CAS IBERIA/HANWEI NEWS: 18 March, 2008

Another sneak preview of the collaboration of Michael Tinker Pearce and Hanwei, the EMS (Early Medieval Sword) prototype (pictured below) looks to be another winner.

Oakeshott Type: XII
OAL: 38-1/2 inches
Blade Length: 31-3/4 inches
Blade Width @ Base: 2-3/16 inches
Blade Width 3 inch from point: 1 inch
Blade thickness at base: .250 inch
Blade thickness 1 inch from tip: 3/64 inch
Distal taper is Complex
Hilt OAL: 6-7/8 inches
COG: 4 inches from base of blade
BNoV (Blade Node of Vibration): 21-1/2 inches from base of blade
Primary Hilt Node: On handle at cross*
*(Impossible to establish with certainty- sword displays Complex Variable Harmonics)
Weight: 2lb7oz.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is a very exciting time for Euro sword enthusiasts...

The long awaited collaboration with eminent sword smith Michael 'Tinker' Pearce now has its first prototype longswords (Oakeshott Type XVIIIa War Swords) - a sparring blunt and a sharp for cutting that will be available for around the US$320-330 price point.

No final date on when these swords will be made available has yet been set, as they still have to endure some rather rigourous testing before final approval of the production run. However, early feedback from Michael reveals that these 5160 Spring Steel blades handle extremely well, are quite strong and very flexible, able to bend up to 60 degrees and return to true.

Another line to keep a close eye on, it really is great to see the big manufacturers finally starting to take medieval swords seriously...