A medieval sword is a straight, double-edged European blade with a cross-shaped guard, forged for war and status between roughly the 11th and 16th centuries. The classic one-handed form, the arming sword, carries a blade of about 70 to 80 cm (28 to 31 in) and weighs a nimble 1 to 1.3 kg (2.2 to 2.9 lb). This collection gathers the full family, from the knightly arming sword to the two-handed greatsword, all hand-forged for real use.
The family of medieval swords
Historians classify these blades using the Oakeshott typology, a system created by Ewart Oakeshott that sorts medieval swords by blade shape, cross-section, and proportion. In plain terms, the medieval sword grew and changed to keep pace with armour.
- Arming sword: one-handed, 70 to 80 cm (28 to 31 in) blade, the everyday knightly sword, usually paired with a shield.
- Bastard sword: hand-and-a-half, sized for one or two hands.
- Longsword: two-handed, 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in), the signature blade of the late Middle Ages.
- Greatsword: the largest two-handed swords, up to 175 cm (69 in).
For the earlier era that precedes the cruciform sword, see our Viking swords.
How our medieval swords are forged
Every sword in this collection is hand-forged, heat-treated, and built full tang, meaning the steel runs in one unbroken piece from tip to pommel. Full-tang construction is the single most reliable sign of a sword you can actually swing rather than a decorative wall-hanger.
| Steel | Best for | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1095 high-carbon | Practice and training | Tough, keeps a keen edge, needs oiling |
| Clay-tempered high-carbon | Performance edge work | Hard edge, springy spine, visible hamon |
| 9260 spring steel | Training and impact | Highly flexible, resists bending |
| Stainless / Damascus | Display and collecting | Low upkeep or a unique layered pattern |
Choosing the right medieval sword
Start with how you will use it. For historical fencing and practice, choose a balanced high-carbon or spring-steel blade and browse our forged steel swords and historical fencing swords. For display, costume, or a first collector piece, a stainless or Damascus blade gives the look with far less upkeep. Match blade length and weight to your height and strength, and pick a grip that suits one or two hands.
Caring for your medieval sword
A carbon-steel blade needs only a thin film of oil after handling and dry storage to stay rust-free, plus prompt wiping of fingerprints, since skin oils are acidic. Cared for this way, a full-tang medieval sword lasts for generations. Every piece ships free worldwide with duties covered and a 30-day return window.
Frequently asked questions
What is a medieval sword?
A medieval sword is a straight, double-edged European blade with a cross-shaped guard, forged between roughly the 11th and 16th centuries. The classic one-handed arming sword has a 70 to 80 cm (28 to 31 in) blade and weighs about 1 to 1.3 kg (2.2 to 2.9 lb).
What types of medieval swords do you sell?
We carry the full family: one-handed arming swords, hand-and-a-half bastard swords, two-handed longswords, and large greatswords, plus earlier Viking swords. Each is hand-forged full tang for real use.
How much did a real medieval sword weigh?
Most one-handed medieval swords weighed 1 to 1.3 kg (2.2 to 2.9 lb) and even two-handed longswords stayed under 1.8 kg (4 lb). The idea that medieval swords were extremely heavy is a myth.
Are your medieval swords robust?
Yes. Each sword is hand-forged from high-carbon or spring steel, heat-treated, and built full tang for practice and training. Stainless and Damascus options are offered for display and collecting.
What is the Oakeshott typology?
It is the standard classification of medieval swords, created by Ewart Oakeshott, that sorts blades by shape, cross-section, and proportion. It is the reference collectors and historians use to describe a sword accurately.
Do you ship medieval swords worldwide?
Yes. All medieval swords ship free worldwide with import duties and taxes covered, backed by a 30-day return window and a limited lifetime warranty.