| A sword is a fine edged weapon and its blade is | | | | popular swords that were used throughout the |
| longer than a dagger. This is also the major | | | | 12th and 13th centuries. Most of the time, the |
| difference between a sword and dagger. Medieval | | | | sword was designed to be the most affective |
| period swords were developed according to the | | | | against armour. Sword making required |
| fighting techniques prevalent at that era. These | | | | considerable talent and the maker of sword had |
| swords were mainly used for slashing. Sword | | | | little knowledge of metallurgy. |
| making was not an easy task in the medieval | | | | To match up with the latest range of armour, |
| period and it involved the hard work of various | | | | innovative designs of swords were more |
| men. The medieval sword making involved a | | | | prevalent in 14th and 15th centuries and were |
| forger, a person for shaping the blade, a person | | | | called as longs word. The blade and grip area was |
| for finishing the blade, a person for polishing and a | | | | lengthened and it allowed for two handed use and |
| person who made the hilt of the sword. In the | | | | hence had stronger momentum when used. This |
| medieval period, countries like Germany, Italy, | | | | type of sword was double edged wide and 4-4.5 |
| Spain and France were the major sword making | | | | feet long and was known for its cutting, reaching |
| areas. Swords were either used by people in war | | | | and thrusting abilities. Longs word was considered |
| or for everyday use. The most popular swords | | | | as the ultimate battle sword. Medieval swords |
| of that era were Christian symbol swords and | | | | were swinging weapons, which were used with |
| were worn as a part of medieval grab. Rapiers | | | | tremendous force and were considered as |
| were the most popular sword of civilians, which | | | | offensive weapons. These were mainly used to |
| have long thin flexible blades that was good for | | | | protect warriors relying on shield and body |
| dueling with one hand. Rapiers stayed in trend until | | | | armour. Some of the distinguish features of |
| the 17th century. | | | | medieval swords are: |
| Sword making required considerable talent and the | | | | • Pommel - It served as a counterpoise to the |
| maker of sword had little knowledge of | | | | blade for increased maneuverability. |
| metallurgy, carbon contents and the exact | | | | • Handle - In the medieval period sword, the |
| temperature requirement and most of the | | | | handle was of increased length to allow |
| medieval sword makers used intuition in forging a | | | | double-handed grip. |
| good steel sword. Generally the good blade metal | | | | • Crossbar - Crossbar was added between |
| is free of flaws. In the 11th century, the Norman | | | | the handle and the blade for balance and also for |
| type of sword was developed with a cross guard | | | | protection of the hand. |
| or quillions, which protected the hand from being | | | | • Blade - Blade of the medieval swords were |
| cut as well as easily trapped the sword of the | | | | straight, pointed and double edged. |
| opponent. Norman sword was one of the most | | | | |