When one thinks of sword fighting, it’s often the grand, sweeping movements of a long sword that come to mind. However, in the tight constraints of close-quarter battles, it’s the lesser-known counterpart – the short sword – that truly shines. Revered for its versatility and swiftness, the short sword has found a place of honor in diverse cultures worldwide as a trusty sidearm, and an effective alternative to the long sword. This comprehensive guide delves into the captivating world of short sword combat, painting a vivid picture of its rich history, unique metallurgical intricacies, and the distinct characteristics that set apart the most popular types of short swords.
In the 1800s, the term ‘short sword’ saw a resurgence among enthusiasts and collectors. It was used to denote one-handed swords that were shorter in length, or the arming swords typically wielded by medieval knights. These compact weapons were recognized for their efficiency in close combat scenarios, sparking a renewed interest in their study and collection.
Different Types of Short Swords
Some short swords were more efficient in thrusting, while others were for cutting. Here are the most popular short swords, from ancient Greece to medieval times and the Renaissance period.
The Xiphos (Greece)
Originating from the pre-hoplite era, the dual-edged Xiphos is an emblem of the Greek infantry’s warfare finesse. Its exceptional leaf-shaped blade was designed for both cutting and thrusting, reinforcing its role as a trustworthy backup to the Greek hoplites’ spear. Featuring a blade length of approximately 50 to 60 centimeters, the Xiphos was hung under the left arm, ready to be drawn for thrusting in close-quartered combat.
The Kopis (Greece)
Renowned for its forward-curving blade, the Kopis graced Greek warfare as a powerful substitute for the spear. Its design mirrors the devastating force of an axe strike, with the back edge adding momentum towards the tip. Ideal for mounted warfare, the Kopis is often paralleled to the Nepalese kukri and the Iberian falcata.
The Gladius (Rome)
The double-edged Gladius was the Roman legion’s traditional weapon of choice. Its design, inspired by the Celtiberians’ antenna sword, played a pivotal role in the Punic Wars. The Gladius became a staple in Roman warfare until it was eventually replaced by the Roman cavalry sword spatha in the 2nd century CE.
The Falcata (Iberia)
Wielded by the Iberian warriors during the Roman conquest, the Falcata is recognized for its curved, mostly single-edged blade. This short sword was primarily used as a chopping weapon, with the unnatural heaviness towards the tip designed for lethal strikes.
The Viking Sax (Nordic Regions)
The Viking Sax was a versatile weapon, effective in both combat and hunting. Its broad, heavy blade was perfectly suited for cutting, while the sharply angled tip made it ideal for thrusting. This unique weapon blurs the line between a short sword and a long knife, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Viking Age’s multi-purpose weaponry.
The Arming Sword (Medieval Europe)
As the medieval knight’s primary weapon, the Arming Sword featured a straight, double-edged blade and a simple crossguard. More than just a tool for combat, it served as a status symbol, worn by knights even outside of armor.
The Wakizashi (Japan)
The Wakizashi, along with its larger counterpart, the Katana, formed the “Daisho” – a weapon pairing exclusive to the Samurai class. This short, curved, single-edged blade served as an effective secondary weapon in close-quarter fighting and as a tool for seppuku, the ritualistic self-disembowelment practiced by Samurai.
The Baselard (Medieval Europe)
The Baselard functioned as a self-defense weapon during the late Medieval period, worn by priests, merchants, and knights in civilian wear. The most distinguishable feature of this short sword is its H-shaped hilt.
The Katzbalger (Renaissance Germany and Switzerland)
The Katzbalger, a short Renaissance arming sword, was the primary sidearm of Swiss and German foot soldiers. Its signature feature is its S-shaped or figure-8 guard, and its short, double-edged blade was designed for slashing in close quarters.
The Cutlass
A favorite in naval warfare, the Cutlass is a short, broad saber characterized by its slightly curved blade and cup-shaped guard. Its design proved to be highly efficient for close quarters combat and cutting through heavy ropes and rigging.
Facts About the Short Swords
Throughout history, short swords served as secondary weapons and symbols of rank and prestige. Here are the things you need to know about short swords.
A short sword often functioned as a weapon of last defense.
Every Greek hoplite’s primary weapon was the long thrusting spear or dory. However, it became useless when the enemy got closer as one could not reach back far enough to throw the weapon. So, the warrior resorted to the short sword, the xiphos, or the kopis, which are capable of thrusting or cutting.
Most warriors used short swords and fighting knives in close-quarters combat.
Roman legionaries fighting in close formation utilized the short sword gladius—not a long sword as that would require more space to wield effectively and would risk striking their comrades. The Viking sax or fighting knife was also ideal for the same purpose, especially within the shield wall. However, little is known about the Viking combat, so it remains obscure if the sax served as the weapon in the front ranks.
The Roman centurion wore his short sword differently from the rest of the soldiers.
The Roman soldiers traditionally carried their gladius on their right hip to prevent endangering their fellow soldiers on their immediate left. A Roman centurion, the commander of centuria consisting of a unit of 100 men, wore his gladius on his left hip, distinguishing him from ordinary soldiers.
The Spartans also favored the short sword.
The Spartans also favored the leaf-shaped xiphos, though their swords were generally shorter than the blades used by other Greeks. Their sword was technically known as encheiridion, meaning little hand weapon. When a warrior complained that his sword was too short, he was often told to fight closer to the enemy.
The Viking sax was less efficient in open combat.
The Viking sax lacks a crossguard, so parrying with the knife risks a blow into the warrior’s hand. Its short reach also puts the user at a disadvantage against longer weapons. Still, the Vikings used it to cut or thrust at close range. Around the 8th and 11th centuries, Viking smiths discovered how to forge longer swords from a single billet of iron, so they were manufactured in far greater numbers.
Shields accompanied early short swords on battlefields.
Most short swords with double-edged blades cannot withstand metal-on-metal impact, so warriors often used a shield to ward off the enemy’s sword. The hoplites had large round shields which were significant to their victory or defeat. In medieval times, many shields in combat even featured spikes.
The arming swords of the late Middle Ages were well-balanced.
Medieval knights were well trained and highly skilled, but types of swords that were too heavy were difficult to control once they were swung. Some were efficient for thrusting into weak points in an opponent’s armor while others were relatively heavy to penetrate armor.
Conclusion
The richness of medieval warfare and the role of short swords come alive in the tales of the arming sword, the longsword, and the hand-and-a-half sword. These weapons, distinguished not just by their lengths but by their unique designs and specific uses, provide a window into the engaging complexities of battlefield strategies and cultural influences in history. By understanding their nuanced characteristics, we gain not only an appreciation for the art of swordcraft but also a deeper insight into the tactical minds of the past.