Broadswords: Their Types and History Explained
Key Highlights:
- What is a broadsword? → A wide-bladed, double-edged sword used in medieval & Renaissance Europe.
- History: Popular among knights, Scottish Highlanders, and European warriors.
- Types: Spartan Lakonia, Roman Spatha, Chinese Da Dao, Viking Broadsword.
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Design: Typically 2–4 lbs, wide blade for powerful cuts, often with basket-hilt hand protection.
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Modern relevance: Popular among collectors, martial artists, and reenactors.
A broadsword is a type of sword with a wide, double-edged blade, most commonly associated with medieval knights and Renaissance soldiers. Unlike slimmer thrusting blades such as rapiers, broadswords were designed for powerful cutting and slashing blows.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a broadsword is, explore its history and evolution, highlight different types of broadswords (including Spartan, Roman, Viking, and more), and show you where to find authentic broadsword replicas today.
Whether you’re a collector, history enthusiast, or simply curious about ancient weaponry, this blog overview will help you understand why the broadsword remains one of the most iconic weapons in world history.
What Is a Broadsword?
A broadsword is typically defined as a sword with a wide, double-edged blade, designed primarily for cutting rather than thrusting. While the term 'broadsword' is often used broadly today to describe any large sword, its historical meaning is more specific.
During the medieval period, the medieval broadsword referred to the heavy, wide-bladed swords carried by knights and foot soldiers. These weapons were ideal for powerful slashing strikes against lightly armored opponents.
By the Renaissance, ‘broadsword’ often described basket-hilted swords used in Scotland and other parts of Europe, designed with a protective guard around the hand. This evolution shows how the term adapted over centuries. These blades, often shorter than later medieval examples, were durable and balanced for both combat and daily survival tasks.
In modern usage, ‘broadsword’ has become a catch-all term for any wide, heavy, and powerful sword, but understanding its historical roots helps distinguish it from other blade types like the rapier or longsword. These Broadswords are now widely used as decorative items, ranging from historically accurate reproductions to stylized replicas, and are often used for display, reenactments, and as collectibles due to their intricate craftsmanship, rich history, and association with power and status.
A Brief History of the Broadsword
The medieval broadsword emerged in Europe between the 11th and 16th centuries, during an era when knights and soldiers needed durable, powerful blades for battlefield combat. With its wide, double-edged blade, it became a favored weapon for slashing through lighter armor and shields.
As warfare and armor evolved, so did the sword. By the late medieval and early Renaissance period, the broadsword took on new forms, particularly the basket-hilt broadsword, which provided hand protection and became especially iconic in Scotland. These Scottish broadswords sometimes called claymores when two-handed symbolized both national pride and practical effectiveness in battle.
The broadsword also overlaps historically with the backsword, a single-edged cousin with a similar wide blade, highlighting how regional variations influenced weapon design. Together, these weapons illustrate the evolution of European sword-making, from the knightly battlefields of the Middle Ages to the dueling grounds and regiments of the Renaissance.
Read more: Broadsword vs. Longsword
Types of Broadswords (Top FWOSI Picks)
Broadswords have appeared in many cultures, each with unique designs and purposes. From the Greek and Roman battlefields to Viking and Asian traditions, these types of broadswords illustrate the diversity of wide-bladed weapons throughout history.
Today, enthusiasts and collectors can still experience these iconic blades through high-quality replicas and broadswords for sale at FWOSI.
1. The Spartan Lakonia Broadsword
The Lakonia was the weapon of choice for Spartan warriors. Compact, with a leaf-shaped blade, it excelled in close-quarters combat and shield formations. This design represents the practicality and precision of Greek warfare.
2. The Legionary Spatha Broadsword
The Roman spatha featured a longer, straight blade compared to the gladius. Used by cavalry and infantry, it became a direct precursor to the medieval broadsword, bridging classical and medieval weapon design.
3. Handmade Da Dao Broadsword
The Da Dao, sometimes called the 'big knife,' was a broad, heavy sword used in Chinese combat traditions. Its wide blade was effective for chopping and slashing, making it both functional and symbolic in martial history.
4. Viking Master Sword
The Viking broadsword combined a double-edged blade with exceptional balance and durability. Forged for both offense and defense, it stood
Broadsword Design & Characteristics
A broadsword is defined by its broad, double-edged blade and strong cutting power, making it distinct from thrusting weapons like rapiers or longswords. Many later models, especially the Scottish basket-hilt design, featured protective hilts to safeguard the wielder’s hand in close combat. This style also overlaps with the backsword, a single-edged version that carried similar weight and balance.
How Much Does a Broadsword Weigh?
Most historical broadswords weigh between 2 and 4 pounds, depending on the blade length and hilt style. This relatively light weight gave warriors both cutting strength and maneuverability, allowing quick strikes without excessive fatigue.
Also read: How Long is Guts Sword
Where to Buy Authentic Broadswords?
If you’re looking for a broadsword for sale, authenticity matters as much as appearance. A true quality blade should be hand-forged from steel, built with full tang construction, and balanced for both display and functional handling. Cheaper imitations often skip these essentials, making them less durable and historically inaccurate.
When it comes to where to buy a broadsword, trusted retailers like FWOSI stand out. FWOSI offers a hand forged collection of historically inspired replicas - from Viking broadswords to Spartan and Roman styles - each crafted with attention to tradition and usability.
Conclusion
The broadsword is more than just a weapon - it’s a symbol of history, culture, and craftsmanship. From the Viking broadsword to the Scottish basket-hilt, these blades evolved across centuries to balance power, protection, and battlefield utility.
For modern collectors, martial artists, and enthusiasts, owning a replica connects you with this legendary past.
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FAQs on Broadswords
What is a Scottish broadsword called?
The Scottish basket-hilt broadsword, often referred to as a claymore, was the most recognized style, popular in the 16th–18th centuries.
What is the difference between a samurai sword and a broadsword?
A samurai sword (katana) has a curved, single edge optimized for cutting, while a broadsword has a straight, wide double edge built for powerful slashes and thrusts.
'Was far too thick to be called a sword' — what does this mean?
This phrase comes from pop culture (like Berserk) and refers to oversized fantasy blades, such as a zweihander or greatsword, rather than a practical weapon.
What is a big wide sword called?
Typically, it’s called a broadsword. In some contexts, extra-large versions are referred to as greatswords.