Medieval Swords — Types and Parts of Swords During Medieval Times

Medieval swords were the dominant weapons used during the Medieval times. Medieval Knights were keen to use them to fight their enemies. During Middle Ages, common soldiers did not use swords, they rather preferred pikes and similar weapons.

Knight, on the other hand, stayed equipped with swords, but, there were different kinds of swords used amid that period. For example, some swords had straight blades, while others had curved ones with a single or more sharpened edges. Knights, however, used both thin and broad blades for cutting actions and tapered blades for thrusting and stabbing actions.

Types of Swords

1- Broadsword
Broadsword was the earliest medieval sword ever dating back to 6th century. This sword has a couple of edges with width around 2–3 inches. Also, the point was often tapered. The Broadsword length was often measured between 30 to 45 inches while the weight was measured between 3 to 5 lbs.

2- Greatsword
The Greatsword was a great two handed sword. It was a longer sword with length ranging between 50 and 70 inches. Even the handle of the sword was more than 20 inches. The weight of the Greatsword ranged between 6 and 10 lbs. In addition, it featured an enhance handle which permitted the warriors to use it with both hands.

3- Longsword
Longsword was sometimes called a Bastersword. At times, this sword was also known as Hand and a Half sword. This was another long sword that ranged between 44 and 50 inches, considering the length.

4- Falchion Sword
Falchion sword was a popular medieval sword that featured a short blade, but too heavy. It often included a single edge on the blade. It was like a huge scimitar. Those knights who were on crusade often preferred this sword.

Parts of Swords

1- Blade
The major part of a Medieval sword was the blade. Generally, there was a cutting edge on the blade. This edge could be either on one side or both sides of the blade. The part closest to the hilt was Ricasso while Fuller was the groove that run down the sword’s middle part. The groove made the blade stronger as well as lighter.

2- Hilt
Hilt was an important part of the sword. This was the area that soldiers used for holding on to the weapon. A pommel, crossguard, and grip made the hilt.

3- Pommel
The pommel used to be on the and of the hilt. This part was used by the warriors for countering the weight of the blade. With the help of the pommel, the blade could become easy to use and balanced.

4- Grip
Grip was usually constructed using wood or bone, and was covered typically in a leather. It was designed to fit the hand of a knight and making sure that the sword does not slip from the grasp of the knight.

5- Crossguard
Crossguard was usually horizontal to the blade. It made the sword appear as a cross. The purpose of crossguard on the Medieval swords was to protect the hands of the knights.