Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce has designed a series of swords made by Hanwei in 5160 steel, which emphasise authenticity, functionality & performance. To satisfy the sparring & cutting needs of Western Martial Artist, each of the 4 styles being made in live (sharp) & sparring (blunt) versions, each sword has outstanding handling characteristics. The carefully controlled heat treating of 5160 (Tinker’s blade steel of choice) by the ‘Marquenching’ process produces an excellent combination of toughness & flexibility at a hardness of HRc 50-52 allowing for superior edge retention on the sharps, anti burr & tip-flexing safety features on the blunts. Our Longswords (Oakeshott Type XV111a) provide the WMA practitioner with a fast well-balanced pair of swords that will perform beautifully in skilled hands.The demi fullered sharp (SH2394) blades exhibit a quick profile taper cut with a diamond section out to the tip, providing the necessary stiffness for a cutting strokeThe flattened scent-stopper pommel (type T-1) forms a natural extension of the double-hand grip & the square section guard (Type 2) provides solid security. The hardwood-cored grips are leather-over-cord wrap with steel fittings. Leather covered scabbard are included. Replacement blades are available for all swords in the series, a key feature of Tinker’s designs is the interchange ability of blades within each pair of swords with the exception of the Viking, allowing the user to purchase 1 complete sword & a spare blade to enjoy both versions.The Longswords, Bastard & Early Medieval all feature Tinker’s recessed sleeve nut mounting system, providing secure hilt retention, tightening & easy blade exchange using an Allen wrench (not provided).