Others had diamond cross-sections that stiffened the sword blade. Some had a fuller, which lightened the blade without compromising its structure. These blades were better for thrusting against armor but less efficient for cutting. After the mid-14th century, blades became thicker and sharply tapered. Earlier sword blades were less tapered, suited for both thrusting and cutting. Longswords had symmetrical double-edged blades, which varied in tapering and cross-sections. Type XVIIIb Longsword, circa 15th Century – Credits: In slack quenching, medieval swordsmiths used quenching media like molten lead, boiling water, or olive oil, which did not draw out heat as fast. Japanese swordsmiths traditionally covered the blade in clay, so the cutting edge was hardened during quenching. However, longsword blades were not clay tempered as done with the Japanese katana. Some longsword blades had steel edges forge-welded to an iron core.

The process created less brittle but also less hard blades. Medieval swordsmiths often used slack quenching, where blades were drastically cooled.

Due to a lack of precise control and measuring equipment, medieval blades had varying carbon content and could not match the quality of modern steel. However, early medieval technology made it difficult to produce even low-carbon steel to meet the requirements.Įarly medieval ironmakers used the bloomery iron-smelting process in charcoal furnaces. The ideal sword blade needed to be hard and resilient to resist bending and fracturing. Medieval swords evolved as metallurgy improved. Here are the unique characteristics of the medieval longsword: Type of Metal The distinguishing characteristic of the longsword was its longer grip rather than its long blade, though most of them had both. However, fencing master Joseph Swetnam described bastard swords as shorter than longswords but longer than the short swords. Many associate it with the hand-and-a-half sword or bastard sword, which appears in the medieval armory list. The longsword also served as a sidearm for armored fighting, implying that it was short enough to be able to draw from the belt. In German fencing texts, they are the kind of weapons used in the so-called “art of the long sword.” To German-speaking medieval fencers, it meant using the sword as a long range weapon rather than using a sword longer than other swords. These included long swords, war swords or espée de guerre, and grans espée.įor convenience, modern historical fencers use the term longsword, as there is no specific term for the weapon. Medieval writers used several sword terminologies that may mean differently to another writer. However, the term longsword is relatively modern-not a historical term. Today, the term “longsword” refers to all swords lightweight enough to wield in one hand but has a long grip to accommodate two hands. Let us talk about the history of the longsword, its medieval uses, and how it differs from the European greatswords. It suited the military strategies and social environment throughout Europe and eventually became a dueling weapon. Most recognized for its cruciform hilt, the longsword was light enough to use one-handed, but the long grip also allowed two-handed use. Lots of photo opportunities with people dressed in Renaissance period costumes.Īll in all, a fun, unique way to spend a day! – Robyn P.During the Middle Ages, the medieval knights wielded their longswords against heavily armored opponents. Unusual activities to choose from, such as shooting a bow and arrow and throwing spears. Plenty of opportunities to purchase a variety of items- and some of these would be hard to find elsewhere (such as glass blowing on-site, aromatherapy items, leather goods, and many places to buy Renaissance-era clothing and lots of jewelry, just to name a few). The environment felt safe and secure with Security personnel located throughout the venue. There are plenty of options for food and drink. Small children will really have fun, as there are a plethora of things for them to do (especially the age 5-10 age group). Thanks to an abundance of actors and staging, you really do feel like you have transformed to the Renaissance time period! This is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, with a lot of GREAT opportunities for people watching! We had a very good time visiting the Renaissance Faire today on OPENING weekend.

Medieval sword pictures