It comes from Dungeons and Dragons and other role playing games in which the "Bastard" Sword could do more damage when swung with two hands but you could still use a shield with it.
In previous editions the only difference between a bastard and a long sword was the damage die. A long sword dealt 1d8 damage, while the bastard sword would deal 2d4 damage. This was changed around 3e, I believe.
The hand-and-half sword was a "real" thing that was particularly used in England during the Tudor period and is the sword which the Ledall treatise is based on.
I define them based off of the balance and handle construction, if the weight is far from the handle and has a short handle its a "short sword" but i am not a professional
I like the stance from Shad, from the Shadiverity channel. There he said that a bastard sword is any sword is any sword that doesn't fit into any specific set of proportions. But I do see where Jelly is coming from, since if Gregor Clegane(nearly eight foot tall) was issued Needle, the sword of Arya Stark(just over five foot tall) from Game of Thrones, he would probably use it as a dagger if at all.
And frankly, he's wrong. Historically speaking, there's definite category of bastard sword, at least in England. Listed in both tournaments and in legal cases. It had a clear specification, pattern. Again, with this being Shad, the idea of academic argument or primary source is a personal affront.
I have come to understand that a bastard sword is properly defined as a one-handed sword with a two-handed grip. It cannot be called a bastard sword if it cannot be used one-handed comfortably. Learned from Paul Wagner of Stoccata school in Australia.
Putting two hands on a single handed grip doesnt grant you any leverage advantage where as a longer grip allows for much more torque. Obviously if you take someone of significantly different height they need a weapon sized to them.
I wasn't sure at first but I get your points. But why would not a Bastard swords just be an Arming sword with a long grip? It's easier to say 'I want a Bastard sword' than it is saying 'I want an arming sword with a longer grip' right?
Eye0ftheSt0rm- I don't see the point in making an arming sword with a two handed grip. Doing so does not make it a bastard sword, if that is what you are thinking, nor does it give you any advantages over an arming sword.
What are you talking about? Do you know the differences between a bastard sword and long sword? The guy in this video does not. Why can't you hold a bastard sword like a long sword?
I know this might induce an aneurysm, however at least in England in the first quarter of the 17th Century Joseph Swetnam specifically states in Chapter XII that: ""... The Bastard Sword, the/ Which Sword is some/thing shorter then a/ long Sword, and yet/ longer then a Short/ sword." And old George Silver also notes that there are at least two distinct types, one most likely being a bastard sword. I'll call the ambulance for you...
That a good point. As I currently understand, a "short sword" in the Medieval/Renaissance period (not that they called it that, just so we know what we mean) could mean: - A shortened sword i.e. Half-swording. OR - Any weapon shorter than a longsword (and later the rapier).
CrashCourseHEMA Nonono. There are many swords that are shorter than a longsword. An arming sword for example. As i said, there are no facts which type of sword was called "shortsword". As you said, it could have been shortened swords, but such do not exist. Maybe its a falchion or messer that is on smaller scale? maybe its just dussack or hanger?
I tried several swords before I found what worked for me. I'm 172 cm. Total length of the sword is about 45", blade is about 35" and hilt is about 9-10". I refer to it as a longsword. It's just semantics at the end of the day. Only reason we call it the "bastard sword" in our sparring group is that I'm the shortest, so I'm the only one to use it, and my sparring partners call me a bastard. Based take, Snap. Based af.
The term has existed in history, but tabletop gaming has taken it way out of context, and that's a good point to make. I usually size swords by body proportions, so if the blade is hip length and has room for only one hand comfortably, then it's an arming sword. If the same blade has a handle with plenty of room for two hands, then it's a bastard sword. An actual longsword would have a blade length that would probably be the same height as my solar plexus and a handle big enough for two hands without binding when I'm swinging. Since I'm 175cm, someone 160cm would likely call the latter a longsword. Perhaps a lot of bastard swords were just longswords used by shorter people and wound up in inventories tended to by typically taller people who felt the longer handle warranted the differentiation.
Everyone is so worked up in the comments. See i love bastard swords and they are my favorite but he doesnt. He has an opinion and explains pretty well its all about proportions so why do people have to say he's wrong when it IS about proportions and it IS a type of long sword
Modern era division is actually useful and it helps in determining differences - There is a longsword, which is usually baby version of zweihander, it is essentially two handed sword that you can wear /everyday carry. Bastard sword is the opposite - slightly longer /but mostly long hilt version of arming sword- it is essentially enlarged arming sword, you could use it fairly easily in one hand (unlike longsword) but you can use it both hands which would increase energy of weapon - sweetspot seems to be around 1.35 kg /80 cm blade vs 90 cm blade and 1,5 kg of sword weight (like albion ringeck vs mercenary)
Wrong. The bastard sword was a real term used in England for a sword that was the size of a long sword but light and balanced in a way that you cold use it in one hand. It being the bastard sword has nothing to do with length of the blade.....
I have never used a long sword that has been as effective as a one hand as a one handed sword. I have used Bastard swords that can be used in one hand just as good as any one handed sword. The difference i have noticed is the weight not the length.
Swedish Procrastinator bastard sword is a term in english for a longsword. It just meant sword of uncertain origin. Nobody know where longswords originated but first depictions are seen in germany. Bastard swords were not meant to be used with 1 hand.
The "bastard sword" was a particular sword in England during the Tudor period and is what the Ledall treatise is based on. Unlike the other "longsword" traditions of Germany and Italy the English tradition uses a lot of one handed techniques. If you attempt these techniques with a typical HEMA feder (longsword simulator) you will find them to be too awkward and clumsy to be effective. There is a real hand-and-half sword in English history which is differentiated from the longswords of the era.
Shrekas 2 - your statement that the English bastard sword was not meant to be used with one hand is completely incorrect. The Ledall treatise is full of one handed techniques. In fact the very first technique of the first flourysh in Ledall is a one-handed hew: "A Quarter fair before you, delivered with one hand. Voiding back the right foot with another Quarter with both hands."
I was always under the impression there were 4 sword "types". and all were relative to your body. Long sword -- 1 handed pommel - blade approximately half your body length. Short sword -- 1 handed pommel; blade 33% body length or less (somewhere betwixt the long sword and the average Roman dagger (12in)). Great sword -- Noticeable 2 handed pommel -- Body length blade (or longer). Bastard sword -- Long sword with 1 handed pommel and blade length approx 75% body height. This is obviously relative to each individual's size. That's my 2 cents for what it is worth. Fantastic video! Keep it up!
What is the definition of a “arming” or “long” sword? It is based on its relationship to a person of average height, 5‘6“ to 6‘ (metric 170cm to 180cm), and even if the user is shorter or longer then average, it retains that definition. All Bastard Swords are Long Swords, but not all Long Swords are Bastard Swords; the length of the blade of a Long Sword can vary by as much as 40 cm (0.4 M), and the shorter versions are called Bastard Swords, whereas there is no generally identified term for a longer Long Sword, though some (especially Shadiversity) call them War Swords.
Do you think there should be guns in the elder scrolls like the flintlock rifle? I personally don't but some people do apparently because it's lore friendly.
It's an option, but flintlock rifles wouldn't really function well outside of a very long reload time, some magic dwemer bullshit or as some impromptu sniping tool. They made crossbows easier to use as a viable weapon, but the realistic counterpart was actually much harder to reload. Including either as a prominent part of combat in the next installment is all a matter of suspension of disbelief, target demographic and the direction of the series in terms of engine mechanics limiting/supporting gameplay intricacies.
I get what you're saying, totally. But if I want to train for situations where I want to alternate between one and two handed use of a sword, I'd like to have enough room on the grip. I have a waster that the grip is too short to play around like this comfortably or practically. But, if my priority is one-handed (with the "sometimes two"), maybe I don't want to go for a hand-and-a-half sword (after all I don't want to be unwieldy in one hand) and so maybe I should look for an arming sword that just has a bit longer grip, or at least a better pommel for fudging with two hands?
This video was really educational but the title made me think you meant you hated the sword not just the term due to the unnecessary specification, thanks for sending my the link Jelly.
All of these classes and categories for swords are modern-day history games. The only real thing to look at is the weight of a sword. If you can handle a sword properly with one hand and you don't have to sacrifice speed and maneuverability, then it's a one-handed sword for you, but it might be too heavy to use with one hand for someone else. If a dedicated one-handed sword allows you a two-handed grip, which means you have a good amount of space between your hands while gripping it, then you can also use it as a two-handed sword, which might not be too wise depending on the blade's length, but that's your choice. Other than that, once a sword becomes too heavy to properly use it with one hand, you switch to two hands. If a one-handed sword is too heavy for you, you're either very weak or the sword is a piece of garbage. Properly made one-handed swords should be very light and their heaviest part should be the hilt region.
I always was taught that a bastard/hand and a half has handle length that's halfway between longsword and arming(half of one hand when the hands are touching each other is on the handle and the other half on the pommel) and blade length that is whatever you need it to be for easier one handed use than a longsword blade it could be arming sword length. The use would be as an arming sword in conjunction with a shield or buckler but if you lose your shield in battle you can switch to longsword techniques which you cant do effectively with an arming sword handle. hands are too close while one hand can cup the pommel creating some needed space. And you don't want the handle to be longsword length because it will get in the way using it as an arming sword.
i see your point, but i think that a bastardsword would fall in to the grey area between longsword and arming sword. like, that long sword hilt on an arming sword length, it's hard to call it an arming sword because it has this great huge grip, but it's hard to call it a long sword because it's not particularly long. a bastard sword is an inherently vague term for something that isn't strictly a long sword but that isn't strictly an arming sword either.
Like its a sub group of sword... I don't get your issues with bastard sword, I don't hold the pummel homie... Its not a proper grip... Its a sword, there are about a million tactics and styles... I was agreeing that it is an arming sword with a long hilt.... You just don't seem to understand the advantage of a long hilt...
Being able to have space between where you grip with each hand increases the mechanical leverage available... Then there are issues with proper grip, I've broken my right hand more times than I can count, gripping the pummel on many swords is literally painful at this point and my bastard sword avoids that issue... You say unnecessary, I say that not having a long grip is not practical... Its just different schools of thought... You graple with the free hand, and often so do I, but I switch between free hand and leverage on the blade... Its to be versatile... I'm sorry you have issues with long hilt design... you don't like it (or get it) OK, but you don't seem to want to give it credit as an actual sword option and I just don't understand your opinion on it
Heh I was expecting you to mention the problem I always get when it comes to people not familar with swords. Me-"So I have a Bastard sword and I really enjoy practicing with it." Person-Oh it's from Game of Thrones!? People hear Bastard+sword and think Battle of the Bastards.
