#basic differences between the two

Arming sword blades are usually 28 to 31 inches (~70 to 80cm. The one in the red sheath is actually a little longer than that), are double edged, and are a ONE HANDED weapon.

Typically, arming swords are paired with something in the other hand, usually a type of shield/buckler. These are an evolution from Carolingian swords (the more technical term for Viking swords), and they were developed in the 10th century and were continually used into the late 15 century with different variations. From what I understand, we call them arming swords now because they eventually became sidearms, meaning you just kept it at your side (in a sheath or scabbard) for easy access but were a secondary weapon. Originally this wasn’t the case, but as armor evolved, something else was needed as a primary weapon.

Then you start getting into your longswords. A longsword is a type of 2-handed blade, and as you can see from the photo, there is a clear difference in the length of the hilts. That’s actually why it’s called a longsword. You cannot comfortably fit 2 hands on the hilt of an arming sword (in reality, you can really only fit one) whereas a longsword is designed for two.

They are longer than an arming sword with an average blade ranging from about 31 to 43 inches (80-110 cm. Mine’s approx 37 inches in the blade and is on the shorter side for HEMA fencing) and is a little heavier than an arming sword. Arming swords are on average 3.5lbs (~1.5kg) or less, where a longsword can be up to about 7lbs (~3kg). My longsword is considered a bit chonky. I’m not sure of it’s exact weight, but it’s the heaviest longsword I have personally encountered in fencing.

While swords with a longer hilt did exist prior to the mid-1300s, they were considered rare. Longswords really started showing up as plate armor developed. Because of this, longswords are actually great at bludgeoning. I’ve actually heard them referred to as “angry crowbars”. Only about the top 6 inches (~11.25 cm) or so of the blade were sharpened in order to lengthen the life of it.

But this is why it had the longer hilt. Because it could be wielded with two hands, that meant more force could be applied allowing it to have a more devastating strike as opposed to a one-handed blade.

Longswords were largely out of use by the mid-1500s in warfare, but were still seen in ceremonial and sport usage.

But let’s talk about hand and a half swords (also called bastard swords) for a sec. I actually have one, which is a replica of Gandalf’s Glamdring.

Notice how the hilt is around the same size as the longsword’s, but the part that’s wrapped matches more with an arming sword. This version is just longsword with a hybrid grip.

It’s hard to find good info about bastard swords. They’re usually considered a hybrid between the arming and longsword with multiple variations on how the hybridization was done. The biggest thing is that they’re supposed to allow for a switch between one and two handed usage.

From what I can tell, they were primarily used in the 1400s. Their length could vary, but they tended to be closer in weight to an arming sword.

They sound super cool. They look cool, but in practice, a lot of HEMA fencers don’t really consider them that great.

And… that’s the basics.