Martial Arts Of The World - Webs

strength, stamina, and ferociousness were valuable factors, the same could
be said of quickness, coordination, and nerve.
Medieval swords existed in great varieties over more than nine centuries.
Today, they are greatly misunderstood, regularly misrepresented,
and handled incorrectly. For example, the popular misnomer broadsword
is commonly misapplied in reference to medieval blades although the term
is historically incorrect. Over the medieval centuries experimentation in
sword designs was almost constant. The generic medieval sword has a
thin, straight, fairly wide blade 32 to 38 inches long, with two parallel
edges and a simple cross-guard (or “cruciform” hilt). Their blades ranged
from wider cleaving ones to thinner, stiffer, and acutely pointed ones.
Many were longer than 42 inches and suited to use by either one or two
hands, while still others could only be handled in both hands. Such specialized
designs were sophisticated and inventive responses to the hazards
of battle against the arms and armors of a range of adversaries. Warriors
might even own several kinds of sword, being expert in the subtleties of
applying each.
Medieval swords were sturdy weapons with thick, flexible blades
slanting to fine edges. They were durable steel weapons capable of withstanding
the blows of other finely tempered blades. They were sturdy
enough to beat or chop on thick pole-arms and metal-rimmed shields. They
were designed with the understanding that armor of many types could be
encountered and had to be defeated. European armors in particular were
tough and highly sophisticated. Medieval weaponry was practiced with almost
constant regard to the armor (typically mail) that would be encountered.
Though produced by relatively simple technology, medieval swords
were indeed sophisticated weapons. Thus the concept of the “medieval
sword” does not really mean that there was only one type.
Beyond the characteristics noted above, most medieval swords were
two-edged blades either nipped at the point or gradually tapering. The 2to
3-inch width of the blade allowed for repeated sharpening and grinding
to remove gouges and nicks. Although their lengths and widths varied,
these blades could deliver a shearing cut that made a large, devastating
wound. They generally had to be wielded with one hand. When used from
horseback, they needed to be long enough to strike standing targets. When
used on foot, they needed to be long enough to reach up to mounted adversaries.
When used facing a shield, they typically had to be able to reach
an opponent’s legs, head, and weapon arm. Contrary to what is depicted in
most films and television sword fights, medieval swords were not at all
heavy (less than three and a half pounds on average); they had to be light
enough to be used all day in combat.
As with the weapons themselves, the manner in which swords were
Swordsmanship, European Medieval 571