IMHO a sword should be 'classed' according to its use by the majority of people: A sword that (almost) everyone can use in one hand is an arming sword. A sword (almost) everyone needs to use in two hands is a longsword. And a sword that can be used in either one or both hands depending on your length or strength should be a bastard sword.
holy shit, what an awesome vid. I am going to link this video everywhere I see a discussion involving bastard swords and the definition of them. Thanks snapjelly for making this
A bastard sword sits comfortably between the arming sword and the longsword. I'm unironically tall (6'7") so I get a bastard sword purely for one-handed.
I do midevil reenactments and I use it to compensate against a enemy that's bigger with a long sword. It allows me to have the same reach as him for a fair fight
In my experience when looking at actual historical reproductions of bastard swords, I found that the grip of the sword is a bit different. Not just in length, but in shape. Like, the grip has a traditional arming sword grip length and shape, then where the pommel would be, is a very heavily tapered part that basically extends the length of the grip, and then tapers into the pommel. Here is a picture: www.kultofathena.com/images/SL1006_l.jpg
I'm pretty sure that's correct. I think the most famous example of a bastard would be the katana. It was generally used in two hands, but Musashi talks at length of how well it can be used in a single hand or in duel wielding.
@Snake 123 Not necessarily but that is often the case, longswords are defined by being used two handed cruciform swords whose tip when on the ground the pommel not going any higher than your armpit the length is highly fungible. Technically a bastard sword is just as Dark Liege of Chaos said: subset of longsword that be reasonably well wielded with one hand.
@@jonathandoe1367 No the Katana is not a bastard sword and pretty much no one uses them one handed: they're heavy for their length which is slightly shorter than a bastard sword and have a point of balance five to seven inches from the hilt they're pretty blade forward swords which while making them excellent cutting blades makes them very poor for wielding with one hand with tip control being lousy and strokes being slugish and clumsy.
@@Terminalsanity Have you read the Book of Five Rings? Musashi, perhaps the greatest katana duelist who ever lived, advocated very strongly for the use of the katana with one hand. He responds very specifically to the objection that a katana is too heavy by saying everything is too heavy if you don't train. A katana weighs something like 2-3 pounds. That's about as much as a rapier, another one-handed sword. Also, their balance is supposed to be further down than most swords. The mass in the blade is what gives it the authority in the cut. This, of course, comes at the expense of most of your ability to beat, parry, or bind & wind. Essentially, the katana is strong at attacking and slow at defending. However, keep in mind that if you are using it in one hand, the other hand is free. You could dual-wield a katana with a wakazashi (what Musashi recommends) or go sword & board (shields aren't common in Japan historically, but they did exist in some periods). This makes up somewhat for the lack of defense by allowing one to defend with his off hand.
Snap jelly, what is your opinion on short swords and single bladed light infantry axes, because in my limited experience these were my preferences since I want mobility when it comes to my weapons.
its a matter of blade and handle length.. an arming sword is still an arming sword even if someone were too short to use it one handed..a bastard sword has a handle that you can grab with one hand comfortably and and the other hand at the pommel.. blade length might vary, but it should be longer than that of an arming aword and shorter than a long sword.. and the way you grip it doesnt change what the weapon is.. just because you swing a claymore with one hand, doesnt make it an arming sword or even a longsword
A lot of sword experts around here and yet nobody seems to realize that there's more than just blade or handle length to consider. An arming sword and a long sword differ a lot in use and balance. Historical arming swords are made to hack. Their point of balance is more around the middle of the blade and your hand must be well fitted between the guard and the pommel, so you don't have to grip it too tightly when swinging it around. A longsword however, is more thrust-focused, with the point of balance near the cross-guard. You NEED that second hand to move the point quickly, cut properly, or just be strong in the bind. And for that, a short handle won't do. You need that leverage. So unless you're referring to swords closer to the Oakeshott type XV, which are thrust-focused whether used with one or two hands, saying that a bastard sword is a good compromise is rubbish. All the bastard/hand-and-a-half sword reproductions I've been presented are crap. Imagine that, a sword unbalanced for one-handed use with a handle too short for a two-handed usage. It's terrible. So yeah, enough with the bastard swords already.
Were not Bastard swords remnants of long swords that were broken in battle,but only at the tip? So these blades were re-profiled with a new tip making it a bastard version of its former self(long sword)! Bastard IMO is not a reference to how the weapon appears but how it arrived at its current iteration.
I think tulwars can be used with 2 hands as well. Half-swording. They're not really meant for it but YOLO. EDIT: What's that 2-H sword hanging above the main gauche, smallswords & spadroons?
Great video! Some really interesting point I didn't really think of, I just love the name honestly. Also the sword you use as an example, I gotta wonder where did you get it? It looks really badass.
The main point being made is that "bastard sword" is a silly category, and that any bastard sword would be fine categorized as an arming sword or longsword. But, isn't that exactly why it's a bastard sword? Sat between two parts, inheritor of none. So, just call it longsword or arming sword or however.
You are missing the point of the name... Let me put it this way... "The pommel is a bit long for an arming sword cause it wasn't made for my size, but I love it anyways. I call it my bastard sword."
