High-Quality Bastard Swords

Bastard swords, also known as hand-and-a-half swords because of their long handles, were originally developed for foot soldiers and enjoyed immense popularity in Europe during the second half of the 15th century. The Swiss and the Germans were the first to carry these swords. These versatile weapons, which were used for cutting, striking and thrusting, could be wielded with either one hand, allowing the swordsman to hold a shield or another weapon with his other hand, or with both hands, for greater strength that could tear chain mail easily. Though not as fast as the Scottish sword or the Crecy short sword, the bastard sword compensated for its lack of speed with its power. Its hilt often had side rings and finger rings to protect the hand, and its blade was slender and tapered. Every part of the sword, even the cross guard and pommel, had an offensive purpose. The bastard sword saw much use during the 1500s by knights and men-at-arms, and had a civilian side arm role before it was replaced by the rapier and the side sword.

Prior to the mid 16th century, the hilts of German bastard swords were cruciform, with long curved or straight quillons, ring guards, and one or two arms of the hilt. In later models, the guard became more developed, with two knuckle bows joined by a loop, similar to a basket hilt. In the early 16th century, Swiss bastard swords had hilts with knuckle guards, ring guards, and recurved quillons. It was also around this time that a new lasting type of Swiss bastard swords emerged; this style had a somewhat curved blade and an asymmetrical pommel that was usually shaped like an animal head or a bird.

Similar to several subsequent long swords, the bastard sword also utilized the ìpommeling" technique, wherein the round or plum-shaped pommel is partly held in the palm of the second hand. Later, a close or compound hilt of side rings and finger rings were added because of a new gripping method. By placing the index finger around the cross guard, point control for thrusting into armor openings improved. However, this gripping style required more protection for the uncovered fingers; thus, the compound hilt was developed. Heavy gauntlets were also being worn less and less, and these newer hilts provided greater defense for the hand, especially against thrusting attacks.

If you are searching for swords to buy, whether for your own personal collection or to give as a gift for a medieval enthusiast friend, our site has a variety of bastard swords for you to choose from. Our high quality bastard swords are made of the best materials, making them suitable for displays and battle reenactments alike. We stock only superior products from top manufacturers such as Valiant Armoury and CAS Hanwei. We invite you to look through our online selection. Our swords are finely crafted, aesthetically pleasing, and available at competitive prices. Our items will definitely not disappoint the sword collector and medieval buff.