The Liutger Arming Sword draws inspiration from two iconic sources: Ewart Oakeshott’s renowned “Moonbrand,” celebrated as a masterpiece in his personal collection, and the medieval depictions of sword-and-buckler combat in the London Tower Fechtbuch MS I.33, dating to the first half of 14th century. The name Liutger derives from its latinized form of Lutegerus, the presumed author of the manuscript.
The Liutger presents a fullered wide blade, a straight or curved crossguard, and an extruded disc pommel that are meticulously proportioned to achieve agility and balance. A unique feature is the leather chappe at the crossguard, which enhances grip by accommodating the thumb, improving control during engagements.
This manuscript, created around 1300 in Franconia, is significant for its detailed exposition of sword and buckler techniques, presented through a series of illustrated plays involving a master (the priest) and a student (the scholar). The manuscript itself is notable for its combination of Latin text and German fencing terminology, indicating its educational purpose within a martial arts context. The MS I.33 manuscript, often considered the oldest known European fencing manual, outlines structured guards, such as “obsessio” (positions of opposition), and sequences of attacks and counters, showcasing the importance of timing, control, and adaptability in close-quarters combat. The Liutger Arming Sword is designed to complement these techniques, with its balance and versatility enabling precise execution of maneuvers like binding, thrusting, and deflecting.