Windlass Oakeshott Type XIV

#500972
$294.95
$250.71

This medieval arming sword features a blade that swells slightly at the top to put more weight in the hand to improve its cut and thrust capabilities, making for a very fast sword. Arrives sharpened from the factory.
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In stock

OVERVIEW

Circa 1300

This medieval arming sword features a blade that swells slightly at the top to put more weight in the hand to improve its cut and thrust capabilities, making for a very fast sword. The furniture is steel and the grip is wood covered in leather. A very effective and important sword. Includes matching scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts. Can be seen in E. Oakeshott's book "Record of the Medieval Sword." Arrives sharpened from the factory.
  • Overall: 33-3/8"
  • Blade: 26-1/4" long, 2-3/4" wide, 3/16" thick
  • Wt: 2 lbs/14 oz
  • 1075 High Carbon Steel Blade

Can be personalized with 3 initials for an additional fee. Click here for details on our personalization service and return policy

REVIEWS

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Thoroughly decent sword for the price
A classic sword type, and a classic model from Windlass. Pretty darn good cutter, although just a bit clunky handling. Not terrible or anything, but not great either.

I did a full review on Youtube: https://youtu.be/UI10igMtp-M
- Kyle, October 12, 2023
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Long Overdue Review
I've purchased a couple of my favorite swords from Museum Replicas and Atlanta Cutlery, but this one (and here sisters) have made me a lifelong customer and the first place I've gone to for costumes, shields, helmets... the works.

I had made the same half-joke-half-promise to my closest friends for more than a decade that I'd be getting each of my groomsmen their own sword for being there with me on my wedding day, and I have the MRL/ACC teams to thank for letting me make good on my half-joke-half-promise last October.

Last year, during the thick of the supply chain crisis (Windlass swords are forged in India), they made sure that I had a personalized sword to commemorate my wedding day, and SEVEN sister swords to accompany my groomsmen. Each sword was beautiful! Each had her groomsman's initials engraved correctly and with a subtlety that didn't overshadow the sword's elegance or consistency. And each sword arrived ready and in-hand for the Big Day. There are (obviously) certain photos from the wedding I'm most fond of, but I think the ones of the bridal party, swords held aloft, are the ones I've shown off the most.

Of the sword herself, she looks like something plucked out of Jerusalem during one of the Crusades. She has the right kinds of "flaws" and barely detectable asymmetries and patina'ing that identify the artistry of a handmade sword from a factory stamped, stainless-steel piece of wall decor you'd buy at the mall.

One of my first impressions is how ideal this sword would be for "beginners". This model was the right choice for my untrained friends and this would be the kind of sword I would feel comfortable handing to a 13-year-old as their first sword. Her traits are balanced in a way that makes the whole very easy to wield without worrying that someone who hasn't trained for years is going to hurt themselves or put a hole in something that ought not have extra holes in it.

There's a great balance that makes single-handed wielding almost effortless, really. The sword has a "handshake" grip that's almost exactly the breadth of my palm, with a stitched-leather wrap that has the gripping qualities that remind me of higher-end car steering wheels. The upturned quillons and round pommel allow for a full arcing motion at the wrist. The counterweight of the pommel gives me full control of the blade in motion without feeling like the weight is pulling me off balance or the momentum is getting away from me.

Between that control and balance and the tapering profile of the blade, the sword is quite versatile. The sword is quickly maneuvered and can gain speed for a chop or slash from most angles. And the weight back in the grip can be aligned with the point to drive home an absolutely devastating thrust.
- William, July 28, 2023 | Verified Purchase
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It's a decent sword, just not so much for the current price tag
For the price, it's a relatively good representation of Oakeshott type XIV, although the distal taper isn't exactly up to par to its peers from other makers in this price range. The end result is a sword that doesn't quite move as well as an original type XIV.

It's heat treated well to be properly durable. The edge geometry has a jarring transition from the primary bevel to a very shallow secondary bevel, which impact its performance further, aside from the mediocre handling. The apexing is done at Windlass' factory now, so it's somewhat adequate although the customer is really expected to do further reprofiling to make it cut and thrust at least with a decent performance.

