2003-060 Bastardsword

34.75 inch long diamond cross section 5160 spring steel blade is differential tempered to within 10 inches of the point, with the final ten inches tempered to HRc50-52. The blade is 1.383 inches wide at base and tapers in profile to .26 inch wide 1 inch from the point. The blade is .2 inch thick at the base and distal tapers to .08 inch thick near the point. The steel cross has a strong quillon block of irregular cross section .74 inch thick and 1.41 inches wide. The quillon block is strongly cusped at the center. The arms of the quillon curve slightly forward and flare towards thier tips to approx. .525-.53 inch. The cross is overall 8-7/8 inches wide. The handle is 6.75 inches long, 1.285 inches wide at the base and .95 inches wide at the top. The handle expands towards it's center to approx 1.51 inches wide by 1.05 inches thick. The handle is approx. .65 inches thick at the base and .874 inches thick at the top. The hardwood handle is wrapped in linen cord, then covered in black hrome-tanned leather, producing an attractive and functional grip. The mild steel scent-stopper type pommel is 1.65 inches in length and 1.35 inches in its largest diameter. The hilt is dismountable. The COP is approx. 20 inches from the cross, the COG is approx. 4.25 inches from the cross. Weight of the sword is 2 Lbs 1 Oz. The sword is provided with a black vegetable tanned leather scabbard that is reinforced at the throat and tip. The Type XVa is a lightweight bastard sword specialised for thrusting- possibly a percurser to the Estoc. They were used in the 14-15th centuries, though this swords features place it firmly in the 15th. Quite rigid for it's size and weight, this sword would be very handy for the sorts of techniques outlined by Fiore for use against armored opponents. Not well suited to cutting, I was nonetheless able to cut a 2 liter plastic pop bottle filled with water in half. A lovely little sword.