In my mind a bastard sword is a long sword but just short enough to be used with one hand comfortably. Sometimes they have a shorter hilt than a average long sword but still had enough space between the hands to get leverage. I believe they was used in a single hand in the sense of that you could switch to one hand for a tactical advantage like getting more reach or have a free hand to grapple or to use it on horseback. Overall I agree with you the bastard sword is just a bit shorter long sword.
It seems you have made an oversight, a single hand sword can be used with two hands... for thrusting only. However it CANNOT be used two handed (effectively) for cutting, so a bastard sword is a single handed sword which allows for an effective two handed grip for developing effective cutting power.
Type of sword has more to do with the grip length than blade length. Also no one would ever make a sword of that length with a hand grip that long. If you gave a smith that specification they would try to talk you out of it.
Ok people, let's end the debate right here. Take it from a guy that actually teaches sword fighting. Bastard Swords, Hand and a half, arming and longs swords are not the same. A bastard sword has the same blade length as the hand and a half, but is thicker and heavier with a longer handle. Yes it can be used in one or two hands. The hand and a half was made so that a knight could use his shield with it, but still hold it in two hands comfortably while in armour. An arming sword is much harder to hold in two hands, when you're wearing plate mail. The Bastard sword was made to counter armour. Its heavier weight allowed it to punch through easier. Long swords were two handed and made to counter cavalry and heavy infantry armour. Great swords were mostly ceremonial, not for combat. There are exceptions to that, but they were only ever used to counter cavalry.
Snapjelly! would you please, do a armor evaluation on dark souls becuase I feel they are a bit more historical then most fantasy weapons and if it's possible could you do weapon evaluation on the dark souls weapons aswell? sure the scale would probably be too big and such but I would like to know if the black Knight greatsword would be useful in combat (you can redraw the weapon ofcourse to see how it should be) especially the hilt, otherwise cheers for your lovely content
So, I would say a bastard sword or hand-and-a-half sword would be an arming sword, likely on the longer side for such a sword blade-wise, with a slightly longer grip, about long enough to be grabbed comfortably with a literal hand and a half. You're free to disagree, but that just seems like the most useful distinction to me after watching most of this video (I skipped through the latter half because he seemed to be repeating himself a lot).
I love bastards couse its so not heavy to use as single handed and also they give extrability to powerstrikes as doublehanded. U can use them with dagger, shield or as longsword. Its very agile and longer than arming sword a bit. The sword ur holding at 6:04 is more long sword than bastard and u can use only as twohanded. Try zweihandler
I remember reading about why it's called a "bastard" sword and it's apparently because of it's design. Unable to be distinguished as a one-handed or two-handed weapon.
Wait a second. I have the exact same model of practice longsword and it reaches up to my belly button. Does that mean to me that its arming sword and i should get a longer one? I''m about 190 cm.
Actually, no. All Bastard Swords ARE Long Swords, but not all Long Swords are Bastard Swords. The difference is in the length. The blade of a Bastard Sword tends to be shorter then the usual Long Sword.
far as I know... its not how you use it, it mostly about the grip... basicaly a grip that is longer than a arming sword and shorter than a longsword... it doesnt matter the blade length either, it can be shor or long, the grip is what makes the difference
The difference is context and intended use. An "arming" sword with a long hilt is not an arming sword. You may be high enough for it to be an arming sword length for you, but i somehow don't think you'd ever have the palms to hold it properly. Especially as most of their handles were designed with some grips in mind. So what is a bastard sword? It is a long sword sub category for sure, but one that has certain specific uses and might suit the wielder's need better in some situations by providing alternative grips (usually at the expense of reach). Can you tell me of at least one such use?
A bastard sword was actually apparently larger than a longsword and was very different from a hand and a half sword more like a war sword the way that I see a hand and a half sword is a light longsword not necessarily shorter but on the light side of a long sword with a slightly shorter guard it's essentially a specific size of longsword
SnapJelly well for one that's essentially what you said I'm just making the argument that it doesn't have to be a longsword for someone smaller sometimes people prefer a lighter weapon and that there are ways to lighten a blade asside from shortening it, as for the bastard sword being large the crusader sword (rather large two-handed "war sword" were often referred to as war-sword and the only times I've heard of a bastard sword being used in one hand (at least speaking of tales and legends so verry possibly inaccurate) was when someone was describing an impressive feat of strength if it was shorter than a longsword I wouldn't exactly describe it like that
when did I say a bastardsword is larger than a longsword? I don't think I said that. because it's not and also that's a nice story but it didn't answer my question: ''WHERE did you get that idea'' because it's false and whoever told you needs a slap on the wrist. unless you made it up yourself
SnapJelly well no you didn't that was exactly what I was saying that bastard swords in history refered to a much larger sword than it does today, you didn't say that I did
you make some good points, but your example about an arming sword becoming a two-handed sword when you wield it with two hands is a bit of a technicality. even if you have small hands and did that you still lose leverage you would have when using two handed techniques with a proper two handed sword. with a hand and a half sword you get some more of that leverage back.
Some longswords can be used easily in one hand, and some arming swords can be used easily with two hands. I call them both bastard swords, because it's easier.
I think the bastard sword should have a dramatically tapering handle to encourage the proper execution of the push and pull technique. And there seems to be a bit of a throw in there granted by the dramatic tapering.
