The Bastard Sword: History and Uses
Key Takeways:
- The bastard sword is a versatile hand-and-a-half medieval weapon used for both one-hand and two-hand combat.
- Its hybrid design offers balanced cutting, thrusting, and controlled handling.
- Historically used across Europe in the late Middle Ages and admired in modern gaming and fantasy culture.
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Often compared to longswords and claymores, with each serving different battlefield roles.
- FWOSI offers hand-forged, historically inspired bastard swords for collectors, reenactors, and enthusiasts seeking authentic craftsmanship.
The bastard sword, often called a hand-and-a-half sword, is one of the most versatile and influential blades from the late medieval era. In this guide, you’ll learn what defines a bastard sword, how it evolved, why warriors valued its hybrid grip, how it compares to longswords and claymores, and why it remains a favorite among modern collectors.
What Is a Bastard Sword?
A bastard sword is a hand-and-a-half straight sword designed to be used with either one hand or two, giving it more flexibility than a typical arming sword or longsword. This hybrid grip style is the reason it earned the name ‘bastard sword’, it didn’t fully belong to one category or the other.
A traditional bastard sword features a longer grip, a straight double-edged blade, and enough balance for both cutting and thrusting. Most historical examples range roughly 40–48 inches in overall length with moderate weight suitable for battlefield adaptability.
What makes it different from an ordinary straight sword or arming sword is the extra handle length, which allows a second hand for power when needed. Compared to a longsword, the bastard sword is usually slightly shorter and more maneuverable, while still offering strong leverage in combat.
Today, the term appears in historical discussions as well as modern media and games, including search queries like ‘bastard sword Elden Ring’, which keeps the weapon culturally relevant for collectors and enthusiasts.
Origins and Historical Development
The bastard sword emerged in late medieval Europe as warfare shifted toward heavier armor and more dynamic combat styles. It evolved directly from the classic arming sword, but with an extended grip and longer blade to give knights the option of using one or both hands depending on the situation.
As plate armor improved in the 14th–15th centuries, fighters needed weapons that could deliver powerful two-handed thrusts, precise cuts, and controlled leverage in close combat. This drove the transition from shorter single-handed medieval swords to more adaptable, long-gripped designs - the earliest ancestors of the true hand-and-a-half sword.
The bastard sword was embraced across Europe, especially in Germany, Scotland, and regions where martial systems like the German longsword schools influenced blade design. Its balance, reach, and flexible grip made it ideal for both foot soldiers and mounted knights, bridging the gap between lighter arming swords and heavier types of broadswords.
Key Characteristics of the Bastard Sword
The bastard sword is defined by its versatility, long enough for two-handed leverage yet balanced enough for one-handed strikes. Below are the core characteristics that distinguish it from other medieval straight swords.
1. Blade Shape & Length
The bastard sword typically features a straight, double-edged blade ranging from 33 to 42 inches. Its profile balances cutting power with a sharp tapered point for effective thrusting. This structure makes it more adaptable than shorter arming swords or broader, heavier broadswords.
2. Hand-and-a-Half Grip
Its defining feature is the extended grip, long enough for one or two hands, the origin of the term hand-and-a-half sword. This grip gives the fighter flexibility:
- One-handed when agile movement is needed.
- Two-handed for increased force, control, and penetration against armor.
Keyword fit: hand and half sword.
3. Weight & Balance
Most bastard swords weigh between 2.5 to 4 pounds, making them lighter than claymores but slightly heavier than arming swords. The balance point sits forward enough to enhance cutting power but close enough to the hilt for precise thrusts and quick recovery during combinations.
4. Cutting vs Thrusting Capability
The bastard sword excels at both cutting and thrusting, unlike swords specialized for one style.
- Its tapering tip supports deep, armor-gapping thrusts.
- Its broad midsection delivers effective slashing strikes.
Explore more: Different Parts of a Sword
Bastard Sword vs Longsword: What’s the Difference?
The bastard sword and the longsword are often confused, but they serve slightly different roles in medieval combat. Their distinctions lie in grip length, handling, balance, and intended use, all of which affect how each weapon performs on the battlefield.
1. Grip Length & Handling Style
Bastard Sword
Features a hand-and-a-half grip, allowing the fighter to switch between one-handed and two-handed use. This flexibility is what earned it the name ‘bastard’, a hybrid that doesn't belong strictly to one category.
