A bastard sword, also called a hand-and-a-half sword, is a straight double-edged European blade with a grip long enough for one hand or two. Blades typically run 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in) and the whole sword weighs about 1.2 to 1.8 kg (2.6 to 4 lb), which places it between the one-handed arming sword and the two-handed longsword. It was the most versatile knightly weapon of the 14th and 15th centuries, equally at home on foot, on horseback, or paired with a shield.
What makes a bastard sword different
The defining feature is the grip. It is longer than an arming sword yet shorter than a full longsword, so you can add a second hand for extra cutting power or drop to one hand to free the other for a shield or buckler. That single trait is why period sources called it the sword that was neither one thing nor the other, giving it the name bastard.
- Blade: straight, double-edged, 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in), usually with a fuller to cut weight.
- Grip: the hand-and-a-half length, roughly 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in), the heart of the design.
- Balance: tuned close to the guard so the sword feels quick in one hand and stable in two.
How our bastard swords are forged
Every bastard sword here is hand-forged, heat-treated, and built full tang, meaning the steel runs unbroken from tip to pommel. Full-tang construction is the single most important factor in whether a sword survives real cutting. Match the steel to your intended use.
| Steel | Best for | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1095 high-carbon | Cutting and training | Tough, keeps a keen edge, needs light oiling |
| Clay-tempered high-carbon | Performance cutting | Hard edge, resilient spine, visible hamon |
| Stainless or Damascus | Display and collecting | Low upkeep or a one-of-a-kind layered pattern |
Bastard sword vs longsword vs arming sword
These three blades are close relatives, separated mainly by grip length and weight.
- Arming sword: one hand, about 70 to 80 cm (28 to 31 in) blade, often carried with a shield.
- Bastard sword: hand-and-a-half, 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in), the flexible middle ground.
- Longsword: two hands, 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in), the classic choice for modern sparring.
If you want raw two-handed reach, step up to a greatsword. If you are drawn to earlier history, a Viking sword makes a natural companion piece.
Choosing a bastard sword for training or display
For sparring and cutting, prioritise a balanced blade in high-carbon or spring steel and check our battle-ready swords and HEMA swords, which are picked specifically for contact use. For a collection piece or costume, a stainless or Damascus blade delivers the look with far less maintenance.
Caring for your bastard sword
A carbon-steel blade needs only a thin film of oil after handling and dry storage to stay rust-free. Wipe off fingerprints promptly, since skin oils are acidic. Treated this way, a full-tang bastard sword lasts for decades. Every piece ships free worldwide with duties covered and a 30-day return window.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bastard sword?
A bastard sword, or hand-and-a-half sword, is a straight double-edged European sword with a grip long enough for one or two hands. Blades run about 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in) and total weight is roughly 1.2 to 1.8 kg (2.6 to 4 lb).
What is the difference between a bastard sword and a longsword?
A longsword is built for two-handed use, while a bastard sword is sized so you can fight with one or two hands. The bastard sword is slightly more versatile, since you can free a hand for a shield, and the longsword is slightly more powerful in the two-handed bind.
Are your bastard swords battle-ready?
Yes. Each bastard sword is hand-forged from high-carbon or spring steel, heat-treated, and built full tang for real cutting and sparring. Stainless and Damascus versions are offered for display and collecting.
Why is it called a bastard sword?
The name comes from the blade belonging to no single category. It was neither a pure one-handed sword nor a pure two-handed sword, so period sources called it the bastard, or hand-and-a-half, sword.
How much does a bastard sword weigh?
Most bastard swords weigh between 1.2 and 1.8 kg (2.6 and 4 lb), light enough for quick one-handed work yet balanced for powerful two-handed cuts.
Do you ship bastard swords worldwide?
Yes. All bastard swords ship free worldwide with import duties and taxes covered, backed by a 30-day return window and a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee.