Oakeshott Type XVIII Sword Guide, History, Specs, and Collecting

The Oakeshott Type XVIII sits at the sharp end of late medieval sword design. It appears in the fifteenth century, when armour was at its most confident and blades had to work harder for their living. These swords are refined rather than flashy, built to thrust through gaps while still cutting with authority. If earlier medieval swords feel broad and declarative, the Type XVIII feels precise, almost surgical

Defined by a stiff, tapering blade and a pronounced diamond cross section, the Type XVIII marks a clear shift in priorities. This is a sword designed for armoured opponents, judicial duels, and serious battlefield work. It rewards control and intent rather than wild cuts, and it reflects a period when swordsmanship had become highly technical.

The typology itself comes from Ewart Oakeshott, whose system remains the standard reference for medieval European swords.

Specifications

While individual examples vary, most Type XVIII swords share a common set of traits.

Feature	Typical Characteristics
Blade length	70 to 90 cm
Overall length	95 to 120 cm
Blade profile	Strong taper from base to point
Cross section	Diamond, often with a reinforced midrib
Point	Acute and rigid
Grip	One or two handed, often waisted
Weight	1.2 to 1.6 kg

Key identifying points

No fuller, or a very short one near the hilt
Stiff blade optimised for thrusting
Balanced close to the guard for control

History and Evolution

The Type XVIII emerges in the early fifteenth century and remains popular into the early sixteenth. Its rise tracks closely with improvements in plate armour. As mail gave way to hardened steel plates, wide cutting blades lost effectiveness.

Swordsmiths responded by narrowing blades, increasing stiffness, and sharpening points. The diamond cross section allowed for structural strength without excessive weight. This made the sword effective in half swording techniques, where the blade is gripped to drive the point into weak spots.

Subtypes such as XVIIIa and XVIIIb show further specialisation, with longer blades and grips suited to two handed use and judicial combat.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Excellent thrusting ability against armour gaps
Strong blade with minimal flex
Precise handling and point control
Effective in both battlefield and duel contexts

Disadvantages

Less cutting power than broader earlier types
Requires trained technique to use effectively
Narrow blade can feel unforgiving to beginners

Comparison with Similar Weapons

Type	Key Difference	Best Use
Type XV	Even more rigid and spike like	Armour penetration
Type XVII	Heavier with hexagonal section	Battlefield durability
Type XVI	Broader blade with fuller	Mixed cutting and thrusting
Estoc	Minimal cutting edge	Dedicated thrusting

Compared to these, the Type XVIII strikes a balance. It can still cut when needed, but its real strength lies in controlled, accurate thrusts.

Legacy

The influence of the Type XVIII is clear in later Renaissance swords. Its emphasis on point work feeds directly into civilian side swords and early rapiers. In historical fencing circles today, it is often seen as the perfect expression of late medieval swordcraft.

Collectors and practitioners value it for the same reasons medieval fighters did. It is honest, efficient, and unapologetically serious.

Where to See Examples

Original Type XVIII swords and close relatives can be found in several major collections.

Royal Armouries, Leeds
Wallace Collection, London
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

These examples show a wide range of fittings, from plain war swords to finely finished pieces made for nobles.

Collector’s Guide and Auction Prices

Authentic medieval Type XVIII swords are rare and command serious prices.

Item	Typical Price Range
Original 15th century example	£25,000 to £80,000+
Fragmentary blade	£8,000 to £20,000
Museum quality reproduction	£1,200 to £3,500
Custom modern smith commission	£3,000 to £7,000

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