Medieval one-handed sword

Medieval one-handed sword made of steel

Medieval one-handed swords, so-called knightly swords, were very popular with the sword nobility in the High and Late Middle Ages. They developed from the spathas in the 10th century, with the Viking sword being seen as a transitional form. The crossguard of the medieval one-handed sword is longer than that of early medieval specimens, while the blade is somewhat narrower and more pointed.

One-handed swords with a straight blade from the High and Late Middle Ages are also known colloquially as knight swords. This is largely because medieval knights were often depicted wielding a one-handed sword and shield or buckler. Examples of this can be found in the Codex Manesse or the Sachsenspiegel.

The medieval one-handed sword was the knight's melee weapon and could be used as a slashing or thrusting weapon, depending on its nature. Until about the middle of the 14th century, the one-handed swords were wider and equipped with a sharper blade, since they were used more as a slashing weapon against light mail armor. When plate armor came into use, the one-handed swords became narrower towards the point (the tip of the sword) and used as a thrusting weapon. One-handed swords were also used on horseback when the polearm broke, lost, or became unwieldy in the thick of battle.

The carbon steel blade of the beautiful sword offered here is forged through to the pommel and double-screwed at the end of the handle. The handle has a stitched leather wrap and is equipped with a classic disc pommel. Our medieval one-handed sword is characterized by the straight crossguard, which gives the sword the typical cross shape. The blade is not sharpened.

The sword comes WITHOUT a scabbard. A suitable sheath can be purchased separately in our shop (item no. 0101106401).

It is pointed out that this sword is not battle-ready. It is designed as a collector's item or decorative object and is also ideal as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.

Details:

- Material: blade made of carbon steel (not stainless), handle with leather wrapping

- Total length: approx. 97 cm

- Blade length: approx. 77 cm

- Blade width at guard: approx. 3.7 cm

- Handle length: approx. 20 cm (handle section approx. 15 cm)

- Weight: about 1.25kg

The specifications above may vary slightly from copy to copy.

The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. We recommend that you care for the blade regularly, e.g. with Ballistol, a universal oil that is ideal for preserving steel goods.

Please note:

This item is for sale only to persons over the age of 18.