Tim Jackson katanas (uchigatanas) are shorter than arming swords by blade lenght. Sword lenght has nothing to do with classification if we are talking about duoble edged european swords. There are arming swords that are longer than some longswords. The handle determines wether its longsword or arming sword. Katana has 2 handed handle - by european standarts its a longsword.
Hand and a Half swords are still longswords- I thought this was already known. Functionality is no issue whatsoever, and swords should technically be made or chosen to best fit the user. Trying to name something with many variations can only be general.
I like the bastard sword because I like having a big sword but still a 1 handed sword. Also I'm tall and feel like arming swords are just too small, and I prefer some actual reach
There is no difference - I really don't know why a video was necessary to address this. Hell, if people bothered to look it up - longswords as a type of European bladed weaponry have several sub-categories, for example: the bastard sword (hand-and-a-half sword), the war sword ( which are just longswords that exceed a particular length - typically about 5 feet - and are almost completely unwieldable with a single hand), hell even a greatsword, and a claymore fit into the category of longsword - again they typically to long to wield with one hand. The term longsword is really just a general discriptive category - European style swords that happen to be long enough to possibly necessitate the use of two hands for effective wielding and are double edged pretty much all fall into this category.
Isn't the idea of hand and half swords to be used in one hand when on horseback and 2 hands when on foot?... Still, I don't have historical accounts about that or anything so...
Having a jack of all trades weapon is more detrimental than advantageous. If I'm an infantryman using sword and shield, then I want the best possible arming sword. Why should I pick a weapon that isn't balanced perfectly for my intended purpose? Choosing a bastard sword guarantees two things, A: If I go up against an opponent with sword and shield, then I'm at a disadvantage. B: If I go up against an opponent with a longsword, then I'm also at a disadvantage. Bastard swords are a ridiculous idea. It would be like choosing medium length spears for your phalanx because you want them to also be kinda throwable. WTF?! Just arm some skirmishers with dedicated throwing spears and keep your pikes, otherwise you're gonna get skewered by THEIR pikes.
These terms are just overcomplicating on an arguably nonexistant issue. "Bastard" is a derogatory term, not a cathegory nor a sub-cathegory, you use it on swords that don't look like they would nicely fill in the job you want them to fill because of some odd proportions. Cathegories of cross-hilted swords (and variations from it) are just three: one-hander, two-hander and great; a single sword can be either one, another or both depending by the person that wields it and them alone, if it has odd proportions you could call it a "bastard" but that doesn't put it in a different cathegory.
It is just your opinion. There are definitions in the literature and they were used in the past . If one arm was injured they could use the 1,5 sword 🗡with one hand . And there were some also with 1,5 long handle . If the opinions and feelings are involved it’s more a topic for therapy than for a non-Fiction talk . And in a mass production when people have different length . Some used it with one hand others preferred use it with two hands . Depending on the armor you needed two hands . People lived not that long so a length In between and a little longer handle were good for people with big hands or small people with small hands . And in rooms slightly shorter sword could make a difference. And you can grow with the sword. Starting with two hands and when you have more strength and skills with one hand. With thick leather gloves or armor gloves good luck with two hands with handle for one hand .
Isn't it because a hand and a half sword kind of is both at the same time. Enough about the name, a regular longsword is too small for me and a larger hand and a half sword just works better for me. Why do people get so stuck up on weapon types? Try them all and settle with what works for you and what feels fun to play with for hours on end.
It comes from Dungeons and Dragons and other role playing games in which the "Bastard" Sword could do more damage when swung with two hands but you could still use a shield with it.
In previous editions the only difference between a bastard and a long sword was the damage die. A long sword dealt 1d8 damage, while the bastard sword would deal 2d4 damage. This was changed around 3e, I believe.
1d10 in 3.5
No it means the blacksmith and anvil weren't married before it was forged.
The hand-and-half sword was a "real" thing that was particularly used in England during the Tudor period and is the sword which the Ledall treatise is based on.
I define them based off of the balance and handle construction, if the weight is far from the handle and has a short handle its a "short sword" but i am not a professional
I like the stance from Shad, from the Shadiverity channel. There he said that a bastard sword is any sword is any sword that doesn't fit into any specific set of proportions. But I do see where Jelly is coming from, since if Gregor Clegane(nearly eight foot tall) was issued Needle, the sword of Arya Stark(just over five foot tall) from Game of Thrones, he would probably use it as a dagger if at all.
The Mountain would crush Needle by accident
And frankly, he's wrong.
Historically speaking, there's definite category of bastard sword, at least in England. Listed in both tournaments and in legal cases.
It had a clear specification, pattern.
Again, with this being Shad, the idea of academic argument or primary source is a personal affront.
He would use it as a toothpick
I have come to understand that a bastard sword is properly defined as a one-handed sword with a two-handed grip. It cannot be called a bastard sword if it cannot be used one-handed comfortably. Learned from Paul Wagner of Stoccata school in Australia.
Putting two hands on a single handed grip doesnt grant you any leverage advantage where as a longer grip allows for much more torque.
Obviously if you take someone of significantly different height they need a weapon sized to them.
I wasn't sure at first but I get your points.
But why would not a Bastard swords just be an Arming sword with a long grip?
It's easier to say 'I want a Bastard sword' than it is saying 'I want an arming sword with a longer grip' right?
An Arming Sword is a single hand sword, not two handed. What you have created is simply a two handed sword, that is no longer an Arming Sword.
And a sabre is a curved back-sword but to save the additional description was call it a sabre.... see how that works?
