Medieval Longsword

The medieval longsword is known as a kind of European blade that has become popular during the late medieval era, specifically around the years 1350 to 1550.

Longswords generally feature lengthy cruciform hilts with grips that are over ten to fifteen inches in length; this allows the wielder to have more room for two hands when gripping the weapon.

Straight, double-edged blades are usually more than forty to forty-eight inches in length while it weighs around 2.5 to 5 pounds in total; the much heavier ones commonly weigh around 4.5 pounds or more.

The weapon became highly popular because of its excellent reach as well as it’s thrusting and slicing abilities. Additionally, the Longsword was mainly utilized by the medieval knights.

The medieval longsword is usually wielded with both hands though there are some that may be used single-handedly. Longswords are great for stabbing, hewing, and slicing but its main purpose is derived from the longsword’s physical shape. All of the sword parts can be utilized for offensive purposes and this also includes the pommel and crossguard.

The French épée bâtarde is referenced to the bastard sword which is a specific type of longsword; the English Medieval and Renaissance records refer to the longsword as a double hand sword while the term “hand-and-a-half sword”, “bastard sword”, and the “great sword” are generally utilized to refer to the longswords.

Since the medieval longsword features a much longer grip and blade, it has become a highly popular weapon during the fourteenth century and has remained as one of the favorite weapons used during the years 1250 to 1550.

Moreover, the longsword was also considered as one of the most versatile and powerful weapons around that it was prized for its excellent efficiency and killing capabilities.

All longswords have some distinct qualities from one another but despite the differences, most of these contain a few similar and essential parts. The sword’s blade features a cutting portion that is commonly double-edged plus it also appears in a variety of sizes of shapes that one can choose from.

Blades that are broad and thin are more efficient when it comes to the cutting-oriented longswords while those that feature thick tapering blades are better for thrusting; even if this is the case, the longsword has always been effective when it comes to slicing, cutting, and thrusting where only a few minor alterations are featured to give these a distinct character.

 

Blade of the Medieval Longsword

The blade of the medieval longsword appears to be straight and usually double-edged while its construction is quite thin, yet with adequate strength provided by precise blade geometry. Over time, the blades of these weapons have eventually grown longer, less wide, much thicker in its cross-section, and it has also gotten more pointed as time passed.

The change in its design can be attributed greatly to the utilization of plate armors since it was a highly effective tool for defense during battles. The armor had the ability to block swords from breaking through the piece which is why the medieval longsword continued to further develop to work against the armor.

Instead of just slicing, the longsword was utilized more for thrusting against the plate armor since the weapon required a much more rigid blade with an acute point. The blades of this weapon differ in its cross-section, length, and width, with the most common forms being the diamond and lenticular cross-section.

Lenticular blades are characterized by thin double convex lenses that provide the weapon with just the right thickness for adequate strength right at the center of the weapon. Because of its excellent edge geometry, the sword features the proper cutting edge that is perfect for battle.

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When it comes to the diamond-shaped blade, it slopes all the way up from its edges without any of the arched elements from a lenticular blade.

Another one of the most common variations of the medieval longsword is the presence of hollow-ground blades and fullers; the uses of these elements are primarily similar but differ in location and also in the final results.

Fullers also appear in a variety of numbers and thickness where some broad fullers can span almost throughout the entire width of the weapon. For the numerous and smaller thinners, these usually appear much thinner compared to the previous.

How the Medieval Longsword was Used

Battling with the medieval longsword was not too crude or barbaric compared to the other medieval weapons from the past. This was due to the codified fighting styles that existed plus teachers also provided a different approach to the art.

The medieval longsword was also known to be an effective quick and versatile blade that was capable of executing deadly cuts, thrusts, and slices.

The wielder is required to grip the hilt with both hands: one hand gripping close to the sword’s pommel. However, there are certain situations where the sword can be held with just one hand depending on the type of battle and the moves to be executed; this is most common for warriors carrying a shield in one hand while the sword is held in the other.

Using the medieval longsword during battle was not only limited to attacking with its blade since its cross and pommel could also be utilized for offensive purposes. The cross is said to be excellent for knocking or tripping an enemy off balance.

Longsword for Sale

When searching for a longsword for sale, there are a plethora of varieties available for one to choose from: there are functional swords, decorative display swords, as well as finely-made historical replicas.

Additionally, one can also find a battle-ready longsword in a couple of online shops, and most of the time, these types of replica weapons are forged from high-carbon steel and is also tempered to create a sword that is both flexible and durable.

There are various types of longsword for sale that an individual can find, and all of these feature distinct styles and designs that will suit the taste of every collector or sword enthusiast.

For those who wish to collect a longsword for sale that is replicated from popular movies, some shops also cater to these types of weapons and most of these come from video games, movies, books, and other forms of popular fiction.

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