Few weapons evoke the image of a medieval knight as powerfully as the arming sword, the quintessential one-handed blade that dominated European battlefields for centuries. Crafted for both war and ceremony, this versatile weapon was as much a symbol of nobility as it was a tool of combat. From the clash of mail-clad warriors to the rise of plate armour, the arming sword adapted, endured, and left an indelible mark on history.
Balanced for speed yet sturdy enough to cleave through resistance, it was the trusted sidearm of knights and men-at-arms alike. Whether wielded alongside a shield in the chaos of a melee or thrust into the gaps of an opponent’s armour, its design reflected the evolving nature of medieval warfare. Today, it lives on not only in museum collections but also in the hands of historical martial artists and the pages of fantasy epics.
This is the story of the knightly sword. its origins, its use, and its enduring legacy.
Basic Profile
| Also Called | Knightly sword, war sword |
|---|---|
| Period of Use | 11th–15th centuries |
| Primary Users | European knights and men-at-arms |
| Type | Single-handed cruciform sword, typically paired with a shield |
Specifications
| Blade Length | 70–80 cm (27–32 inches) |
| Overall Length | 90–110 cm (35–43 inches) |
| Weight | 1.0–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lbs) |
| Blade Shape | Straight, double-edged, tapering to a sharp point |
| Grip | One-handed, wrapped in leather, wood, or wire |
| Crossguard | Straight or slightly curved for hand protection |
| Pommel | Disc, Brazil-nut, or wheel-shaped for balance |
| Fuller | Central groove to reduce weight while maintaining strength |
History and Evolution
Origins
- Descended from the Viking sword and earlier Roman spatha (Oakeshott Type X).
11th–12th Centuries
- Broad, flat blades optimised for cutting through mail and padded armour.
13th Century
- More tapered points developed to exploit gaps in improving armour.
14th–15th Centuries
- Shorter, stiffer blades for thrusting against plate armour.
- Gradually eclipsed by longswords as full plate became common.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Versatile – Effective for cuts and thrusts | Limited reach – Shorter than longswords or polearms |
| Fast and agile – Quick strikes and parries | Struggled against plate armour – Required precise thrusts |
| Perfect for shield combat – Ideal for knightly duelling styles | Less power – Single-handed strikes lacked two-handed force |
| Durable – Well-balanced for prolonged use | Declined in late medieval warfare – Outclassed by specialised weapons |
Comparison with Other Medieval Swords
| Sword Type | Features | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arming Sword | 1-handed, versatile | Fast cuts and thrusts | Less effective against plate |
| Longsword | 2-handed, longer reach | Better armour penetration | Heavier, slower to draw |
| Falchion | Single-edged, curved | Devastating cuts | Poor for thrusting |
| Greatsword | Massive 2-handed blade | Crushed armour | Exhausting to wield |
| Sabre | Curved, single-edged | Cavalry slashes | Less precise in thrusts |
Legacy
- Symbol of knighthood – Depicted in heraldry, art, and literature.
- Fantasy inspiration – Found in Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.
- HEMA revival – Practised in Historical European Martial Arts today.
Where to See Authentic Arming Swords
| Museum | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The British Museum | London | Exceptional medieval collections |
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | New York | Knightly swords with provenance |
| The Wallace Collection | London | Rare high-quality examples |
| Royal Armouries Museum | Leeds | Extensive arms and armour displays |
| Kunsthistorisches Museum | Vienna | Late medieval European swords |
Collector’s Guide
Authentic Pieces
- Extremely rare, often exceeding £8,000+.
- Provenance is critical (archaeological or museum documentation).
Replicas
- High-quality smiths: Albion, Arms & Armor, Windlass Steelcrafts.
- HEMA trainers: Regenyei, Black Fencer, Ensifer.
Key Features to Check
- Correct weight and balance.
- Blade geometry (taper, fuller, tip reinforcement).
- Materials (high-carbon steel for durability).
Care and Maintenance
- Oil regularly to prevent rust.
- Store in a leather scabbard.
- Avoid striking hard surfaces with display replicas.
Investment Value
- Museum-grade swords rarely lose value.
- Custom smiths (e.g., Peter Johnsson) produce sought-after pieces.