Eye0ftheSt0rm- I don't see the point in making an arming sword with a two handed grip. Doing so does not make it a bastard sword, if that is what you are thinking, nor does it give you any advantages over an arming sword.
What are you talking about? Do you know the differences between a bastard sword and long sword? The guy in this video does not. Why can't you hold a bastard sword like a long sword?
You didn't answer my question. *Why can't you hold a bastard sword like a long sword?*
I know this might induce an aneurysm, however at least in England in the first quarter of the 17th Century Joseph Swetnam specifically states in Chapter XII that:
""... The Bastard Sword, the/ Which Sword is some/thing shorter then a/ long Sword, and yet/ longer then a Short/ sword."
And old George Silver also notes that there are at least two distinct types, one most likely being a bastard sword.
I'll call the ambulance for you...
CrashCourseHEMA Thats 17th century. Medieval or reneissance short swords did not exist. We dont know what he meant by short sword. Maybe dussack?
That a good point. As I currently understand, a "short sword" in the Medieval/Renaissance period (not that they called it that, just so we know what we mean) could mean:
- A shortened sword i.e. Half-swording.
OR
- Any weapon shorter than a longsword (and later the rapier).
CrashCourseHEMA Nonono. There are many swords that are shorter than a longsword. An arming sword for example.
As i said, there are no facts which type of sword was called "shortsword". As you said, it could have been shortened swords, but such do not exist. Maybe its a falchion or messer that is on smaller scale? maybe its just dussack or hanger?
Why call that an arming sword? I'd just call it a short sword with a blade that's too big...
There's no such thing as a "short sword".
that was sarcasm using the same logic snapjelly used ;)
QCreyton medieval short swords do not exist
Hiroshima gets it at least, even if others don't. Snapjelly's argument against the definition is self defeating.
@@odotawaissaku3755 in medieval terms no but i would argue that something like a gladius for example is a short sword
Is longclaw a bastard's sword?
Yes, in both ways.
Ha ha :D truth
Cthulhu Well it's weilder inst a bastard anymore and Gilly has proof.
True...
Some Guy Can you trust her? She can hardly read
soo.... dark souls is the best game that got this right? :D
Not wrong lol
I tried several swords before I found what worked for me. I'm 172 cm. Total length of the sword is about 45", blade is about 35" and hilt is about 9-10". I refer to it as a longsword. It's just semantics at the end of the day. Only reason we call it the "bastard sword" in our sparring group is that I'm the shortest, so I'm the only one to use it, and my sparring partners call me a bastard. Based take, Snap. Based af.
There is also the fact that it originated with the French term épée bâstarde, and it was used to refer to a 1-handed sword used for thrusting.
The term has existed in history, but tabletop gaming has taken it way out of context, and that's a good point to make. I usually size swords by body proportions, so if the blade is hip length and has room for only one hand comfortably, then it's an arming sword. If the same blade has a handle with plenty of room for two hands, then it's a bastard sword. An actual longsword would have a blade length that would probably be the same height as my solar plexus and a handle big enough for two hands without binding when I'm swinging. Since I'm 175cm, someone 160cm would likely call the latter a longsword. Perhaps a lot of bastard swords were just longswords used by shorter people and wound up in inventories tended to by typically taller people who felt the longer handle warranted the differentiation.
Modighen bastard sword is a term for a longsword in english / french, sometimes italian.
You made your point after 3 minutes. The rest of this is just ranting. You're better than this Jelly.
what do you mean? I've been making rant videos since the beginning
SnapJelly but you just kept saying the same thing over and over.
@@twaller214 to be fair, it did take me several times to get it.
Everyone is so worked up in the comments. See i love bastard swords and they are my favorite but he doesnt. He has an opinion and explains pretty well its all about proportions so why do people have to say he's wrong when it IS about proportions and it IS a type of long sword
Modern era division is actually useful and it helps in determining differences - There is a longsword, which is usually baby version of zweihander, it is essentially two handed sword that you can wear /everyday carry. Bastard sword is the opposite - slightly longer /but mostly long hilt version of arming sword- it is essentially enlarged arming sword, you could use it fairly easily in one hand (unlike longsword) but you can use it both hands which would increase energy of weapon - sweetspot seems to be around 1.35 kg /80 cm blade vs 90 cm blade and 1,5 kg of sword weight (like albion ringeck vs mercenary)
It's like how Sting was a dagger, but to bilbo and frodo it was roughly of arming sword size.
Wrong. The bastard sword was a real term used in England for a sword
that was the size of a long sword but light and balanced in a way that
you cold use it in one hand. It being the bastard sword has nothing to
do with length of the blade.....
any longsword is light and balanced in a way that you can use it with one hand
I have never used a long sword that has been as effective as a one hand as a one handed sword. I have used Bastard swords that can be used in one hand just as good as any one handed sword. The difference i have noticed is the weight not the length.
Swedish Procrastinator bastard sword is a term in english for a longsword. It just meant sword of uncertain origin. Nobody know where longswords originated but first depictions are seen in germany.
Bastard swords were not meant to be used with 1 hand.
The "bastard sword" was a particular sword in England during the Tudor period and is what the Ledall treatise is based on. Unlike the other "longsword" traditions of Germany and Italy the English tradition uses a lot of one handed techniques. If you attempt these techniques with a typical HEMA feder (longsword simulator) you will find them to be too awkward and clumsy to be effective. There is a real hand-and-half sword in English history which is differentiated from the longswords of the era.
