This technique combines the use of the sword with wrestling, providing opportunities to trip, disarm, break, or throw an opponent and place them in a less offensively and defensively capable position. Buy the medieval Albrecht Hand-and-a-Half Swords for $ 299.99. Blofechten (blosz fechten) or "bare fighting" is the technique of fighting without significant protective armour such as plate or mail. The arming sword, also called the knightly sword, had a short grip and was designed to be wielded with one hand. Rather than restricting its use to either one or two hands, it allows for both types of wielding. Sign up for our mailing-list and be alerted to new products, special sales, limited product availability, and more. [8] During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" or "long-sword", if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing). The earlier flatter blade types could not chop through plate armor, and its thin tip would only glance off instead of puncturing it. Some of the earliest swords seemingly designed for two handed use are the Grete Swords of War of the 13th C. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. This . A hand-and-a-half sword, however, falls somewhere between these two, with an average blade length of about 22 to 30 inches. Hanwei's Albrecht Sword Review [13] Sub-type XXa has a more acutely tapering blade and a more acute point. This was the most common longsword up to the late 13th century CE. A channel ran down about half of the blade. The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with . This balance made the hand-and-a-half sword a formidable weapon, as it was light enough to easily maneuver yet still heavy enough to inflict serious damage when wielded by a skilled swordsman. The Cold Steel Kris series, which includes a sword and dagger, is something we hope all . The Spartiats were always armed with a xiphos as a secondary weapon. Regardless, the sword's defining characteristics remain the same: it can be used with either one hand or both hands. These are referred to by a variety of names and include Langschwert, spadone or spada longa, grootzwaard, pe btarde, and bastard sword. Special, versatile (1d8) The middle ground between an arming sword and a longsword --sometimes called a "hand and a half sword"-- this blade's hilt is short enough to be used in one hand while also being long enough to warrant two hands if needed though it isn't as effective as a longsword . In terms of blade typology, they do not form a single category. The Elizabethan long sword (cf. A sword with a single hand grip length but longsword blade length The so called "hand and a half" swords Longswords/Greatswords that could be effectively used one handed but were usually used with both making it hard to describe as strictly a one hander or two hander J Jonathon Belt Joined Aug 20, 2011 Messages 40 Aug 14, 2013 #8 Also, the hand on the blade increases its rigidity which is advantageous when thrusting. The swords grouped as "longswords" for the purposes of this article are united by their being intended for two-handed use. A longsword (also spelled long sword, long-sword) is a type of European sword characterized as having a cruciform hilt with a grip for two handed use and a straight double-edged blade of around 100 to 122 cm (39 to 48 in . Weight: 50oz Blade Thickness: 1/5" Blade Length: 33-1/2" Blade Steel: 1060 Carbon Handle Length/Material: 12" Overall Length: 45-1/2" Additional Features: Leather / Wood Scabbard with Steel Fittings. Overall 39 inches. So, what benefits (if any) does a hand-and-a-half sword offer? SBA-WARSPIKE-T $158 Out of Stock As with our single-hand broadswords above these weapons are custom made. The tang is peened onto the forged pommel. We will respect your privacy. The 1410 manuscript by Fiore dei Liberi presents a variety of uses for the longsword. The term referred to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting. Often also referred to as a hand-and-a-half sword. [19] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts. For example, there is a longsword in The Glasgow Art and History Museum, Labelled XIIIa. But if that same warrior encountered an enemy on an open battlefield, he may switch to using two hands for greater strength and stopping power. This sword tends to have a guard that is slightly loose. George Silver[31] and Joseph Swetnam) is a single-handed "cut-and-thrust" sword with a 1.2-meter-long (4ft) blade[22] similar to the long rapier. Made from 5160 high-carbon steel, this functional sword has a double-edge blade. The hand-and-a-half sword is also called a bastard sword because it has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a one-handed or two-handed weapon. . Grip Length: 7.5 inches; Overall Length: 46.5 inches; Blade thickness (base): 4.6 mm; Blade thickness (1" from tip): 3.0 mm; Guard Width: 10 inches; There is a wide assortment of Kris swords styles to choose from as each island, region, clan, or school has its own favorite with some putting more emphasis on cutting while others favor styles more conducive for thrusting. Classically simple in design with a flattened diamond-section blade and cruciform hilt, the original dates from the early part of the 15th century. So, what exactly is a hand-and-a-half sword? It remains identifiable as a type during the period of about 1350 to 1550. Pen & Sword Books Limited. Of these, "bastard sword" is the oldest, its use being contemporaneous with the weapon's heyday. Hand-and-a-half swords have special half-grips that can be used with