Swords are a weapon and tool that has been used throughout history, in cultures around the world. Different Types of Swords were first used by humans in prehistoric times, with bronze swords dating back to 3000 BC. In over 100 countries across the world, there are many different types of sword styles and forms of swords as weapons.
This includes cutting swords like katanas or razors, impact weapons like broadswords or rapiers, and thrusting weapons such as spears or sabers. Swords have been weaponized since prehistoric times with both stabbing and piercing points on the blade, either at its tip (usually) or along one side (occasionally).
Generally, swords do not split the fabric of their sword by hitting them in the middle but instead are sliced. Real Swords have been used throughout history for many different purposes and have been developed in various shapes, sizes, and types. Here are some amazing types:
1. Longsword
Longswords are types that were popular during medieval times, particularly in the Middle East and Europe. The average length of these swords can range from 65 - 100 cm. These swords have a straight blade, rounded point, and an average weight between 2 - 5 pounds.
Longswords are used for both cutting (slashing) and thrusting (piercing). These swords typically had cross-guards on the hilts of these types of swords to keep the sword user's hands from sliding all the way to the blade. Longswords have been used throughout history as weapons in battle and they also can be used as a tool as well.
2. Rapier
Rapiers are a specific kind of sword with a triangular-shaped blade and have historically been used between 1400 - 1700 AD in Western Europe. These medieval swords were primarily used as thrusting weapons because they generally have lighter blades (averaging 2 pounds), smaller hilts, and cross-guards, allowing the user to maneuver the weapon more easily.
Rapiers can be used for slashing and thrusting, however, these swords were designed for thrusting attacks. The length of these swords can vary from 90 - 110 cm and can be anywhere between grams in weight, usually around 1-3 pounds.
3. Katana
Katanas are the shortest swords used in history (the oldest documented katana of 1477 had a length of 35.5 cm). These types of swords have thin blades with a length and weight close to other medieval longswords. The most popular and well-known katana has a slim blade and is often etched with scenes from ancient Japanese paintings and art.
Katanas are used for slashing attacks due to their slender blades, which makes them easy to wield around in the hand and move around for maximum reach. Katana sword is also quite popular for decorative purposes by having some symbols on its blade (such as dragons, birds, or flowers).
4. Broadsword
The broadsword is the most common sword used in medieval times and the Middle Ages, however, they have been used throughout history as well. They were primarily used for cutting attacks due to their wider blades, using a slashing motion to cut through their enemies in battle.
Broadswords can range from 120 - 135 cm and can weigh between 2- 5 pounds. They were very similar to longswords, but with a larger curve on the tip of their blades and shorter handles as well as larger cross-hilts.
5. Saber
Saber is the name for a sword that has a curved blade, typically with a single edge and long hilt (handle). These swords are designed primarily for slashing attacks, having a curve that is sharp on one side of the blade (and blunt on the other) to maximize the cutting surface of this type of weapon.
Saber length can vary from 60 - 100 cm and they usually weigh around 1-3 pounds. These types of swords have been used throughout history in many different cultures, including the Chinese.
6. Short Sword
Shortswords are a type of sword that is used in the same way as longswords, but they are generally easier to use and can be wielded in a much more comfortable manner. These swords have been in use since the late Bronze Age in Europe (around 800 BC).
The shortsword is a small sword, having a blade length of between 50 - 60 cm and weighing approximately 1-3 pounds. These types of swords were also referred to as "brunzweilers" or "hangers" because they were often kept on the user's belts or hung from their poms.
7. Cutting Sword
Cutting swords is not a single category of the sword. They are a general term for any type of blade weapon, with varying degrees of sharpness and length, that is designed to cut through material rather than thrust or slice.
A cutting sword is usually only used defensively as it lacks the heft necessary to make an effective thrusting weapon if the tip breaks off. The term "cutting swords" can apply to both one-handed and two-handed weapons, giving us categories like longswords and daisho (a Japanese type of longsword).
Rules of Using Swords
What are the safety rules for using different types of swords? This is a question asked by many people who find themselves interested in learning how to wield, or just how they work in general.
When you’re wielding a sword, your primary goal is always safety above all else. Regardless of the form of the sword or how it’s made, there are certain things that can put you at risk if you don’t do them right. Following these rules will make sure you stay safe while also allowing you to get the most out of your training. Now we’ll cover the main aspects of safety with swords:
