Product Review: Type XVI Arming Sword by Viktor Berbekucz

As much as I love the Type XIV Arming sword by Viktor Berbekucz (VB), the sword has not been as popular in my class with my students. Many of my students feel that the shorter stockier blade is hard to manage. Instead, many of my students have looked at a different VB sword for their first sword.
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Today we are going to discuss my thoughts on the Type XVI Arming Sword by Viktor Berbekucz and why it has become the most popular sword in my sword and buckler class. We will compare the characteristics of multiple Type XVI swords by VB and minor differences I have seen between them.

Please note: I have linked the primary website for the sword to help assist in purchasing regardless of region. However, I purchased mine from Purpleheart Armoury.

Durability

Just like with all the one-handed VB swords I have used, the Type XVI sword shows remarkable durability. If you are looking for a training sword that will last for years, the Type XVI sword by VB is a solid choice.
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Just like with all the arming swords I have trained with, the crossguard will inevitably become loose and rattle. Originally I was able to hammer the crossguard back to being secure but I am unable to do so now on the older type XVI swords I have. Instead, I have been using epoxy to hold the crossguard in place.

Cost

​Viktor Berbekucz swords continue to be one of the most affordable swords on the market (at least in the United States). With the price and the durability, these swords make a fantastic beginner sword purchase.

Aesthetics

The Type XVI sword by VB features a straight crossguard and a fuller running up the blade. The sword is a simple and functional design that serves its purpose.
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VB does offer the Type XVI sword with both a wheel pommel and a pear pommel. This allows for a bit of customization and personal preference that is not normally seen with VB swords.

​However, be aware that some of the pear pommels have been observed having variability in hilt length.

Variability in Feel

Each Type XVI sword I have handled by VB has had its own feel to it. This is partially due to the handcraftsmanship and also due to the span of time when comparing Viktor Berbekucz’s swords. While the newer swords feel more standardized, they still all seem to have their own balancing and handling.
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To further illustrate the variability, let’s take a look at the Type XVI sword by VB in my collection.

The Outlier (Purchased in 2019)

​Overall Length 39.0 in
Blade Length 31.2 in
Grip Length 5.3 in
Weight 1124 grams
Blade Width at Crossguard 1.52 in
Blade Width at Tip 0.44 in
POB Passed Crossguard (Approx.) 3.5 in
Crossguard Length 6.3 in
Crossguard Thickness 0.38 in

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This Type XVI purchased in early 2019 has always stood out as an outlier in Type XVI swords by VB. The sword is far lighter and more nimble than other Type XVI swords by VB but struggles the bind.

While this sword is an outlier because of its weight, it is also the more popular of the Type XVI swords I have to available in my class. The lighter blade is perfect for brand new students who are still getting used to the feel and handling of the sword.
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However, even though it is popular, I see this sword as an outlier and is not the sword I would expect to receive if I purchased it in 2022.

​Thick Crossguard (purchased in 2021)

​Overall Length 38.5 in
Blade Length 31.2 in
Grip Length 5.0 in
Weight 1232 grams
Blade Width at Crossguard 1.60 in
Blade Width at Tip 0.48 in
POB Passed Crossguard (Approx.) 3.5 in
Crossguard Length 6.2 in
Crossguard Thickness 0.40 in

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This sword was purchased in early 2021 and has a similar feel to the next sword on the list. Again, the standardization of the swords shows how Viktor Berbekucz is honing his craft.

One difference this sword has from the next on the list is its thicker crossguard. This has been great for its durability as the crossguard has not been hit so hard that it has bent. Overall, I see the crossguard thickness as a minor detail that does not impact the sword.
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This sword feels more thrust-oriented than the next sword on this list. This may be due to the face that the point of balance being half an inch further down the blade. However, this sword is still a cut and thrust sword and is only slightly more comfortable in the thrust than the cut.

​Thin Crossguard (purchased in 2021)

​Overall Length 38.5 in
Blade Length 31.5 in
Grip Length 4.8 in
Weight 1222 grams
Blade Width at Crossguard 1.61 in
Blade Width at Tip 0.44 in
POB Passed Crossguard (Approx.) 3.0 in
Crossguard Length 6.3 in
Crossguard Thickness .38 in

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Finally, we have the other sword purchased in 2021. All of the measurements are within tolerance of the other Type XVI sword discussed earlier. The only difference is the slightly longer and slimmer crossguard and the point of balance.
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This thinner crossguard also has not been misshaped by impact during sparring so it would appear that the difference in the crossguard is negligible. 

Who I Recommend It To

This sword has earned a spot as my go-to loaner sword in my medieval sword and buckler class. Everything about it screams “Classic Arming Sword” and is great for teaching swordsmanship. I have used this sword for teaching sword and buckler as well as messer with great success.

What this sword offers is a generic sword feel. It is great for both cutting and thrusting and is a great starting point for HEMA practitioners.

Some of my students have stuck with the Type XVI sword throughout their training. They cite the versatility of it and that it “just feels right” when using I.33 or Talhoffer techniques.
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While some students may learn that they prefer swords that favor thrusts or cuts more, or shorter and longer blades, or a myriad of other variations, this sword is a great sword for just about anyone.

Why I Recommend the Type XVI over the Type XIV for New Students

As much as I have praised the Type XIV in an earlier review, the impact behind the cuts, the shortness of the blade, and the stiffness of the blade are major detractors for my students when learning I.33. Given the amount of thrusts I.33 uses as well as the wrist actions, the Type XIV sword is just not as forgiving for newer students when compared to the Type XVI sword.

The longer blade allows for students to comfortably thrust without feeling like they need to close to grappling range. The lighter blade also makes it easier to deliver wrist cuts which is advantageous when learning I.33. Finally, the Type XVI sword has better flex in the blade that makes it a kinder sword to spar against.
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It is for all those reasons that I generally recommend the Type XVI sword to students looking to buy their first sword. 

​Closing Thoughts

The Type XVI arming sword by Viktor Berbekucz is a fantastic sword for anyone looking to train with a medieval one-handed sword system. It is a durable trainer that has enough weight to it to bind effectively while also being light enough to deliver wrist cuts. The sword also has the option of a pear pommel or a wheel pommel which adds to its versatility.
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Whether you are a new student to medieval sword systems, a longtime practitioner of HEMA looking for a simple arming sword, or an instructor buying swords to loan to students, the Type XVI arming sword by Viktor Berbekucz is a keeper that you will not regret.