When this sword was sold under 200 dollars years ago, it was good, because the expectation is low. Today for just under 300 dollars, you have so many other good options, while facing competition from another product made by Windlass itself--the Royal Armouries Collection type XIV arming sword, which is everything this sword isn't. That sword is lightweight, with the correct distal taper, while still rigid, and has a far better edge geometry. If you can get one of these at a bargain price, go for it, as it is still a fun sword, and doesn't look half bad. But for its current full price, it's solidly a no.
I didn't bother to do a full video review, but here's a short compilation of my wife and I cutting with this sword: https://youtube.com/shorts/sbyUZyPu0Bg
- Kane, February 07, 2023 | Verified Purchase
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Do not get wet.
Purchased for the purpose of wearing on the hip as part of a renaissance costume, pommel and pommel alone began to rust when wet. Immediate discoloration and rust would rub off upon touch. No observed issues with the blade, hilt, or grip.
- Jacob, September 20, 2022 | Verified Purchase
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Hi - please keep in mind that the blade is high carbon steel, which is susceptible to rust. You can maintain the blade by wiping it down  with a soft cloth and using a rust preventative.
- MRL Team
Dream Sword!
I have wanted a XIV ever since I first saw one. I have looked at all the XIVs I could find on line, from Moonbrand up to some pretty expensive swords, and none of them has the sheer beauty and power that this one has. I'm sure one can find some criticisms, but I've watched a lot of performance videos, and people just seem to get a little flair from this one that they don't get otherwise.
And they all seem so surprised to like this inexpensive but gorgeous sword!
- Robin, March 05, 2022
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Worth the wait
I’ve been looking to purchase this sword for over ten years, and finally decided to take the opportunity of the annual sale to do so. I can say that it was worth the wait. For the price, you get an exceptionally well put together sword, that is good as is, but open to customization as well!
- Brian, August 01, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Great Oakshott Type XIV.
This is a great sword. It took two months on back order to receive but we’ll worth the wait. As I work out with all my swords, I found this sword to be well balanced and quite easy to control while cutting. It came sharpened and in perfect condition. I own many MR swords but this one exceeded my expectations. Great sword MR
- Steven, July 06, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Nice sword, perfect as a customizable project.
Despite some of the cons many reviewers of this sword have stated I am quite satisfied with this weapon.  The blade's profile tapers nicely yet the distal taper could be improved to bring the weight of the blade down more.  The fitting is nice and tight even with the wide tooled groove (where the blade sits) in the guard which could have shaped to the profile of the blade.  The leather grip is plain although nicely stitched and tight.  The scabbard is nice although the metal throat isn't a perfect fit with the shape of the guard.
There was no additional charge for sharpening the blade and despite it being a basic sharpening job it still nicked me when taking it out of the package.  Oops.

For a hand forged blade this is still great value for money.  If you're into crafting, just about every issue you could have can be addressed for a more customized sword.
- Timothy, June 27, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Worth it
Sweet perfect rally
- Nick, January 06, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Full
Beauty.
- Nick, January 06, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Super Type XIV
Long back order wait was well worth it. Received in super fine condition and is quite a great example of a type XIV. A excellent addition to my collection. Thanks Windless and Museum Reps.
- HOWARD, October 06, 2020 | Verified Purchase
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This is such a hard blade to find and get a hold of
If you see this blade in stock. Purchase it and don't think twice. You will not regret it.

If you like short blades you can not beat the XIV style. This sword has great blade presences. Verry easy to maneuver and makes devastating cuts. Great weight. Feels great in the had really comes alive.  
This style blade is a must have for every sword collection.
- Franco, August 24, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Great Little Sticker
I love this little sword. More like a very large dagger, it has been a Windlass favorite amongst collectors for years. When it made a come back, I was excited to be able to get my hands on one. I changed out the plain black leather on the handle with black leather cord to dress it up a bit. Very happy with this purchase.
- John, July 24, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Type XIV is a Number 1 in my book.
I've owned over a hundred Windlass blades and the Type XIV is in the top 5.
Point of balance apprxly 4" from the guard.  Very nice profile taper with a good stiff blade.
- Peter, May 22, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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My favorite sword!
If this sword is ever offered again, get one! This is one of my favorite swords to use, especially when paired with the Soldiers Buckler. Although the blade is only 24" long, it has tremendous presence in the bind, allowing you to control even longswords. The wider blade and upturned cross guard provide ample protection for your hand and allow you to easily displace your opponents strikes. The only downside is that this sword comes with a sharp point that will need to be blunted for safe sparring. The edge is also prone to nicking if care is not used, but nothing that regular care and filing won't take care of. If Windlass ever produces these again I will definitely be picking a few more up.
- Jeremiah, October 12, 2018 | Verified Purchase
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