either one or both hands. It was the typical knights sword of the 15th century designed for thrusting against vulnerable points in plate armor. NE Hans Talhoffer, a mid-15th-century German fightmaster, is probably the most prominent, using a wide variety of moves, most resulting in wrestling. A longsword typically features a blade with a length of approximately 33 to 41 inches (85 to 110 cm). All of these types can be classified in some of their forms as Longsword, Bastard Sword and Hand and a Half swords. This type of sword was first developed in Europe in the 15th century and reflected the emergence of asymmetric guards, which made a two-edged blade somewhat redundant. Pal. The idea for the spatha came from the swords of ancient Celts in Germany and Britain. Since it has no legitimate claim to being a member of either weapon family, it has earned the name bastard sword. 8 . Furthermore, there is a deprecation of the term "broadsword" by these associations. Ehhh, Xiphos were typically more of a shortsword, usually only about 24ish inches in length. On the other hand, the hand-and-a-half swords were often used alone. It does not mean that these blades could not cut well, though they were less optimized for slashing. Venezia, fine secolo XV. In China, the dao is considered one of the four traditional weapons, along with the gun (stick or staff), qiang (spear), and the jian (sword). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. One example how a sword can be used this way is to thrust the tip of the crossguard at the opponent's head right after parrying a stroke. Swordsmen were trained to use the dulled side for defensive and blocking techniques. The basket-hilted sword is a sword type of the early modern era characterised by a basket-shaped guard that protects the hand. [21] Others provided similar work, some with a wide array of images to accompany the text.[22]. Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods And Techniques, Medieval Military Technology, Second Edition. Hand-and-a-half swords had long grips that permitted the use of the second hand. The weapon was used in the half-sword, with one or both hands on the blade. 15th Century. A hand-and-a-half sword can be anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 feet long and generally weighs around 2-4 pounds. Warspike Knight's Hand-and-a-Half (Bastard) Sword $95 In Stock! The edgeless swords category comprises weapons which are related to or labelled as "swords" but do not emphasise hacking or slashing techniques or have any cutting edges whatsoever. Daggers were loot/spoils. This 15th Century Hand and a Half Sword is a surprisingly agile sword for its size with a total weight of only about 3 lbs - this ensures the sword is swift on the strike and a fine sword for drills and use. This is especially the case for weapons from antiquity, made before the development of high quality steel that is necessary for longer swords, in particular: Oversized two-handers used as parade swords or ceremonial weapons often exceeded the length and weight of practical weapons of war. During the first half of the 20th century, the term "bastard sword" was also used regularly to refer to this type of sword, while "long sword" (or "long-sword"), if used at all, referred to the rapier (in the context of Renaissance or Early Modern fencing).[7]. While slashing attacks were still moderately effective against infantry wearing half-plate armour, cutting and slicing attacks against an opponent wearing plate armour were almost entirely ineffective in providing any sort of slashing wound as the sword simply could not cut through the steel, although a combatant could aim for the chinks in a suit of armour, sometimes to great effect. SWORD, late 14th century, . In the Oakeshott typology of blade morphology, "longswords" figure as a range of sub-types of the corresponding single-handed sword types.[16]. The hand-and-a-half swords optimized the combination of reach, maneuverability, and weight. Ewart Oakeshott classified medieval swords into types, focusing on their blade type, pommel, and crossguard designs. Sword Mounting Hand-and-a-half swords can be used with one or both hands as needed in combat. On the other hand, those with stainless steel blades are only meant for decoration while LARP versions have foam blades. Weight ranged from 1 to 1.5 kg. Learn more about the history and use of the hand-and-a-half sword and how it compares to other medieval swords. Irish Hand and Half Sword by Legacy Arms - CAS Iberia It remained in use as a weapon of war intended for wielders wearing full plate armour either on foot or on horseback, throughout the late medieval period. Scabbard. The hand-and-a-half swords had long, slender blades and sharp points that could penetrate the gaps in the opponents armor. The distance between the hands obviously increases the leverage that combatant could exert on the weapon. Today, the two terms are used interchangeably, with some people referring to as a hand-and-a-half sword and others calling it a bastard sword. A tradition of teaching based on this has survived in contemporary French and Italian stick fighting.