Crusader Sword from Medieval Shoppe Australia
European knightly swords in the age of high chivalry were cherished items of a noble age. They developed from a utilitarian chopper into symbols of nobility and the spirit and ethos of the warriors who bore them. The classic knightly sword was the ubiquitous weapon during the age of mail when classic sword and shield fighting was the battlefield norm. It was designed to deliver strong blows and deep, dismembering cuts. A sword of this type would most commonly face mail-clad warriors in helmet and shield. However, it also needed to be able to respond to an emerging use of plate armour and thus began to incorporate some rudimentary thrusting capabilities.
This Crusader Sword is a classic example of this iconographic medieval weapon. It reflects many of the knightly swords of the late13th century, effectively: the period the fall of Acre in 1291. The Crusader is a single-handed knightly sword with double fullers, an octagonal pommel and a guard that flares into a teardrop shape at its ends. This sword fits clearly in to Oakeshott typology, being classified as either a Type XII or a Type XIIIb. The blade possesses a rather gradual profile taper common to the Type XIIIb. The point, however, is more reminiscent of a Type XII. Oakeshott does highlight a blade of this kind in Records of the Medieval Sword, albeit single-fullered; sword XIIIb.3 represents a very similar example.
The Crusader possesses a powerful and authoritative presence in the hand. Its point of balance is far from the guard and aids in its cutting capability. The sword is easily wielded with a single hand and would be most appropriate to sword and shield fighting. The Crusader is a very effective cutter. Both underhand and overhand cuts are possible and not difficult with a bit of practice. The blade tracks nicely. The sword possesses a serviceable thrusting point, but it is definitely more of a cutter.
Overall the Crusader is a smart looking weapon. The fullers are shallow, but even and well defined. The guard is crisp and symmetrical. The grip is wood covered with leather and possesses a ribbed texture. The pommel contains a deeply recessed cross in the St. George style (patron saint and protector of crusaders) surrounded by eight brass rivets on each side. This decorative element gives the sword a much more regal appearance and sets it apart from a common soldier's stock weapon. This is not a fantasy element: the cross does have precedent in historical examples. Crosses are seen in the pommels of period illustrations, most notably in effigies of the early 14th century. The Crusader is an impressive piece with an exceptional sense of aesthetics.