Longsword
Designed primarily for two-handed use, with a longer grip that enhances leverage and power.
2. Weight Distribution
Bastard Sword
Slightly lighter with a more neutral balance, making it comfortable for quick transitions between slashing and thrusting.
Longsword
Typically heavier, with a balance optimized for powerful, controlled two-handed strikes.
More to know: 10 Famous Sword Names from Mythology
Bastard Sword vs Claymore: Which Is Better?
When comparing the bastard sword to the claymore, the key differences come down to size, purpose, and fighting style, making each weapon ‘better’ depending on the situation.
1. Claymore: Large Scottish Two-Handed Sword
- A massive two-handed Highland sword used by Scottish warriors.
- Built for wide, sweeping cuts and battlefield intimidation.
- Heavy, long, and designed for powerful momentum-driven strikes.
2. Bastard Sword: Versatile Hand-and-a-Half Hybrid
- Smaller and lighter than a claymore.
- Designed for mobility, quick grip changes, and mixed combat styles.
- Better in close quarters and faster engagements.
Main Differences (Short Summary)
- Weight: Claymore is significantly heavier.
- Reach: Claymore has more range; bastard sword is more maneuverable.
- Combat Role: Claymore for open-field warfare; bastard sword for adaptable, all-purpose combat.
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Control: Bastard sword offers superior precision and flexibility.
Which Is Better?
- For power & reach: Claymore
- For speed, versatility, and practical combat: Bastard sword
In everyday historical use, the bastard sword is considered the more adaptable weapon, while the claymore excels in raw force and battlefield presence.
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The Bastard Sword in Modern Culture
The bastard sword continues to thrive in today’s cultural landscape, not just as a historical artifact but as a widely admired weapon in entertainment, gaming, and martial arts.
1. Appearances in Movies, Fantasy, and Gaming
The bastard sword frequently shows up in:
- Epic fantasy films featuring knights, adventurers, and hybrid fighting styles
- Video games, especially those with medieval or RPG themes
- Most notably, it appears as a popular straight sword option in Elden Ring, where players favor it for its balance, versatility, and hand-and-a-half grip mechanics
2. Beloved by Collectors, HEMA Practitioners & Reenactors
Modern audiences appreciate the bastard sword for its:
- Historical accuracy and craftsmanship
- Practical functionality in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)
- Role in reenactments, stage combat, and educational demonstrations
- Display value as a collector-grade straight sword
Also read on: Short Sword
Why Modern Audiences Admire the Bastard Sword?
Today, people value the bastard sword because it offers:
- A balanced fighting experience (neither too heavy nor too light)
- A strong connection to medieval history and knightly combat
- Aesthetic beauty, long blade, extended grip, elegant straight profile
- Iconic status in gaming, fantasy universes, and pop culture
Conclusion
The bastard sword remains one of the most respected weapons in European history thanks to its versatile hand-and-a-half design, balanced handling, and unique role between one-handed arming swords and larger two-handed blades. Its legacy continues today, admired by collectors, HEMA practitioners, and enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of function, history, and craftsmanship.
For those seeking authentic, hand-forged European swords, FWOSI offers carefully crafted pieces rooted in historical design and artisan forging traditions. Each blade is built with attention to detail and collector-grade quality.
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FAQs on Bastard Sword
Why do they call it a bastard sword?
Because the grip length falls between a one-handed sword and a full two-handed sword, the weapon earned the name 'bastard sword'or 'hand-and-a-half sword.'
What is the difference between a bastard sword and a longsword?
A longsword usually has a longer grip and blade, while a bastard sword is slightly shorter and optimized for both single-hand and two-hand use.
What are the characteristics of a bastard sword?
A straight, double-edged blade; extended grip; hand-and-a-half versatility; and balanced weight suited for both cutting and thrusting.
Is Excalibur a bastard sword?
In many artistic interpretations, Excalibur is depicted as a hand-and-a-half straight sword, which aligns with bastard sword characteristics, though depictions vary.
How heavy were bastard swords historically?
Most historical examples weighed 2.5–4 pounds, depending on region, craftsmanship, and combat purpose.
Which is better, a claymore or a bastard sword?
Claymores offer more reach and power, while bastard swords provide more versatility and quicker handling. The 'better' choice depends on combat style and intended use.