Shortswords vs Longswords: Which Blade Fits Your Combat Style?

 

Shortswords and longswords each offer unique strengths - one prioritizes speed and accessibility, while the other delivers reach and power. In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences between the two, including their handling, combat applications, historical roles, and how they compare in modern contexts like DnD 5e.

What Is a Shortsword? 

A shortsword is a compact, double-edged blade typically measuring 12–30 inches in length, designed for quick movement, fast strikes, and close-quarters combat. Its shorter profile makes it easier to handle in tight spaces and far quicker to draw than longer weapons.

Shortswords excel in situations where reaction time matters.Historical evidence - supported by insights from the referenced YouTube breakdown - shows that most real fights didn’t begin as formal duels with weapons drawn. Because shortswords were worn close to the body and required little space to unsheathe, they were often the fastest weapon to bring into action during sudden or chaotic encounters.

Accessibility in Unexpected Fights

Mathewson’s analysis emphasizes that accessibility often beats reach. A shorter blade is:

• Easier to carry
• Easier to draw in confined or crowded environments
• More practical as a sidearm or backup weapon
  

Shortswords in History & Modern Use

Historically used by Roman infantry (gladius), Greek hoplites (xiphos), Vikings, and medieval foot soldiers, these swords were valued for their agility and reliability at close range.

In short sword DnD 5e, the short sword is classified as:

• Light
• Finesse
• Ideal for rogues, rangers, and dual-wield builds
  

What Is a Longsword? 

A longsword is a double-edged weapon typically measuring 35–45 inches in total length, designed to deliver a blend of extended reach, powerful cuts, and controlled two-handed thrusts. Its longer blade and extended grip make it ideal for fighters who prefer leverage, precision, and distance-based control.

The longsword’s hallmark is its hand-and-a-half or full two-handed grip, which provides:

• Strong cutting momentum
• Superior blade control
• Longer reach for keeping opponents at a distance
  

Longswords played a major role in:

• Knightly duels
• Armored combat traditions
• Training within medieval fighting schools
• Battlefield formations requiring disciplined technique
  

Shortsword vs Longsword: Key Differences

 

Also read: Different Parts of a Sword

Combat Style Breakdown: Which Blade Fits You?

Understanding your natural fighting style or the style you prefer in historical martial arts, fantasy roleplay, or practical training helps determine whether a shortsword or longsword is the better fit.

1. Choose a Shortsword If You Prefer:

• Fast, agile strikes
  
• Confined or cluttered environments
  
• Quick weapon draw & accessibility
  
• EDC or minimalist carry logic
  
• A versatile backup blade
  

2. Choose a Longsword If You Prefer:

• Extended reach and distance management
• Structured or technical combat styles
  
  • HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts)
  • Reenactments
  • Formal duels or sparring
• Powerful cuts and precision thrusts
• Open-space fighting
  
  

Find more: Famous Sword Names from Mythology

Historical Context: Shortswords vs Longswords on the Battlefield

In real medieval combat, both shortswords and longswords served very different battlefield roles and neither was used the way movies often show.

Shortswords were primarily backup sidearms, carried for moments when a soldier lost or broke their spear, polearm, or primary weapon. Their compact size made them fast to draw during chaotic, close-range encounters, aligning with the historical reality that most fights began before a weapon was even drawn.

Longswords, on the other hand, played a major role in knightly duels, battlefield leadership, and armored combat. Their reach and leverage made them ideal for structured engagements, not spontaneous brawls.

Explore Medieval Swords

Conclusion

Shortswords and longswords excel in different ways: shortswords offer accessibility, speed, and close-quarters control, while longswords provide superior reach, leverage, and striking power. Neither blade is universally better, each fits a different combat style, environment, and user preference.

Whether someone prefers agility or range, medieval practicality or dueling structure, both sword types remain iconic in history and modern martial practice. FWOSI continues to preserve this heritage through hand-forged, historically inspired blades that match a variety of combat styles and collector interests.

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FAQs on Shortswords vs Longswords

Why are longswords called bastard swords?

Because they feature a 'hand-and-a-half' grip, neither strictly one-handed nor two-handed, earning the nickname bastard for their hybrid form.

What was the deadliest sword in history?

Many historians consider the katana, gladius, and longsword among the deadliest due to effectiveness, training systems, and battlefield use.

What are the disadvantages of a shortsword?

Limited reach, reduced cutting power, and shorter engagement distance compared to longer blades.

What are the disadvantages of a longsword?

Slower draw speed, harder to use in confined spaces, and more cumbersome for everyday carry or sudden encounters.

Is a long sword better than a short sword?

Neither is universally better, longswords excel in reach and leverage, while shortswords excel in speed and accessibility.

Do people still use longswords and shortswords in modern martial arts?

Yes, schools like HEMA, reenactments, and historical training clubs actively use both.