By the second half of the 16th century, it persisted mostly as a weapon for sportive competition (Schulfechten), and possibly in knightly duels. Ewart Oakeshott classified medieval swords into types, focusing on their blade type, pommel, and crossguard designs. The term "hand-and-a-half sword" refers to a sword with a moderate-length blade that can be used with either one hand or two. A nonce attestation of "long-sword" in the sense of "heavy two-handed sword" is found in, Systematic use of the term only from 2001 beginning with, Oakeshott's Typology of the Medieval Sword A Summary, "Medieval and Renaissance Fencing Terminology", "Study of the Destructive Capabilities of the European Longsword", "The Two-Handed Great Sword Making lite of the issue of weight", "Oakeshott's Typology of the Medieval Sword: A Summary", Halflang and Tua Handit: Hand-and-a-Half and Two-Handed Scottish Swords, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Longsword&oldid=1141836737, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox weapon with unknown parameters, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Italian-language text, Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Types XIIa and XIIIa represent the Great Sword or War Sword type used in the later 13th and in the 14th century. We see very thin blades with tremendous cutting potential to swords of the more common diamond cross section, many with fullers, to the category of Tucks which hadblades designed for thrusting and levering ones opponent in close play. They also had a pommel that counterbalanced the weight of the blade, improving its maneuverability. This balance made the hand-and-a-half sword a formidable weapon, as it was light enough to easily maneuver yet still heavy enough to inflict serious damage when wielded by a skilled swordsman. Made from 5160 high-carbon steel, this functional sword has a double-edge blade. [citation needed] The small sword was the immediate predecessor of the pe de Combat from which the pe developed[45] and its method of useas typified in the works of such authors as Sieur de Liancour, Domenico Angelo, Monsieur J. Olivier, and Monsieur L'Abbatdeveloped into the techniques of the French classical school of fencing. In modern times, this variety of sword is also sometimes referred to as the broadsword.[36][37]. The intention of how to use the sword most likely dictated the way they were listed in inventories of the day. Type XVIIIc blades are somewhat broader and shorter (about 85cm), and sometimes have a short and narrow fuller. Hand-and-a-half swords were carried in scabbards attached to waist belts, though some sources mention swords being carried in rings welded directly to the skirt of a harness. : 4 3/4" Grip Length: 6 7/8" Blade: [C60 High Carbon Steel] Manufacturer: Deepeeka They run 3 pounds plus, but you wonder how much of that weight is in the basket hilt, etc.? The French pe de passot was also known as pe btarde[citation needed] (i.e., bastard sword) and also coustille croix[23] (literally a cross-hilted blade). 3 lb. Tough, rigid and durable. COLD STEEL HAND AND A HALF SWORD DEADLIEST WEAPONS One of Lynn's favorites.Hand-And-A-Half Sword. During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing).[9]. The falchion (French braquemart,[52] Spanish bracamarte) proper is a wide straight-bladed but curved edged hanger or long knife. HAND AND A HALF SWORD. 1d6 slashing. A longsword is, obviously, longer than a shortsword. The increased defensive capability of a man clad in full plate armour caused the use of the sword to be drastically changed. [citation needed] The two handed claymore is an early Scottish version of a greatsword. A sword with a single hand grip length but longsword blade length The so called "hand and a half" swords Longswords/Greatswords that could be effectively used one handed but were usually used with both making it hard to describe as strictly a one hander or two hander J Jonathon Belt Joined Aug 20, 2011 Messages 40 Aug 14, 2013 #8 This sword is an extremely well proportioned and elegant example of a type that was in use throughout Western Europe from the late fourteenth through the fifteenth century. Tony Willis, "A Pair of Scottish Swords", Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of premodern combat weapons Swords, "Pappenheimer | Define Pappenheimer at Dictionary.com", "SOCIETY:: WEAPONS:: THRUSTING AND CUTTING WEAPONS [1] image - Visual Dictionary Online", "Search Chambers - Free English Dictionary", "A Perfect Length II: The Longsword | Encased in Steel", "Sword types in prize playing - The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts", "The Raymond J. Lord Collection of Historical Combat Treatises and fencing manuals: Terms of Use", "dictionary:: Panzerstecher [Blankwaffe]:: German-English translation", "Philadelphia Museum of Art - Collections Object: Tuck (Panzerstecher)", "Hermann Historica - Internationales Auktionshaus fr Antiken, Alte Wa", "Glossaire archologique du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance", "Ethnographic Arms & Armour - Article: Notes on development of modern sabers - Role of Eastern Europe & the Hussars", "Stradioti: Balkan Mercenaries In Fifteenth And Sixteenth Century Italy", "estradiot: dfinition de estradiot, citations, exemples et usage pour estradiot dans le dictionnaire de franais Littr adapt du grand dictionnaire de la langue franaise d'Emile Littr", Best and most powerful martial arts, fight science, Top Quality Bokken/ Katana Sword available for Martial Arts training, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Classification_of_swords&oldid=1128493319, Articles that may contain original research from October 2012, All articles that may contain original research, Articles with disputed statements from August 2013, Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2012, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles containing Italian-language text, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles containing Yue Chinese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2013, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2014, Articles with self-published sources from August 2022, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Old High German (ca. These swords were too heavy to be wielded one-handed and possessed a large grip for leverage. Bastard Sword. [21], Joseph Swetnam states that the bastard sword is midway in length between an arming sword and a long sword,[22] and Randall Cotgrave's definition seems to imply this, as well. [citation needed], The tuck may also get its name from the verb "to tuck" which means "to shorten". "Single-handed sword" is used by Sir Walter Scott. The blade could be the same length as a single-hand sword but the tang and the grip . 3 European single handed sword. The lack of significant torso and limb protection leads to the use of a large amount of cutting and slicing techniques in addition to thrusts. However, they had various hilt and guard forms depending on their origin. The top hand would push, and the bottom hand would pull; this gave extra leverage thus the sword would be easier to swing, ignoring much of its weight. Handle Length. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Hand Forged High Carbon Steel Viking Sword, Sharp / Battle Ready Medieval Sword. Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different types. It remained in use as a weapon of war intended for wielders wearing full plate armour either on foot or on horseback, throughout the late medieval period. A channel ran down about half of the blade. The earlier flatter blade types could not chop through plate armor, and its thin tip would only glance off instead of puncturing it. "[20] Espe bastarde could also historically refer to a single-handed sword with a fairly long blade compared to other short swords. While slashing attacks were still moderately effective against infantry wearing half-plate armour, cutting and slicing attacks against an opponent wearing plate armour were almost entirely ineffective in providing any sort of slashing wound as the sword simply could not cut through the steel, although a combatant could aim for the chinks in a suit of armour, sometimes to great effect. Minneapolis Minnesota There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a double edged knife. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing). Therein the basics of combat were described and, in some cases, depicted. The Filipino islands are widely known for their vast assortment of edged weapons. A longsword, hand and a half sword or bastard sword is a long, symmetrical sword with a cruciform (cross-shaped) hilt, and a double-edged blade tapered to a sharp point for thrusting. Terminology was further complicated by terms introduced[1] or misinterpreted[2][3][4] in the 19th century by antiquarians and in 20th century pop culture,[5] and by the addition of new terms such as "great sword", "Zweihnder" (instead of Beidhnder), and "cut-and-thrust sword". Some had broad parallel edges to those with acute tapers from the guard to a spike like point and many variations in between. "arming sword", "broadsword", "long sword", etc.) These long-gripped weapons were ideal for thrusting at small gaps in armor when the typical slashing sword could not chop through it. [17][18] Use of the longsword in attack was not limited only to use of the blade, however, as several Fechtbcher explain and depict use of the pommel and cross as offensive weapons. The most well-known systematic typology of blade types of the European medieval sword is the Oakeshott typology, although this is also a modern classification and not a medieval one. The long hilt 10-15 inches in length mainly distinguishes the bastard sword from other medieval swords. Most swords are intended for use either one or two hands. These terms were often described in relation to other unrelated weapons, without regard to their intended use and fighting style. @d-a-half-sw. This is very popular . Theme by Safe As Milk. This could be a 5-inch handle with a pommel that accommodates being used as part of the grip to one that would have considerable room between the hands. Grip Length: 7.5 inches; Overall Length: 46.5 inches; Blade thickness (base): 4.6 mm; Blade thickness (1" from tip): 3.0 mm; Guard Width: 10 inches; Handle Length. Though deemed a Hand and a Half sword, this sword has a grip length and handling characteristics that would be fitting for a longsword. Longsword, bastard sword, and hand-and-a-half sword are all names used to describe a variety of medieval European swords. They were made from wood, lined with cloth, and bound in leather. Sponsored. were used to label weapons of similar appearance but of different historical periods, regional cultures and fabrication technology. [49] Modern versions of the katana are sometimes made using non-traditional materials and methods. Daggers were loot/spoils. Ehhh, Xiphos were typically more of a shortsword, usually only about 24ish inches in length. