge burrs and nicks represent natural wear and tear. All practice is conducted at your own risk.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Historical Hand-and-a-Half (Bastard) Sword for Contact Fencing |
| Historical Era | High to Late Middle Ages (14th Century) |
| Typology (Oakeshott) | Blade Type XIIIa/XVIIIa, Diamond Pommel Type V/Z, Curved Guard Type 6/7 |
| Blade Material | Spring Steel ČSN 14260 (oil tempered to approx. 47 HRC) |
| Grip Material | Wood core wrapped in brown leather and steel wire |
| Guard & Pommel Material | Forged / Cast Steel |
| Overall Length | approx. 123 cm (approx. 48.42 in) |
| Blade Length | approx. 90 cm (approx. 35.43 in) |
| Guard Width | approx. 24 cm (approx. 9.44 in) |
| Edge Thickness | approx. 2–3 mm / 0.07–0.11 in (blunt sparring edge) |
| Blade Tip | Rounded (safety tip) |
| Origin | Made in the Czech Republic |
Care and Safety Instructions
The carbon spring steel blade is not rustproof and requires regular care:
- Corrosion Protection: Wipe the blade dry after every fencing session or handling with bare skin, then apply a coat of protective gun oil (e.g., Ballistol).
- Storage: Store the sword in a dry location out of reach of children. Do not store long-term inside a damp leather scabbard.
- Safety Gear: Always wear certified protective equipment during sparring – fencing mask, padded gambeson, heavy leather gauntlets, and joint protectors.
- Directions for the Use of Bladed Weapons from Outfit4Events
Recommended Accessories
We recommend pairing this High Gothic arming sword with a matching 14th-century leather-covered wooden scabbard with belt suspension, leather fencing gauntlets, a padded gambeson, and a steel buckler shield. These accessories are historically compatible with 14th-century knightly equipment.
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