Bastard sword got fame during the Middle Agesduring the 1400s due to their unique and irregular blades that ripped the enemies’ flesh apart. Initially, battles and battlefields were filled with typical long swords, later the Medieval Knights started using bastard swords with longer handles as they were easy to use with either hand or both. By the 19th century, the bastard swords began to be called the hand and a half sword due to the versatility of the design, allowing ambidexterity. These swords went explicitly to knights, allegedly granting them the power of ten ordinary men.
The Origin of the Bastard Sword
The name“bastard sword”originates from the French phrase ‘epee batarde’ that meant a long sword with an irregular appearance of blade shape. The term obliquely referred to the unclear origin of the sword as it couldn’t be categorized as a one or two-handed weapon.
But since the tang of these swords was longer, it was easier forMedieval knights to have a better grip. These were special warriors outfitted in complete armory and who protected their Lords during the medieval period in Europe. They had this designation based on their classes, in the feudal system. And in case of critical or combat situations, they could leverage more power using both hands and maximize their ability to reach the enemy’s neck. The bastard sword is light, flexible, and easy to carry for such situations.
The Making of Bastard Sword
These swords were unique in themselves, and the manufacturing was not similar to other medieval weapons such as spears or axes. Exceptional craftsmen called blade-smiths (or swordsmen) would shape the hilt in two halves, suitable for two-handed usage. They made the grip by tapering the hilt from each side and bulging at the center. This way, the Medieval knights could place both hands on separate areas, and no matter which particular hand they used, the bulge in the center supported the movement. Most craftsmen could make any type of medieval weapons such as axes, bows, and spears
To create the shape of the blade, swordsmen would heat the metal to melt it, and with molding, they would temper the raw metal into a longsword’s shape.
Parts and Sword Siz e
The Bastard swordwas not the exact version of old ages’ longsword. It had a slightly longer and much stronger halt with longer blades but a lighter weight of around 5 to 8 lbs. The halt’s division includes a crossguard that starts from the blade side and ends at the middle, called the grip. The grip went further into the pommel, the circular part at the end of the sword.
Blade size
The blade length of the Gladius sword was 40 inches, while the bastard sword could go up to 48 inches with edgy double-sided blades.
Hilt Size
The hilt size was as long as 10 to 15 inches, enough for both hands to firmly grip the area.
Training and Use of the Bastard Sword
Bastard swords were the hero of middle age, and even today, they can tear through thick armor with the sharp edges. Primarily,the soldier intent was only to hack at or slash off the enemy. As time passed, the method of attack shifted to thrusting and gorging them on the spot. The medieval knights started feeling more in control of this lighter and effective sword than any other weapon of that time. Since it had a better grip, knights could swing the sword and attack at gaps in the armor, including the armpits, neck, elbow, and helm opening.
Since the knight’s vulnerable positions were almost the same for all, sword training of each man started as a pageat the early age of 7 and lasted until 14. The next step to reaching knighthood was becoming a squire and lasted till 21. During these years, the future knights practiced their strokes, cutting, slicing, and thrusting on a pell (an older version of today’s punching bag)in a designated training area.
Since the job of the Medieval knights was to protect the lords, they went through tough and time-consuming training before getting the responsibility. Unless they weren’t the experts in thrusting the enemy with a bastard sword, they kept training.
Conclusion
The bastard sword was one of the greatest innovations of the 14th and 15th centuries. The larger blade size and firm grip equated one knight with a bastard sword to ten ordinary soldiers with regular swords. Since it was lightweight, the army could sustain its defense at the time of attacking, without getting tired due to the weight of the weapon. Hence, knights could successfully gain and advantage in the battlefield over others with mediocre weapons. Even today, you can find such powerful Bastard Swords on the internet and decorate your Modern Manors and Castles the rooms with the legacy of the middle-eastern times. When your choice is the best weaponry around and quality merchandise, visit Battling Blades and prepare to be awestruck by our range of premium Spartan Shield.