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. The excellent balance and light weight make the Warspike an exceptional addition to any collection. They possess an elongated grip which can easily accommodate both hands but they are generally well balanced enough to be wielded in one hand. Later on, the thrusting rapier gained favor as a civilian dueling weapon. This type includes the 14th to 15th century "hand and a half sword" or "two-handed" swords, often with two or more fullers. The Spartiats were always armed with a xiphos as a secondary weapon. The longsword, greatsword and bastard-sword were also made in Spain, appearing relatively late, known as the espadon, the montante and bastarda or espada de mano y media respectively. Total Length: 1060mm; Blade Length: 790mm ; Hilt Length: 270mm ; Guard Width: 255mm ; Total Weight: 765g; View All Close. It was coined by modern collectors in the 19th century to refer to how the weapon is wielded. Two-Hander Longsword DJ Combat Two-Hander Longsword (2 reviews) Write a Review SKU: DD-W-206 $110.00 Quantity: Description Specifications Made from polypropylene. However, the reduced weight near the tips made them less efficient for slashing. Sword 5 - 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword. In terms of blade typology, they do not form a single category. Learn more about the history and use of the hand-and-a-half sword and how it compares to other medieval swords. Equipped with a long grip, the hand-and-a-half sword was suitable for use with one or even both hands if one wished to give extra force to a blow. The English language terminology used in the classification of swords is imprecise and has varied widely over time. Among most Greek warriors, this weapon had an iron blade of about 60 centimetres. For example, there is a longsword in The Glasgow Art and History Museum, Labelled XIIIa. By the 16th century, its military use was mostly obsolete, culminating in the brief period where the oversized Zweihnder were wielded by the German Landsknechte during the early to mid 16th century. 8 gp. Beginning about 1520, the Swiss sabre (schnepf) in Switzerland began to replace the straight longsword, inheriting its hilt types, and the longsword had fallen out of use in Switzerland by 1550. SPADA DI STOCCO. This hand-and-half sword has a sharpened, darkened 1065 high carbon steel blade with an extra-wide tang. The German langes Schwert ("long sword") in 15th-century manuals did not necessarily denote a type of weapon, but the technique of fencing with both hands at the hilt. The term "broadsword" was never used historically to describe the one-handed arming sword. These days, the term longsword most frequently refers to a late Medieval and Renaissance weapon designed for use with two hands. These blades are long and slowly tapering, with a flat hexagonal blade cross-section and a fuller running along one third of the blade. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. The term longsword has been used to refer to different kinds of sword depending on historical context: The spatha was a double-edged longsword used by the Romans. Its French name pe btarde implies a sword of uncertain origin or an irregular sword. 3 Reviews; 3 Reviews. The backsword was a single-edged, straight-bladed sword, typically for military use. (J. L. Forgeng, Trans.). Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods And Techniques, Medieval Military Technology, Second Edition. The grip of the hand and a half sword was long enough to accommodate one hand or two hands when used in combat. ; M. Rector, Trans.). [25] The term passot comes from the fact that these swords passed (passaient) the length of a "normal" short sword. Regardless, the sword's defining characteristics remain the same: it can be used with either one hand or both hands. Bastard Sword Sren Niedziella from Denmark . Weight 1700 g. 5144. Others also had hexagonal cross-sections that cut poorly towards the tip. ca. They represent an optimised compromise between thrusting capability and retaining good cutting characteristics. Sword Length: 42 5/8". Overall lenght 118,5 cm - Wheight 1300 g. 5152 . The arming sword, also called the knightly sword, had a short grip and was designed to be wielded with one hand. Contents 1 History 2 Appearance 3 Etymology 4 Portrayal in adaptations 4.1 Peter Jackson's film trilogies 5 Reproductions 6 Translations 7 References These techniques could be nearly instantly fatal or incapacitating, as a thrust to the skull, heart, or major blood vessel would cause massive trauma. Knives such as the seax and other blades of similar length between 30 and 60cm (1 and 2ft) are sometimes construed as swords. Hand-and-a half varieties typically have a blade length between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. Product details: Length: 115.6 cm / Blade length: 85.10 cm / Grip length: 30.5 cm / Blade width at guard: 5.1 cm / Weight: 1389 g / Steel type: 1056 carbon steel, hardness 52-54 HRC . The hands and forearms are a frequent target of some cuts and slices in a defensive or offensive manoeuvre, serving both to disable an opponent and align the swordsman and his weapon for the next attack. Historically, katana () were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (, nihont)[47][48] that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. [4], The Panzerstecher ("armour stabber") is a German and East European weapon with a long, edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section for penetrating armour. In HEMA, the term longsword refers to all swords with grips long enough to accommodate two hands yet lightweight enough to wield in one hand. Weight ranged from 1 to 1.5 kg. It could also be used one-handed against lightly armored archers from horseback and two-handed for thrusting attacks against heavily armored opponents. A longsword typically features a blade with a length of approximately 33 to 41 inches (85 to 110 cm). Access this answer and support the author as a Quora+ subscriber The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. It's not technically intended to be used with one and a half hands -- that doesn't make sense. Type XX blades are broad, with lenticular or octagonal cross-sections. The Blunted Blade is made from hardened spring steel with a full tang construction. The hand-and-a-half sword also belongs to Oakeshott types XVIa, XVII, and XVIIIa. Optimized for armored combat, their blades were steeply pointed, suggesting that their primary function was to pierce armor.