What Is a Type XVIIIa Longsword?
TL;DR
- The Type XVIIIa longsword was one of the most versatile medieval European swords.
- It balanced cut and thrust, making it perfect for knights of the 14th–15th centuries as armor evolved.
- With a diamond cross-section, stiff taper, and hand-and-a-half grip, it remains a favorite for collectors and HEMA practitioners.
- Today, makers like ShadowDancer, famous for their katanas, have stepped into longsword territory with modern replicas, blending history with craftsmanship.
Why This Sword Matters
When you think of the medieval knight, a longsword almost always comes to mind. Yet not all longswords were the same. Some were broad cutters, others narrow thrusting blades. But then came the Type XVIIIa, the blade that walked the fine line between both worlds.
If you’ve ever picked up a sword and wondered how medieval fighters managed both powerful cuts and precise thrusts, this is the answer. And today, it’s not just historians who admire it: HEMA fencers, collectors, and modern smiths all continue to celebrate the type XVIII’s design.
What Exactly Is a Type XVIIIa Longsword?
The “Type XVIIIa” comes from the typology created by Ewart Oakeshott, the great 20th-century sword historian. He looked at surviving medieval swords and sorted them into families.
The XVIIIa category is part of his eighteenth group. These swords feature a diamond-shaped cross-section and a tapering blade, which means the width narrows smoothly toward the tip. Unlike earlier broad-cutting swords, these were meant for both cutting and thrusting.
The “a” subclass specifically refers to longer, hand-and-a-half examples—in other words, the perfect blend of speed, reach, and versatility.
When Did This Sword Appear in History?
To understand why the XVIIIa became popular, we need to step into the late 14th and 15th centuries. During this time, knights and men-at-arms faced a dramatic shift in warfare.
Mail armor had dominated earlier centuries. Against it, broad cutters worked well.
But with the rise of full plate armor, a simple wide blade wasn’t enough. Fighters needed stiff, thrust-capable points to find gaps in armor joints.
This is where the XVIIIa sword shined. It still delivered solid cuts against less-armored opponents, yet its taper and stiff spine gave knights the ability to thrust effectively into weak points of plate.
Thus, the XVIIIa wasn’t just a weapon—it was a response to changing battlefields.
Why Is the XVIIIa Called a Cut-and-Thrust Sword?
The nickname “cut-and-thrust” isn’t just poetic. It describes exactly what this sword could do.
For cutting: The wide base of the blade and sharp edges meant it could still slice with authority.
For thrusting: The stiff diamond cross-section meant the tip didn’t bend away when driven into a target.
Because of this dual nature, knights didn’t need to choose between a cutter or a thruster – they could have both in one sword. In fact, this balance is why modern fencers often describe the XVIIIa as one of the most “alive” longswords to handle.
How Does the XVIIIa Differ From Other Medieval Swords?
It’s easier to appreciate the XVIIIa once you compare it to other Oakeshott types.
The Type XIII was earlier and broader, built mainly for powerful cuts against mail.
The Type XV narrowed dramatically and excelled in thrusting, but at the cost of cutting power.
The Type XVIIIa, however, sat right in the middle—broad enough for cutting, stiff enough for thrusting, and long enough for versatile use.
This balance explains why so many surviving museum examples belong to this type. Knights clearly valued its versatility.
Key Features That Define a Type XVIIIa
While each swordsmith brought their own flair, most XVIIIa longswords share some unmistakable traits:
Diamond cross-section with no fuller (groove).
Strong taper that narrows smoothly toward the point.
Hand-and-a-half grip, usually around 20–30 cm long.
Balanced handling, often with the point of balance a fist or so forward of the guard.
Elegant guards and pommels, with scent-stopper pommels being especially common.
These features created a blade that was both practical in combat and aesthetically striking.
Why Do Collectors and HEMA Practitioners Love It Today?
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the XVIIIa is still winning hearts.
Collectors admire it because it represents the peak of medieval sword evolution. Many museum pieces are in remarkably good condition, and replicas capture that elegance.
HEMA practitioners value it because it mirrors what we read in historical fencing manuals. Its proportions make drills and sparring feel authentic.
Cutting enthusiasts love it because its weight and balance make it excellent for tatami or bottle cutting practice.
In short, the XVIIIa is a living design.
Famous Examples in Museums and Media
If you want to see the real thing, several museums display XVIIIa swords. The Royal Armouries in Leeds holds examples. Many are surprisingly light, often under 1.5 kg, which challenges the myth of heavy “clumsy” swords.
In popular culture, you’ll spot XVIII-like blades in films and games. From historical dramas to fantasy settings, its iconic taper and proportions make it a favorite for set designers and game artists.
ShadowDancer’s First Step Into Longswords
Here’s where history meets today. ShadowDancer, a name almost universally respected for katana-making, has now released its first longsword: the Type XVIIIa.
This is significant. For years, ShadowDancer has been the go-to for collectors of high-quality Japanese swords. Now, they’ve turned their skill toward European blades.
Their XVIIIa replica features:
9260 spring steel blade for resilience.
125 cm total length with a 91 cm blade.
26 cm grip for true hand-and-a-half use.
1480 g weight without scabbard (1900 g with).
Stainless steel guard and pommel.
Cowhide-wrapped wooden scabbard.
For collectors, this isn’t just another reproduction. It’s a crossover moment: the katana masters proving their craftsmanship in Western steel.
Should You Train With a Type XVIIIa Today?
If you practice HEMA or enjoy test cutting, the XVIIIa is one of the most practical choices you can make. Its design simply feels natural in the hands. For beginners, it offers balance and forgiveness. For advanced practitioners, it rewards precision.
And for collectors, owning an XVIIIa means holding a piece of history that continues to inspire both scholarship and practice.
The Lasting Legacy of the XVIIIa
The Type XVIIIa longsword wasn’t just another medieval blade. It was the sword that bridged two worlds. It gave knights the flexibility to face changing armor while remaining elegant and effective.
Today, it continues to inspire. From museum halls to HEMA tournaments, from collectors’ walls to ShadowDancer’s forge, the XVIIIa proves that good design never goes out of style.
