I think it would be very useful to those of us new to the Art to have some sort of performance rating list for the various Oakeshott types. I know that Type XV is the best for thrusting and that Type X through Type XIII are the best cutters. Yet it can be difficult to tell how to fit the other types in.
Would anyone be interested in helping create some sort of chart regarding cutting and thrusting performance?
The following is the most I can do, but I don't know for sure whether it is accurate. Any help is appreciated.
Ratings go from poor, to decent, to good, to great, to superior: 1 star to 5 stars. * is a star and + is half a star.
Type X:
Cut: 5 Stars *****
Thrust: 1 Star *
Type XII:
Cut: 5 Stars *****
Thrust: 2.5 Stars **+
Type XIII:
Cut: 5 Stars *****
Thrust: 2 Stars **
Type XIV:
Cut: 4 Stars ****
Thrust: 3 Stars ***
Type XV:
Cut: 2.5 Stars **+
Thrust: 5 Stars *****
Type XVI:
Cut: 4 Stars ****
Thrust: 3.5 Stars ***+
Type XVII:
Cut: 3 Stars ***
Thrust: 4.5 Stars ****+
Type XVIII:
Cut: 4 Stars ****
Thrust: 4 Stars ****
Type XIX:
Cut: 4 Stars ****
Thrust: 3 Stars ***
Type XX:
Cut: 4 Stars ****
Thrust: 4 Stars ****
Falchion clipped point (Albion Vassal):
Cut: 5 Stars *****
Thrust: 3 Stars ***
Messer (Albion Soldat):
Cut: 5 Stars *****
Thrust: 1 Star *
Am I right?
I have only handled a few quality swords so far and I didn't get to do test cutting with any of them. So this is mostly from what I have read and from what others with more personal experience have told me.
I wasn't sure what to put down for the Type X, Type XIII, Type XIX, Type XX, the Clip-Point Falchion, and the Messer. I just went by what their blade shape, profile taper, distal taper, cross-section, etc. seemed to indicate.
I'm open to input on any of this since I want to be sure this list/chart is accurate. I'm sure it would be very useful for anyone interested in buying an Albion or other similar high-quality sword - especially if they are unable to try the blades out before buying.
