Medieval Swords and Daggers

The origins of medieval swords are based upon the Roman long sword (spatha). After the fall of the Roman Empire, swords evolved into larger heavier weapons to penetrate armor. Combat techniques also changed as the easier and more natural combat style of slashing was replaced by a new thrusting technique. Created by German and Italian masters training knights, this new swordplay required considerable skill to learn.

Interestingly, this new thrusting style of swordplay propelled a new civilian fad into mainstream society (dueling). Based upon a combination of knightly chivalry, fencing with rapiers and specific rules of engagement, "The Duel" quickly became the predominant form of dispute resolution through The Renaissance.

Most medieval swords fall into one of five categories of swords. Overall sword lengths range from 6 feet to short versions under 24" (easily confused with long medieval daggers). Although swords were very expensive for the lower classes of medieval society, their choice was removed in attempts to control uprisings. Medieval law only allowed knights and higher social classes to own swords. This appears to be one of the earliest known forms of weapon control.

When you think of the Christian influences on the Medieval Era, it's interesting to note the Bible distinguishes the sword as a great weapon and even refers to it allegorically when describing the power of The Word of God! (Hebrews 4:12) As well, in Ephesians 6:10-18 the sword is listed as a critical part of the Full Armor of God. This could explain the heavy use of Christian symbols in special medieval arms, shields and heraldry (coat-of-arms).

CHRISTIAN THEMED SWORDS

Just as many people today wear Christian symbols on T-shirts and jewelry, people in the Medieval Era had Christian themed swords. These swords were made with Christian symbols displayed upon and worn as a part of everyday medieval clothing. These swords may have acted as mementos of Christian values reminding the owner to "forgive first and fight last".

Today, several replica swords are designed with Christian symbols to honor the memory and example set by other believers. With the biblical reference to the Full Armor of God and its Sword of the Spirit, there is no surprise to find swords being given as recognition gifts to Christian leaders.

Most any Christian would be thrilled to receive a nice sword as a gift on a birthday, graduation, anniversary, Christmas or any other special occasion. Look for a Sword of Solomon, Knights Templar, Swords with Crosses and more within the special Christian themed swords section.

SHORT SWORD-ARMING SWORD (Medieval 'Single-Handed' Sword)

The short sword is an early classification for knight swords that were typically hung from the belts of knights. Also known as the arming sword or single-handed sword, these are the typical beautiful swords of the Middle Age. Within this classification are three primary styles of medieval swords:

BROADSWORD:
Medieval broadswords appeared in various forms, but in general, their blades were long, wide, straight and double–edged (both sides sharp). The cross-guards (or cruciform hilts) were simple and had not yet become very ornate. This sword was used for hacking, shearing cuts and limited thrusting which only required a single hand for control. Hence it became commonly known as a single-handed sword.

SIDESWORD: (Cut-and-Thrust)
The sidesword is based upon the broadsword but is more tapered and stiffened to increase its effectiveness as a thrusting sword. A series of protective rings were added to the hilt to defend the fingers and hand. This sword can be found in various styles and is also known as a 'cut and thrust' sword.

LONGSWORD (Medieval 'Hand-and-a-Half' sword

LONGSWORD:
The longsword is the classic medieval hand-and-a-half sword (or war sword) of the 14th and 15th centuries designed to combat heavier mail, and reinforced mail armor. Typically 4'-4.5' long and weight between 3-4 lbs, the longsword was designed with a simple cruciform hilt and a straight blade that was double-edged.

This sword was reserved as a battle sword (typically hung from the saddle) and not used in friendly joust competitions. In combat, knights developed an offensive move involving the hitting of an opponent repeatedly with the butt of his longsword (the "pummel", back of the handle), which is where we get the term, "to pummel someone."

BASTARD SWORDS:
The bastard sword was used by knights into the 16th century and civilians until the development of the sidesword and rapier. This sword design had a special shaped mid–ridge on the grip, so the sword could be used with one or two hands. Side-rings and finger rings were incorporated into the hand–guard of the bastard sword to defend the hand. Traditional blades were slender (tapered) with a narrow point.

ESTOC:
A nearly edgeless longsword, the estoc was specifically designed for thrusting into plate–armor. This was a long sword with a narrow rigid blade with a very pointed tip. Two hands were needed to effectively weld this medieval sword which is also known as a "tuck" in English and a "stocco" in Italian.

RAPIERS

RAPIER:
The rapier originated in Spain and quickly became the "sword of civilians of social standing" during the Medieval Era and The Renaissance. Essentially a single–handed thrusting sword, the long and flimsy blade of the rapier made it difficult to master (just as golf is for many people today). The development of fencing and dueling kept the rapier in vogue with mainstream cultures in the 16th and 17th century until it was replaced by the short sword (a more functional weapon).

COMPOUND-HILT RAPIER:
The compound-hilt rapier is a broad term used for various forms of hilts (swept, basket, and cage) found on medieval and renaissance swords. This nearly edgeless sword has many combinations of elaborate quillons, side–rings, and knuckle bars incorporated into its designs.

