Shadow Dancer Gothic Longsword — Type XVIIIA with Fishtail Pommel

Sleek, formidable, and deadly. Words that accurately describe Shadow Dancer’s Gothic Longsword. 

The longsword emerged in the 14th century, becoming the preferred weapon of knights and eventually, unarmored fighters and mercenaries as well. Fighting techniques were developed and formally recorded in treatises such as Hans Talhoffer’s 15th century German tradition and Fiore dei Liberi’s 1410 Italian tradition. 

Classified as Type XVIIIA under Ewart Oakeshott’s standard academic classification system for medieval European swords created in 1960, this longsword reflects one of the most effective and widely used designs of the 15th century. Featuring a slender and acutely pointed blade to penetrate plate armor gaps, this sword with a blade forged from 9260 steel reflects the elegant and refined aesthetics found in Gothic era architecture and design. 

This sword’s stainless steel guard is gently curved and bow-shaped, with quillons that arc downward. Its point of balance is one fist ahead of the guard, allowing for a lively and responsive performance. Meanwhile, its vibration node, the area absorbing impact to minimize vibration transferred to the grip, sits 21.6 to 23.6 inches (55 to 60 cm) ahead of the guard. 

Pairing naturally with the guard is a stainless steel fishtail pommel (distinctively flared with central V-notch), a well-documented style associated with late medieval German Gothic swords. 

Complementing the two-handed handle is a solid wood scabbard wrapped with black cowhide.