BROADSWORD
Historically speaking, the word Broadsword was never really ascribed to a single specific weapon, except perhaps the Basket-hilted Broadsword in use by the Scots and English during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Instead, modern convention (beginning in the Victorian Era) has usurped the term to describe almost any straight bladed European sword in use from the time of Charlemagne to the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
The broadsword, in its most "broad" definition, was primarily a military sword which many people assume fell into disuse with the birth of the rapier during the Italian Renaissance (mid 15th century). In actuality, broadsword and rapier shared nearly two centuries of European history, the latter being the civilian's weapon of choice and the former maintaining its popularity with the soldier.
Common characteristics of a "broadsword" include a straight, fairly wide, usually double-edged blade that is designed primarily for cutting, although most have a point perfectly capable of delivering an "armor piercing" thrust. The comparatively simple hilt is generally cruciform in shape with quillons that can be either straight or curved and a substantial pommel to counterbalance the blade. Blade length averages between 28 and 34 inches but can exceed four feet in the two-handed varieties. The most common form used in theatrical combat is the hand-and-a-half, or bastard sword which is light enough to be used in one hand but has an extended grip to accommodate two hands.
Historically speaking, the word Broadsword was never really ascribed to a single specific weapon, except perhaps the Basket-hilted Broadsword in use by the Scots and English during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Instead, modern convention (beginning in the Victorian Era) has usurped the term to describe almost any straight bladed European sword in use from the time of Charlemagne to the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
The broadsword, in its most "broad" definition, was primarily a military sword which many people assume fell into disuse with the birth of the rapier during the Italian Renaissance (mid 15th century). In actuality, broadsword and rapier shared nearly two centuries of European history, the latter being the civilian's weapon of choice and the former maintaining its popularity with the soldier.
Common characteristics of a "broadsword" include a straight, fairly wide, usually double-edged blade that is designed primarily for cutting, although most have a point perfectly capable of delivering an "armor piercing" thrust. The comparatively simple hilt is generally cruciform in shape with quillons that can be either straight or curved and a substantial pommel to counterbalance the blade. Blade length averages between 28 and 34 inches but can exceed four feet in the two-handed varieties. The most common form used in theatrical combat is the hand-and-a-half, or bastard sword which is light enough to be used in one hand but has an extended grip to accommodate two hands.