Your Ultimate Guide to the European Smallsword
Evolved from the rapier
If you are a
How to Choose the Best Smallsword?
When shopping for smallswords, consider the blade quality, from the type of steel used to the construction and the blade flex. Other factors also include the proper length and weight and the hilt.
Blade Quality
A smallsword must be well-tempered and has excellent strength and toughness, so it would not easily break, bend, or rust. Like most fencing swords, the smallsword has a different construction from traditional blades, so it needs a high-strength steel blade.
Type of Steel
Fencing swords for competitions have blades made from maraging steel, special alloy steel that consists of titanium, iron, and nickel. Maraging steel blades generally last longer than regular steel blades. A crack in a maraging steel blade tends to spread ten times slower than a high carbon steel blade, making it ideal for fencing.
Some manufacturers experimented with other materials, such as carbon-fiber composites, but the maraging steel remains the best you can get.
Blade Construction
The smallsword has a triangular cross-section blade with no cutting edge. Since it is a thrusting
Sometimes, the smallsword features a colichemarde blade with a broad forte—the thickest part of the blade near the hilt. It is found on the lower third of the blade, about 20 centimeters from the sword hilt. Then, the blade becomes narrower for the rest of its length. Generally, the swordsman used the forte for warding off an opponent’s
Blade Flex
A good blade flex is essential in training and fencing. Generally, it should bend in a smooth curve around the middle of the blade. You may test the blade flex by putting its point on the floor or a wall target and leaning on the
Length and Weight
The smallsword should be proportional to your height and strength. It usually has an overall length ranging from 89 to 99 centimeters, with its blade length around 76 to 86 centimeters. It can weigh approx. 1 to 2 lb and its point of balance is usually 5 to 10 centimeters down the blade.
Hilt and Scabbard
The smallsword features a simple hilt, including a knuckle guard, a short quillon, and a simple shell guard. In European medieval swords, quillons often served as a blade trap for the opponent’s weapon. Quillons often curve towards the blade, protecting the ricasso—the part of the blade closest to the hilt.
Ceremonial smallswords often featured ornate pommel and carved design on the knuckle guard. The scabbard usually has a chape or a metal tip on its end. If you’re going to use the
Top 3 European Smallswords Available Online
Whether you’re looking for a
1. Best on the Budget: Officer’s Courtly Smallsword
For a budget of less than $200, you’ll have a smallword for cosplay, collection, and beyond. It features the traditional triangular cross-section blade with a pointed tip. It has an overall length of around 95 centimeters, with its blade length around 77 centimeters. However, it weighs more than 2 lb, which is heavier than usual.
It features an EN45 carbon steel blade, which can be flexible and shock resistant when heat treated. However, it is not the best
2. Best Overall: Cold Steel Colichemarde Sword
If you’re looking for a battle-ready
This smallsword has an overall length of 99 centimeters and a blade length of around 80 centimeters. It features an elegant hilt design,
3. Best Premium: Arms & Armor Smallsword
Are you looking for a smallsword for theatrical fencing, cosplay, and beyond? For a budget of around $720, you’ll get a durable
This smallsword has an overall length of 95 centimeters, with its blade around 80 centimeters long. If you are into the traditional épée blade, this
History of the European Smallsword
In European history, the rapier and smallsword both served as dueling weapons. Let’s talk about how the smallsword evolved from the rapier, and how it influenced modern sports fencing styles today.Early Fencing in Europe
In ancient times, dueling became a means to settle disputes, in which two fighters would fight through their swords until one disarmed or disabled his opponent or offered money for settlement. In 13th or 14th-century Europe, fencing served as training for duels and warfare.
However, early fencing was dangerous and fatal. Not everyone was skilled in swordplay, so some duels resulted in deaths. Eventually, there were dueling codes written to set rules and etiquette for these events. By the 15th century, it had developed into a sport, with points awarded to a fencer when his
The 16th-Century Rapiers
Fencing became more popular in the 16th century when civilians carried swords as part of their civilian dress. The term rapier originated from the Spanish term espada ropera or the
The 17th-Century European Smallswords
From the mid-1600s onward, the rapier began to lose its popularity. It was an efficient weapon for combat, but it was a large piece of metal and cumbersome to carry around all day. It was also not practical to use in crowded streets and confined spaces.
Toward the end of the 17th century, the smallsword became a civilian weapon in Western Europe. These swords were not more efficient in combat than the previous rapier. Still, in the hands of skillful swordsmen, smallswords served as deadly weapons. Hence, the smallsword also functioned as a dueling
Noblemen wore their elaborately decorated smallsword at court, hence called as court
The Colichemarde Blade
Between 1680 and 1690, the smallsword with a colichemarde blade became popular. It got its name from its inventor, Count Konigsmark. Generally, it featured a broad forte, narrowing after the fullers ended. Since it was lightweight and flexible, it became a favorite of swordsmen. Unfortunately, these blades also made dueling more dangerous.
The 17th-Century Foil
Fencing became much safer with the introduction of foil—a light, flexible fencing
By the late 18th century, the foil became the dueling weapon, fashioned after the smallsword. It had a shorter blade length, similar to the present, and a simpler handguard. These changes made it a flexible and maneuverable weapon for fencing.
Modern Sports Fencing
By the late 18th century, dueling with swords became less relevant as men no longer carried swords as part of their daily attire. As a result, dangerous swordplay shifted into a sporting game. Hence, modern sports fencing developed, deriving from the fencing styles in the 1700s. There were still duels, but men used pistols rather than swords.
The 19th-Century Épée
A group of French students felt that the foil was too light and unrealistic to give the experience of a realistic duel, so they developed the épée. Similar in design to the smallsword, the épée served as a fencing weapon in the 19th century.
Used for thrusting, it features a flexible, three-sided blade, but it has a blunt tip to reduce the risk of injuries. The hilt design also features a cup-shaped
What Is European Smallsword Used For
Nowadays, the smallsword is one of the types of fencing swords used in Historical European Martial Arts or HEMA. Unlike modern sport fencing, historical swordsmanship revolves around the weapons and techniques of the medieval and Renaissance periods.
The smallsword is closely related to Olympic-style fencing, but modern fencers use the foil, épée, and saber, each of which has different structures and techniques. The foil descended from the smallsword, but it has a thin, flexible blade with a square cross-section.
In theatrical fencing, you may use a smallsword as a stage-combat weapon. It is also popular in live-action role-playing games or LARP, animations, and cosplay.
Conclusion
In the late 17th century, the European smallsword succeeded the rapier and served as a dueling weapon. It continued in use as long as men carried swords as part of their civilian dress. Today, it remains relevant in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).
