armingsword

An arming sword, also known as a knightly sword, is a one-handed, cruciform-hilted straight sword that was the standard weapon of knights and men-at-arms in Western Europe during the High Middle Ages. It originated in the 11th century and remained common through the 13th, with its use gradually declining in the 14th century as longer two-handed swords became more prevalent.

Design and construction: The arming sword typically features a straight, double-edged blade designed for both cutting and thrusting. Blade lengths generally range from about 60 to 85 centimeters (roughly 24 to 33 inches), with total weapon lengths around 90 to 110 centimeters. The hilt has a simple crossguard, a grip for one hand, and a counterbalancing pommel. The one-handed balance made it versatile for combat on foot or horseback, especially when paired with a shield or buckler.

Role and use: The weapon served as the primary armament for armored combat, used in duels, skirmishes, and battlefield engagements. Its versatility allowed soldiers to cut, thrust, parry, and maneuver effectively against armored opponents. The arming sword was commonly worn with plate or mail armor and was often part of a knight’s full fighting kit.

Evolution and legacy: As military tactics and armor evolved, the arming sword eventually gave way to longer, two-handed swords such as the longsword. In modern historical study, the arming sword is appreciated as the quintessential one-handed knightly sword of the 11th–13th centuries and a key step in the development of European swordsmanship.