[24]. The backsword blade was cheaper to manufacture than a two-edged blade. Longswords or . Sword Length: 42 5/8". hand and a half sword | BladeForums.com The "Masters of Defence" competition organised by Henry VIII in July 1540 listed two handed sword and bastard sword as two separate items. A rapier (/ r e p i r /) or espada ropera is a type of sword with a slender and sharply-pointed two-edged blade that was popular in Western Europe, both for civilian use (dueling and self-defense) and as a military side arm, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.. Hand and a half swords is a modern term to describe bastard swords but it is used in reference to long swords. Here are the unique characteristics of hand-and-a-half swords: Historical hand-and-a-half sword blades were often made of a single piece of steel and were hardened by quenching. Others also had knuckle guards, particularly the Swiss style. Distinct "bastard sword" hilt types developed during the first half of the 16th century. Historical terms without a universal consensus of definition (i.e. Hand-and-a-Half Sword. Type XVIa is the classical "longsword" of the 14th and 15th centuries. The grip was somewhat larger than the grip of a one-handed sword so that . The top hand would push, and the bottom hand would pull; this gave extra leverage thus the sword would be easier to swing, ignoring much of its weight. . The hand-and-a-half sword was a balanced weapon that enabled one to use it with one or both hands. This versatility was unique, as multiple works hold that the longsword provided the foundations for learning a variety of other weapons including spears, staves, and polearms. Black War Sword And Scabbard - High Carbon Steel Blade, Wooden Handle, Leather-Wrapped - Length 42". [2] Navigation menu . [27][28][29][self-published source? The khopesh is an ancient Egyptian curved short sword with a length of approx. The hand-and-a-half sword falls somewhere in between the one-handed and two-handed weapons. [8] 4 European Single Hand-and-a-half Sword. Some of the earliest swords seemingly designed for two handed use are the "Grete Swords of War" of the 13thC. Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different types. An example of a "true" bastard sword / hand-and-a-half sword We see very thin blades with tremendous cutting potential to swords of the more common diamond cross section, many with fullers, to the category of Tucks which hadblades designed for thrusting and levering ones opponent in close play. Today, it is among the most common weapons used in HEMA. Recommended Products Windlass Rustblocker Special Offer (Reg $24.95) [+$21.95] Flitz Care Kit Special Offer (Reg $26.95) [+$21.95] In stock BUY NOW OVERVIEW The English language terminology used in the classification of swords is imprecise and has varied widely over time. Though deemed a Hand and a Half sword, this sword has a grip length and handling characteristics that would be fitting for a longsword. Landesbib. It is considered "The General of All Weapons". The hook sword, twin hooks, fu tao or shuang gou (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: or ; pinyin: Gou), also known as hu tou gou (tiger head hook), is a Chinese weapon traditionally associated with northern styles of Chinese martial arts and Wushu weapons routines, but now often practiced by southern styles as well. The Scabbard All Hanwei western medieval swords come with a nicely made scabbard. What Type of Sword is the Master Sword from Zelda? | ResetEra After looking around, we'd appreciate 2 minutes of your timeto answer 3 short questions about your experience. Advantages of Hand-and-a-Half Swords This probably represents the differing tastes of current sword buyers from those of the Middle Ages. Grip: hand-and-half to two hand length, 6" to 10" Average Weight: Primary purpose: cutting Period: Great Sword or War Sword, in use from middle of the 13th c to the latter half of the 14th Sub-Type XIIIb Profile: broad, flat and parallel edges Cross-section: lenticular Average Blade Length: 35" It is uncertain whether the same term could still be used to other types of smaller swords, but antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of "bastard sword" as referring unambiguously to these large swords. [44], The "tuck" (French estoc, Italian stocco)[citation needed] is an edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section used for thrusting. The hand-and-a-half sword is particularly versatile in this regard. And this is why it remains a popular sword type even after all of those years. Historical terms (15th to 16th century) for this type of sword included the Italian spada longa (lunga) and French pe longue. Some advantages over wooden training gear are, Durability - Won't split, rot or splinter. Therein the basics of combat were described and, in some cases, depicted. [5]:130 These all seem to have originated in Bavaria and in Switzerland. or example, 'longsword' is related to the German 'langshwert', and 'bastard sword' from the French 'pe btarde', Take the Survey (takes 2 minutes or less). Handle Length. [4], The Panzerstecher ("armour stabber") is a German and East European weapon with a long, edgeless blade of square or triangular cross-section for penetrating armour. The excellent balance and light weight make the Warspike an exceptional addition to any collection. Swords with exceptionally long hilts are found throughout the High Middle Ages. Two handed jians from the time of the Chu and Han Dynasty were up to 150cm (58in) long. Lengths usually ranged from 110 cm to 150 cm, with 120 to 125 cm probably being the median. The French pe btarde and the English "bastard sword" originate in the 15th or 16th century, originally in the general sense of "irregular sword, sword of uncertain origin", but by the mid-16th century could refer to exceptionally large swords.
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hand and a half sword length