Shrekas 2 - your statement that the English bastard sword was not meant to be used with one hand is completely incorrect. The Ledall treatise is full of one handed techniques. In fact the very first technique of the first flourysh in Ledall is a one-handed hew: "A Quarter fair before you, delivered with one hand. Voiding back the right foot with another Quarter with both hands."
From using a hand and a half sword, it's surprisingly uncomfortable to use with just one hand. The length of the handle can be very awkward one handed
I was always under the impression there were 4 sword "types". and all were relative to your body. Long sword -- 1 handed pommel - blade approximately half your body length. Short sword -- 1 handed pommel; blade 33% body length or less (somewhere betwixt the long sword and the average Roman dagger (12in)). Great sword -- Noticeable 2 handed pommel -- Body length blade (or longer). Bastard sword -- Long sword with 1 handed pommel and blade length approx 75% body height. This is obviously relative to each individual's size. That's my 2 cents for what it is worth. Fantastic video! Keep it up!
All my swords must be bastard swords given how every time I slash someone across their butt cheeks, they scream, “You bastard!”
What is the definition of a “arming” or “long” sword? It is based on its relationship to a person of average height, 5‘6“ to 6‘ (metric 170cm to 180cm), and even if the user is shorter or longer then average, it retains that definition. All Bastard Swords are Long Swords, but not all Long Swords are Bastard Swords; the length of the blade of a Long Sword can vary by as much as 40 cm (0.4 M), and the shorter versions are called Bastard Swords, whereas there is no generally identified term for a longer Long Sword, though some (especially Shadiversity) call them War Swords.
Do you think there should be guns in the elder scrolls like the flintlock rifle? I personally don't but some people do apparently because it's lore friendly.
It's an option, but flintlock rifles wouldn't really function well outside of a very long reload time, some magic dwemer bullshit or as some impromptu sniping tool. They made crossbows easier to use as a viable weapon, but the realistic counterpart was actually much harder to reload. Including either as a prominent part of combat in the next installment is all a matter of suspension of disbelief, target demographic and the direction of the series in terms of engine mechanics limiting/supporting gameplay intricacies.
If you have a one handed sword when would it even be importent to be able to 2 hand it? Only if you don't have a sideram like a buckler or dagger.
I get what you're saying, totally. But if I want to train for situations where I want to alternate between one and two handed use of a sword, I'd like to have enough room on the grip. I have a waster that the grip is too short to play around like this comfortably or practically. But, if my priority is one-handed (with the "sometimes two"), maybe I don't want to go for a hand-and-a-half sword (after all I don't want to be unwieldy in one hand) and so maybe I should look for an arming sword that just has a bit longer grip, or at least a better pommel for fudging with two hands?
This video was really educational but the title made me think you meant you hated the sword not just the term due to the unnecessary specification, thanks for sending my the link Jelly.
It is foolish to pay this level of attention to definitions from a period with poor definition precision.
All of these classes and categories for swords are modern-day history games. The only real thing to look at is the weight of a sword. If you can handle a sword properly with one hand and you don't have to sacrifice speed and maneuverability, then it's a one-handed sword for you, but it might be too heavy to use with one hand for someone else. If a dedicated one-handed sword allows you a two-handed grip, which means you have a good amount of space between your hands while gripping it, then you can also use it as a two-handed sword, which might not be too wise depending on the blade's length, but that's your choice. Other than that, once a sword becomes too heavy to properly use it with one hand, you switch to two hands. If a one-handed sword is too heavy for you, you're either very weak or the sword is a piece of garbage. Properly made one-handed swords should be very light and their heaviest part should be the hilt region.
I always was taught that a bastard/hand and a half has handle length that's halfway between longsword and arming(half of one hand when the hands are touching each other is on the handle and the other half on the pommel) and blade length that is whatever you need it to be for easier one handed use than a longsword blade it could be arming sword length. The use would be as an arming sword in conjunction with a shield or buckler but if you lose your shield in battle you can switch to longsword techniques which you cant do effectively with an arming sword handle. hands are too close while one hand can cup the pommel creating some needed space. And you don't want the handle to be longsword length because it will get in the way using it as an arming sword.
i see your point, but i think that a bastardsword would fall in to the grey area between longsword and arming sword. like, that long sword hilt on an arming sword length, it's hard to call it an arming sword because it has this great huge grip, but it's hard to call it a long sword because it's not particularly long. a bastard sword is an inherently vague term for something that isn't strictly a long sword but that isn't strictly an arming sword either.
The long grip is for leverage and control, while maintaining the ability to switch to one hand with ease
you didn't watch the video did you?
SnapJelly I did, I just don't understand how you could get hung up over the concept
Like its a sub group of sword... I don't get your issues with bastard sword, I don't hold the pummel homie... Its not a proper grip... Its a sword, there are about a million tactics and styles... I was agreeing that it is an arming sword with a long hilt.... You just don't seem to understand the advantage of a long hilt...
