backsword

A backsword, or back sword, is a European single-edged sword characterized by a blade with the cutting edge on one side and a comparatively reinforced spine. The blade is typically straight and often feature a fuller to reduce weight. Guards range from simple crossguards to more elaborate forms in later periods, and hilts may include basic pommels or, in some examples, knuckle guards. The term distinguishes it from double-edged arming swords and from later thrust-focused blades.

The backsword has its roots in the late medieval period and remained common into the early modern era, roughly from the 14th through the 18th century. It served as a practical civilian weapon for self-defense, dueling, and daily tasks, and it was also issued as a battlefield sidearm to some infantry before more specialized weapons and firearms predominated. In certain regions, notably parts of the British Isles, the backsword persisted alongside newer sword types longer than some of its continental counterparts.

Fighting style for the backsword emphasized powerful edge cuts and hacking motions, made possible by the blade’s single edge and reinforced spine. While thrusting occurred, cutting techniques were central to most combinations. It was commonly used with a shield or buckler in earlier practice, and later examples sometimes reflect evolving parrying and guard positions as sword arts adapted to changing combat norms.

Legacy: The backsword is a subject of study in historical European martial arts and is represented in museum collections and reenactment programs. It marks a transitional phase between medieval arming swords and the lighter, more thrust-oriented blades of the early modern era.