Medieval European swords came in a variety of shapes, optimized for their particular application. Today, medieval swords are divided according to Oakeshott's typology. They were hi-tech weapons of their time, masterly crafted and mechanically superior even to the famed samurai swords: other than these, European blades flex back to straightness when bent. Perfectly balanced for its task, a 14th century sword like this type XVI weighed about 1100 g (2.68 lbs).