Oakeshott Sword Typology

The distinction between the Type XV and XVa is clear, though the observant reader will note that many actual swords would seem to fall midway between. Much of the means of categorization come from the blade's cross-section and profile taper, and not simply the proportions of its grip. Many swords might have a general appearance of the subtype, but because of the shape of the blade, must be classed as a Type XV.

Both of these types have been regarded by some as highly specialized weapons that completely disregard the cut in favor of the thrust. It could be surmised that their developmental bias went too far into being single-purposed, but the popularity of these swords for well over two centuries goes far into convincing us otherwise.

Though these swords posses a stiff cross-section and reinforced tip, it is clear that the ability to cut was not entirely tossed aside. These very same features that aide the thrust also have the effect of adding strength to the tip-section of the blade, reducing the chance of breakage to the acutely-pointed tip during a cut.

Every sword design must weigh the possible scenarios it may face, creating compromises and picking specifics on which to focus. In this regard, the Type XV and its subtype both seem to have made far fewer compromises than others, while still enjoying versatility in their design. Certainly, this type was not simply effective at its intended purpose, but devastatingly successful.

Available Reproduction in the Market:

Arms & Armor has done a good job at replicating XV.2, shown above, as their model #188 French Medieval Sword. They also have another model, the #086 Duke of Urbino Sword, replicating an Italian sword located in a private collection, Circa 1380-1410. The XVa.3 featured above is available as the #034 Black Prince Sword.
A replica of sword XV.4 from The Metropolitan Museum of Art is available from Del Tin Armi Antiche as their model DT2153 15th Century Sword. They also recreated the XV.5 Monza sword, calling it the DT2150 Sword of Estore Visconti.
Example XV.6 found in The Wallace Collection has been replicated by both Museum Replicas Limited as the "Shrewsbury Sword" and by Del Tin as the model DT5144.
Museum Replicas also has a Type XV available with a strong central ridge that they call "The Guingate Sword".
Albion Armorers makes a few Type XVa models: The Next Generation Castellan, Mercenary, Constable, and Agincourt swords. The Squire Line Late 15th Century Bastard Sword is also a Type XVa. The Poitiers is a Type XV.

Ablion Oakeshott Typology
http://www.albion-swords.com/articles/oakeshott-typology.htm

http://www.oakeshott.org/typo.html