The xiphos was the straight, double-edged sword associated with the warriors of ancient Greece. Compact, broad-bladed and...
European Swords
European swords have a long and rich history, spanning thousands of years and evolving significantly over time. These weapons were crafted for various purposes, from combat to ceremonial use, and played crucial roles in shaping European societies. Below is an introduction to the evolution and types of swords commonly found in Europe.
The smallsword was one of the defining European swords of the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Light,...
The executioner’s sword was one of the most specialised swords produced in early modern Europe. It was...
The sword breaker is one of those historical weapons whose name has done it a slight disservice....
Buying an original Napoleonic sword is one of those collecting decisions where enthusiasm can become expensive remarkably...
The backsword was one of the characteristic swords of early modern Britain. Straight, usually single-edged and built...
The estoc is one of the most specialised swords ever developed. At first glance it looks almost...
The spatha is one of history’s most influential swords. Although many people associate it with the Roman...
The Hirschfänger, literally translating as “deer catcher”, is one of Europe’s most distinctive hunting swords. Combining practical...
The Roman gladius is one of a few weapons to have influenced warfare profoundly. For almost five...