FLAMBERGE RAPIER:
The flamberge rapier is distinguishable by its unusual waved–blade which was popular with officers and upper classes during the 1600s. Considered to be both fashionable and deadly, this blade design was erroneously believed to deliver a more deadly wound than conventional blades.

When blocking with the flamberge rapier, the blade created a disconcerting vibration in the opposing blade as it passed along the length of the blade with decreasing momentum.

The flamberge rapier should not be confused with the longer Flamberge which is a very large sword requiring two hands to use (see more information within the Great Swords section).

GREAT SWORDS (Two-Handed Sword, Double-Handed sword, War Sword)

GREAT SWORDS:
The term great sword applies to any sword that cannot be used comfortably with a single-hand, but is not necessarily a massive two–handed sword. Blade shapes ranged from "flat and wide" to "narrow and hexagonal" to "diamond shaped". These were by no means a small sword.

Often depicted in German sword manuals, these weapons typically had a 50" blade with a 12" grip (handle) for an overall length of 62" (5 feet). Great swords were ideal against heavier weapons such as larger axes and pole–arms, and were devastating against light armor.

TWO-HANDED SWORD:
A two-handed sword refers to swords that are too large or heavy to be effectively used by only one hand and are basically a more manageable version of the great sword.

FLAMBERGE:
The flamberge was a massive sword that evolved in the 16th century. Its huge size and heavy weight prevented it from being a suitable close fighting weapon. The flamberge was basically reserved for defensive use forming skirmish lines and guarding breeches in siege warfare. The handle was very long in proportion to the blade, and the overall length could be 5'- 6' long.

The flamberge is also known as the German "Dopplehander" (both–hander), the English "slaughtersword", or the Italian "lo spadone". A true flamberge had a compound-hilt with side–rings, an enlarged cross–guard (up to 12 inches long) and small pointed flanges (lugs) protruding 4–8 inches below their guard.

CLAYMORE:
The claymore is the Scot's version of the great sword and their symbol of the warrior. The Scottish Highlanders used this two–handed broadsword against the English in the 16th century. The sword is often confused with a basket–hilt "broadsword" whose cage–like hilt completely enclosed the hand. Both swords have come to be known as a "claymore" since the late 1700's.

MEDIEVAL DAGGERS

Medieval daggers are shorter versions of a sword, can have single or both edges sharp and are held in one hand. Primarily used for thrusting and cutting, daggers have a wide variety of hilt and blade shapes based upon their function, how they are worn, and the technology available.

Medieval daggers ranged from 6" to 20", but were predominantly longer and often mistaken for the short sword. As the simplest of all stabbing weapons, daggers were inconspicuous to wear, easy to draw and had clear advantages over the sword in many situations. The primary medieval dagger styles include:

• Basilard: A two–edged, long bladed medieval dagger often worn with both civilian dress and armor.
• Dirk: A long, usually single–edged dagger with a very small guard (if any) that developed from the kidney daggers and the Medieval ballock.
• Main-Gauche: A parrying dagger used with the rapier and held in the left hand.
• Misericorde: A dagger used by knights to deliver a final "mercy" blow to the mortally wounded (or command surrender by threatening to deliver the final blow). Details on the description vary slightly. Most agree it had a straight and narrow blade with a triangular section and only one cutting edge. Others indicate it had no guard. Overall, it seems to have some resemblance to a stiletto.
• Rondel: A popular single-edged dagger with the pommel and hand-guard made in the shape of "roundels". Often 18" long or more in length.

REENACTMENT MEDIEVAL SWORDS:
Medieval Reenactment swords and daggers need to meet the requirements reenactors and be as historically accurate as possible. A special selection of SCA / LARP high carbon swords and daggers is provided here for members of reenactment groups who wish to find a historic accurate sword at a reasonable price. Feel free to contact us for assistance and we welcome updated information.

MEDIEVAL DAMASCUS SWORDS:
Medieval Damascus Swords could have changed the balance of power for any country possessing swords that "cut other swords in half"! Damascus blades contained the strongest steel known (wootz steel) and would have rewritten history for hundreds of years.

Although there is no historic foundation for a Damascus medieval sword, replicas are available for the enthusiast or collector who can imagine the total victory on the battlefield using a super strong sword that cuts through enemy swords and armor with ease.

BARGINS AND ACCESSORIES:
In the days of knights and kings, royal swordsmiths were known to secretly offer loyal friends low price swords and special clearance items - but did so fearing the imprisonment in the dungeons! It was much safer to trade wooden practice swords with those wishing to begin swordsmanship training. Any sword accessories that might be needed were often available from local tradesmen in the neighboring villages.

Also see: Sword Training and Medieval Sword Techniques

If you have any questions about our products or would like to have us carry something you did not see here today, contact us and we will see what we can locate for you.