Longsword

A longsword is a straight, double-edged European sword built for two hands, with a blade of roughly 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in), a cruciform crossguard, and a grip long enough for both fists. Most functional examples weigh between 1.1 and 1.8 kg (2.4 and 4 lb), light enough to move quickly yet heavy enough to cut. It was the signature knightly weapon of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, in wide use from about 1350 to 1550, and it remains the most studied blade in modern Historical European Martial Arts.

What defines a true longsword

The longsword sits between the one-handed arming sword and the massive greatsword. Four features set it apart:

• Blade: straight and double-edged, usually 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in), often carrying a fuller (a shallow central groove) that removes weight without weakening the steel.
• Point: tapered for thrusting, a response to the plate armour that spread across Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries.
• Crossguard: the cruciform quillons that protect the hands and give the sword its cross shape.
• Grip: wood wrapped in leather, long enough for two hands, topped with a pommel that counterbalances the blade.

How our longswords are forged

Every longsword in this collection is hand-forged and heat-treated for real use, never machine-stamped or built as a wall-hanger. Each blade runs full tang, meaning the steel continues in one piece from tip to pommel, the single most important factor in whether a sword survives hard cutting. We forge in three families of steel so you can match the blade to how you plan to use it.

Blades intended for sparring are balanced and stress-tested so they behave predictably in the bind. If your focus is drills and cutting, browse our battle-ready swords and HEMA swords, which are selected specifically for contact use.

Longsword, bastard sword, or greatsword

The three are cousins, separated mainly by size and grip. Knowing the difference helps you buy the right blade the first time.

• Longsword: 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in) blade, roughly 1.1 to 1.8 kg (2.4 to 4 lb), two hands, the all-round choice for HEMA and collecting.
• Bastard sword: the hand-and-a-half, sized so you can switch between one and two hands.
• Greatsword: the largest class at 1.8 to 3.6 kg (4 to 8 lb), built purely for two-handed power.

Collectors drawn to earlier history often add a Viking sword to sit alongside their longsword, since the two mark the opening and closing chapters of the European blade.

Choosing a longsword for HEMA or display

For Historical European Martial Arts, prioritise balance, a flexible thrusting tip where your club requires it, and a grip that fits your hands. The techniques you will practise trace directly back to masters such as Johannes Liechtenauer and Fiore dei Liberi, whose treatises are the backbone of the sport. For display or costume, a stainless or Damascus blade delivers the look with far less upkeep. If you want a sharpened cutter, a clay-tempered 1095 blade gives the best mix of edge retention and toughness.

Caring for your longsword

A carbon-steel longsword needs only a thin film of oil after handling to keep rust away, plus dry storage out of a sealed scabbard for long periods. Wipe fingerprints off promptly, since skin oils are acidic. Cared for this way, a full-tang blade lasts for decades and is easily passed on.

Ready to pick yours? Every piece here ships free worldwide with duties covered and a 30-day return window. Explore the full medieval sword range or start with a two-handed classic below.