Hand And A Half Sword: History and Modern Use

Any sword enthusiast would agree that the Hand and a half sword is the most versatile and effective sword. Amazingly light and fast for a sword of this size, this sword is an iconic piece with an interesting history which may pique your desire to own one for collection, training, or simply boasting about your expertise to your fellow historians.

What Is A Hand And A Half Sword?

The hand and a half sword, also known as longsword or bastard sword are names that refer to the same basic form double edged sword with a grip that is large to be used with two hands. These names are derived based on different eras and locations. Of these terms, bastard sword is the oldest, a name originating in the 15^th or 16^th century. It is originally named so as it was thought of as an “irregular sword or sword of uncertain origin”. 

The name “hand and a half sword” is relatively modern, coined during the late 19^th century as the balance of the sword made it usable in one hand, as well as two. For this reason, the first half of the 20^th century led to the term “bastard sword” being used to refer to this type of sword while long swords were referred to the rapier. 

A longsword or rapier generally has a blade length that measures 33 to 41 inches long (85 to 110 cm) while a short sword is roughly 12 to 20 inches long (30 to 50 cm). A hand-and-a-half sword sits on the fence because it is a perfect balance of the two, featuring an overall length ranging from 22 to 30 inches on average.

Hand and a Half Swords Available Online – Our Top Picks

Best Overall: 15th Century Hand and a Half Cluny Sword

The Cluny hand and a half sword is aesthetically attractive and has an exceptional blade that any sword fighter would love. Its blade is wholly crafted using EN45 High Carbon Steel and has a diamond-shaped cross-section, which customarily provides a sturdy and rigid blade ideal for stabbing and thrusting. 

Additionally, the blade’s shape combined with its taper and fine point adds to that impression, creating a legendary cut-and-thrust weapon. The S-shaped crossguard gives an interesting twist on the layout, and the incorporation of a rain guard or chape guarantees that the blade

fits perfectly flat with its wooden scabbard wrapped in leather.

The leather-wrapped handle is accented with small plaited decorations, and the broad wheel pommel gives the sword a balance. Loved for its appealing design, the Cluny hand and a half sword serves as a good weapon or decor to hang on your wall.

Best Premium: Hand and a Half Spadona

The perfectly sculpted Spadona Hand and a Half sword has a hilt designed according to the widely known Italian Manufactured style from the 15th century. Additionally, its carefully crafted cross integrates a delightful shape with durable construction, and the pommel is octagonal, featuring hollow ground upper faces for an attractive design and deadly performance.

The sword’s blades are completed with a high satin look before being sharpened traditionally. During the forging process, every blade is separately heat treated for added versatility and precision, and its grip is made with a wooden core attached using a cord for structural rigidity and encased in leather.

Although not decorated with impressive designs, the grip is comfortable. The pommel is securely fastened to the pommel nut. It comes with a scabbard made of wood and has a wooden core that aligns with the blade tightly enough that it can be turned upside down without falling off.

Best Budget: 5th Generation Hanwei Practical Hand and a Half Sword

This practical Hand-and-a-Half sword is entirely based on the Albrecht sword, an iconic styling from the 15th century featuring a basic cruciform hilt and flat diamond-section blade. The sword features a fully tempered blunt and non-pointy high carbon steel blade created to endure hardy use while offering the degree of safety needed by most re-enactors.

In addition, the tempered carbon steel blade limits the edge notching while giving durability and security against fragility. The blades are designed to deliver balance and proper handling despite their size. 

The tangs are sizeable, presenting radiused edges and no welded joints at the blade shoulders. To reduce the chances of accidental dismantling, its tang’s end and pommel are riveted. The handles are encased with leather for a firm grip. It comes with a scabbard made of glass-filled resin to prevent corrosion while the belt rings can be adjusted.

Hand and a Half Swords Uses

While hand and a half swords are no longer useful in today’s society, they had a ton of uses in the medieval days. Here are some of their uses:

Warfare Weapon

The main use for Hand and a half during ancient times was for defense during combat. Due to their length, they were perfect for warriors who fancied using two weapons during close combat. It was a good choice for warriors who faced archers as these swords allowed them to hold a shield in one hand and the sword in the other.

They were also perfect for frontline soldiers holding the defense wall. They could easily defend themselves using the sword while protecting their vital organs with a shield. Using the weapon was also quite simple and did not require extensive training. Furthermore, the weight and height of the sword enabled even the smallest warriors to wield it comfortably without too much of an effort. 

Thrusting and Cutting

Due to its strong material, the hand and a half sword would be appropriate for thrusting, stabbing, and cutting. Depending on the sharpness, some would even be used to chop trees down. Additionally, this made it ideal for combat, as it would easily cut through the enemy’s skin. 

Decorative Purposes

One thing about hand and a half swords are that they are designed with aesthetical styles, making them suitable for display. Although they are no longer used in combat, they are still iconic historical pieces. This is why you will find them displayed as décor in some houses.

Martial Arts Training

Sword enthusiasts not only collect swords for display purposes but also to familiarize themselves with their use. Whether a beginner or an expert in martial arts, the Hand and a Half sword will suit your needs and bring the best out of your practice.

How Were Hand and a Half Swords Made in the Ancient Times?

Most weapons from the middle ages, including axes, crossbows, arming swords, and javelins, were assembled by regular craftsmen, but forging a sword like the Hand and a Half Sword was different as it required highly skilled swordsmiths due to their complexity. Swordsmiths who could forge these swords were commonly referred to as swordsmen or bladesmiths.

These craftsmen were able to “Smith” the blade which required a great deal of skill and years of practice as it needed to be shaped and tempered to its final form. Most Ancient swords were crafted by molding the metal by heating and shaping, rather than shaping a cold steel that had already been molded.

Types of Hand and a Half Swords

As mentioned above, the term “hand and a half swords” was a modern name used to describe longswords and bastard swords. To understand the different types of hand and a half swords, one must first learn how the sword evolved through the ages. 

Evolution

The longsword is characterized by a long grip, indicating it was designed for two-handed use. With scholars dating it back to between 1100 to 1200, it remained in use throughout the late medieval period. By the 16th century, its military use was almost obsolete and was only used in the second half of the 16th century as a weapon for sports and possibly, knightly duels. 

The bastard sword was developed during the first half of the 16th century, mostly originating in Bavaria and Switzerland. The term “hand and a half” sword was then given around the late 19th century and both terms “bastard sword” and “hand and a half sword” were used interchangeably. From this, Ewart Oakeshott distinguishes twelve different sword types. Here are some of them:

Types XIIa & XIIIa

Representing the great Sword or War Sword, these were standard knightly swords during the Crusades primarily intended for cutting with grips for hand and a half or two handed use.Type XII blades are flat, broad, and evenly tapering with a fuller running about two thirds of the blade’s length. Type XIIIa blades are flat and broad with parallel edges, lenticular cross-section, and a fuller running along half the blade. 

Type XVa

The classical two handed sword from the 14th and 15th centuries, the blades are narrow, slender, and strongly tapered with a flattened diamond cross-section. One of the most famous swords in this category is the Black Prince Type XVa Sword which is housed in a personal library in England, and is presumed to be the sword of Edward the Black Prince.

When the English Civil War erupted, the sword was taken from its hideout, and Cromwell was accused of its demise. Hand made from 5160 carbon steel and cooled down, the blade is firmly attached onto the pommel. The sculpted hilt is made of wood and is encased in black leather.

Type XVIa

Referring to the classical longsword of the 14th and 15th centuries, these swords are long and slowly tapering. It has a flat hexagonal blade and a fuller along one third of the blade. This version features a design that optimizes on both thrusting and cutting abilities. 

Type XVII

Popular in mid-14th century to early 15th century, the blades are slender, long, and acutely tapering with a narrow hexagonal cross section and shallow fuller along one quarter of the blade. 

Types XVIIIb & XVIIIc

Used in the mid-15th to early 16th centuries, these swords have a pronounced mid-rib and flattened diamond cross-section. XVIIIb blades are more slender while XVIIIc blades are broader and shorter. 

Type XX

Used during the 14th and 15th centuries, the blades are broad with octagonal or lenticular cross sections. Their characteristics include three fullers: a central shallow running along half the blade and two shallow fullers running along one quarter of the blade which has an acute taper and point. 

Benefits of Hand and a Half Swords

Hand and a Half swords are superior compared to other swords, particularly the katana and greatswords as it is lighter and easier to control, making it a delightful sword for any warrior.

Experts explain how easy it is to maneuver as it can be swiftly transferred from one hand to the other, easier to thrust, and allows slashing unlike other medieval swords of comparable size.

Wielding

Although this sword can be wielded with one hand, wielding it with two hands provides more control. Furthermore, the lengthy hilt serves multiple purposes in that it provides a stronger grip when using two hands and allows you to attack an adversary with the end of the hilt. Since this sword is slimmer, it makes an ideal Lansing-style thrusting weapon.

Suitable Fighting Techniques

The Hand and a Half sword was a great primary weapon in combat as it performed better compared to one handed swords which were even heavier and did not have a favorable grip. Wielded with one or two hands, the wielder had flexibility, effective control, and good force.The fighting techniques employed for these swords depended on the wielder’s skill and expertise. 

Competence in the use of ancient swords as well as recognizing Medieval Warfare techniques were required and played an essential role in the Middle Ages. Every Ancient Knight needed to be skilled with Medieval weapons, including shields and other weapons that could complement the Hand and a Half sword. Some of the more popular knightly swords include the Falchion Sword, Greatsword, Scimitar, and more.  

Maintenance

The handle and blade of this iconic sword do not need any special care. Because of the blade’s density, the coat may be rubbed off due to friction caused whenever the blade and a dry surface get in contact.

To alleviate this, experts recommend coating the blade using a light coating of Epic Armory Maintenance silicone, which will reduce the surface tension and, as a result, relieve strain on the paint. Don’t ever store your sword on its tip, but instead flat or on its pommel. Additionally, keep your sword in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting and regularly sharpen it as needed.

Conclusion

A Hand and a Half sword is one of the best swords made during medieval days and is still an iconic piece to date. Whether you want to train as a martial arts student, participate in stage combat, or add it to your collection of historical swords, this sword is a great choice.