IRONWOLF by Ryujin "Bordersteel" Type XVIa
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Forged for the frontier from 65mn spring steel and priced for the bold—“Bordersteel” is a cut-and-thrust longsword inspired by the Spadona tradition. With elegant lines, responsive handling, and a sharpened edge, it delivers knightly performance at an unheard-of price.
The “Bordersteel” is a standout in the IRONWOLF by Ryujin lineup—developed with input from the SBG team and designed to bring historically inspired performance to a price point that’s practically unheard of. Based on the Oakeshott Type XVIa typology, this hand-and-a-half sword blends battlefield practicality with refined design, offering a weapon that’s as capable in the cut as it is in the thrust.
Its blade features a broad base tapering to a reinforced point, with a diamond cross-section and a fuller that runs roughly three-quarters of its length. This geometry provides excellent stiffness and tip control, ideal for armored combat and unarmored technique alike.
Historically, swords of this type were known as Spadona in Italian regions—longer than arming swords, but not quite full greatswords. The “Bordersteel” channels this lineage with a scent-stopper pommel (Type T.5) and a long, up-curving guard (Style 8), placing it within Oakeshott’s Family E—a group favored by knights, mercenaries, and men-at-arms from the late 14th to early 15th centuries.
Light in hand, visually striking, and built for real use—whether in reenactment, martial arts, or backyard cutting. And at a price under $200, it redefines what’s possible in the entry-level sword market.
SOME SPECS AND HIGHLIGHTS
- Brand: IRONWOLF by Ryujin
- Typology: Oakeshott Type XVIa
- Historical Name: Spadona
- Steel: Hard Wearing Monotempered 65mn Spring Steel
- Cross Section: Diamond
- Fuller: Broad, tapering, ~¾ blade length
- Pommel: Type T.5 (scent-stopper)
- Guard: Style 8 (long, up-curving)
- Grip: Two-handed, leather-wrapped
Key Features
- Historically inspired Type XVIa blade for cut-and-thrust versatility
- Elegant hilt design based on 14th–15th century originals
- Excellent balance and tip control
- Refined proportions and clean finish
- Developed with input from the SBG team
- Ideal for reenactment, cutting practice, or display
- Unprecedented value—priced under $200
The “Bordersteel” isn’t just a sword—it’s a statement. A hand-and-a-half blade with historical soul, modern performance, and a price that turns heads. Quantities are limited, and demand is expected to be high.
Don’t miss your chance to own one of the most accessible and authentic longswords ever released.
IRONWOLF by Ryujin
Functionality and Intended Use
Materials and Construction
Warranty Info
Return Policy
Featured positive reviews:
This sword is a classic at anywhere near this price point. Whips around like a laser pointer (literally 2lbs with a <1" point of balance--as fast as any longsword on the market, basically), is razor sharp, and has extremely comfortable, low maintenance, and attractive hardware. Incredibly underappreciated by the community. The thing weighs 2lbs (!!! flat!) with a terrifying 30" blade and a point of balance basically on the handguard (so it whips around astonishingly fast). The blade has nice distal taper, smooth single fuller, and is scary sharp on both sides virtually all the way up. The handguard is pretty spectacular--gnurled-finish stainless steel that could catch a baseball bat. Don't conk your head! The steel pommel is very comfortable and also quite intimidating. Grip has always felt good to me and I've enjoyed the sword a bit. Only con would be the synthetic leather scabbard, but a reasonable compromise for such a fine quality blade. I think I'm going to buy another honestly.
