Are bastard swords real?

Bastard swords often had slightly shorter blades and more rounded tips than other longswords. Knights and other armsmen continued to use traditional bastard swords through the 1500s. These fantastic medieval swords are crafted with authenticity in mind and attention to proper dimensions and weight.

What’s the difference between an arming sword and a longsword?

“Arming sword” implies that the hilt is no more complex than a crossguard (otherwise it becomes – again, in modern terms – a ”sidesword”); “longsword” does not (longswords can have complex hilts, but they have to have a crossguard in there somewhere). Both need to be light enough and small enough to wear.

Is an arming sword A longsword?

Arming swords correspond to Oakeshott types XI, XII and XIII. For this reason, scholars occasionally refer to these “great swords” improperly and anachronistically as “longswords”. By contrast, the arming sword would evolve into the later “shortsword” worn as a sidearm while wielding the two-handed longsword.

How heavy should a bastard sword be?

The Bastard Sword weighed between 5 – 8 pounds. It was used as close contact weapon and capable of striking a massive blow.

What makes a sword a bastard sword?

Originally, a “bastard sword” was another name for a long sword, also known as a “hand and a half” sword. The sword is described as: Bastard swords often had a more tapered, narrowly pointed blade. The Medieval Bastard Sword generally had a long handle which allowed for two-handed use and a longer blade.

What defines a bastard sword?

A bastard sword or hand-and-a-halfer are swords which fall between the longsword or broadsword and the two-handed greatsword in size.

Are most swords double-edged?

Traditional Japanese swords like the katana and wakizashi are typically forged with a single edge. But not all swords are forged with a single edge. Some are forged with two edges. Known as a double-edged sword, it features a completely different design than single-edged swords.

What is the difference between a short sword and an arming sword?

The knightly sword Also called the arming sword, this particular weapon was popular in the High Middle Ages. Longer than short swords like the Roman gladius, it was a one-handed sword and meant to be used with a shield. This weapon is typified by its cruciform hilt and double-edged blade.

What were arming swords used for?

Using Arming Swords The one-handed sword of the high medieval period was typically used with a shield or buckler. In the absence of a shield, the empty (normally left) hand could be used for grabbing or grappling opponents. The arming sword was overall a light, versatile weapon used for cutting and thrusting.

Why are bastard swords called bastard swords?

Why do they call it a bastard sword? The term Bastard sword originates from the the French ‘epee batarde’. This term was used to refer to a ‘hand and a half sword’ or a ‘long sword’. The versatility of the design prevented the sword from being specifically categorized as either a one-handed or two-handed weapon.

Can a bastard sword be used with a shield?

The answer was the bastard sword, also referred to as a hand-and-a-half sword. The bastard sword has a long enough handle that it could be used two handed but is light enough and balanced enough that it could be used with a shield. This would enable more men to carry them without sacrificing their defense.