Being able to have space between where you grip with each hand increases the mechanical leverage available... Then there are issues with proper grip, I've broken my right hand more times than I can count, gripping the pummel on many swords is literally painful at this point and my bastard sword avoids that issue... You say unnecessary, I say that not having a long grip is not practical... Its just different schools of thought... You graple with the free hand, and often so do I, but I switch between free hand and leverage on the blade... Its to be versatile... I'm sorry you have issues with long hilt design... you don't like it (or get it) OK, but you don't seem to want to give it credit as an actual sword option and I just don't understand your opinion on it
Heh I was expecting you to mention the problem I always get when it comes to people not familar with swords.
Me-"So I have a Bastard sword and I really enjoy practicing with it."
Person-Oh it's from Game of Thrones!?
People hear Bastard+sword and think Battle of the Bastards.
Is a bastard sword a longsword that's inherited by someone tall from someone short?
hypoaktivnaovca No... bastard sword is another way of saying longsword.
That's basically what I said though ...
IMHO a sword should be 'classed' according to its use by the majority of people: A sword that (almost) everyone can use in one hand is an arming sword. A sword (almost) everyone needs to use in two hands is a longsword. And a sword that can be used in either one or both hands depending on your length or strength should be a bastard sword.
R+L=J confirmed. There ain't no bastards no more.
holy shit, what an awesome vid. I am going to link this video everywhere I see a discussion involving bastard swords and the definition of them. Thanks snapjelly for making this
A bastard sword sits comfortably between the arming sword and the longsword. I'm unironically tall (6'7") so I get a bastard sword purely for one-handed.
Great video! Could you please make a video on greatswords?
I think the names of swords is mostly subjective at that point. Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me this video proves that.
I do midevil reenactments and I use it to compensate against a enemy that's bigger with a long sword. It allows me to have the same reach as him for a fair fight
In my experience when looking at actual historical reproductions of bastard swords, I found that the grip of the sword is a bit different. Not just in length, but in shape. Like, the grip has a traditional arming sword grip length and shape, then where the pommel would be, is a very heavily tapered part that basically extends the length of the grip, and then tapers into the pommel. Here is a picture: www.kultofathena.com/images/SL1006_l.jpg
that's called a ''waisted grip''
it appears on longswords aswell
No it means the blacksmith and anvil weren't married before it was forged.
So what kind of sword should I use to represent a Clan of illegitimate children for future reference?
Ain't a bastard sword just a longsword that is practical for one handed use?
I'm pretty sure that's correct. I think the most famous example of a bastard would be the katana. It was generally used in two hands, but Musashi talks at length of how well it can be used in a single hand or in duel wielding.
Yes.
@Snake 123 Not necessarily but that is often the case, longswords are defined by being used two handed cruciform swords whose tip when on the ground the pommel not going any higher than your armpit the length is highly fungible. Technically a bastard sword is just as Dark Liege of Chaos said: subset of longsword that be reasonably well wielded with one hand.
@@jonathandoe1367 No the Katana is not a bastard sword and pretty much no one uses them one handed: they're heavy for their length which is slightly shorter than a bastard sword and have a point of balance five to seven inches from the hilt they're pretty blade forward swords which while making them excellent cutting blades makes them very poor for wielding with one hand with tip control being lousy and strokes being slugish and clumsy.
@@Terminalsanity Have you read the Book of Five Rings? Musashi, perhaps the greatest katana duelist who ever lived, advocated very strongly for the use of the katana with one hand. He responds very specifically to the objection that a katana is too heavy by saying everything is too heavy if you don't train. A katana weighs something like 2-3 pounds. That's about as much as a rapier, another one-handed sword. Also, their balance is supposed to be further down than most swords. The mass in the blade is what gives it the authority in the cut. This, of course, comes at the expense of most of your ability to beat, parry, or bind & wind. Essentially, the katana is strong at attacking and slow at defending. However, keep in mind that if you are using it in one hand, the other hand is free. You could dual-wield a katana with a wakazashi (what Musashi recommends) or go sword & board (shields aren't common in Japan historically, but they did exist in some periods). This makes up somewhat for the lack of defense by allowing one to defend with his off hand.
The long grip of a long sword would likely get in the way of your wrist if you try to use it one handed. Very awkward.
Snap jelly, what is your opinion on short swords and single bladed light infantry axes, because in my limited experience these were my preferences since I want mobility when it comes to my weapons.
its a matter of blade and handle length.. an arming sword is still an arming sword even if someone were too short to use it one handed..a bastard sword has a handle that you can grab with one hand comfortably and and the other hand at the pommel.. blade length might vary, but it should be longer than that of an arming aword and shorter than a long sword.. and the way you grip it doesnt change what the weapon is.. just because you swing a claymore with one hand, doesnt make it an arming sword or even a longsword
A lot of sword experts around here and yet nobody seems to realize that there's more than just blade or handle length to consider. An arming sword and a long sword differ a lot in use and balance.
Historical arming swords are made to hack. Their point of balance is more around the middle of the blade and your hand must be well fitted between the guard and the pommel, so you don't have to grip it too tightly when swinging it around.
A longsword however, is more thrust-focused, with the point of balance near the cross-guard. You NEED that second hand to move the point quickly, cut properly, or just be strong in the bind. And for that, a short handle won't do. You need that leverage.
So unless you're referring to swords closer to the Oakeshott type XV, which are thrust-focused whether used with one or two hands, saying that a bastard sword is a good compromise is rubbish. All the bastard/hand-and-a-half sword reproductions I've been presented are crap. Imagine that, a sword unbalanced for one-handed use with a handle too short for a two-handed usage. It's terrible.
So yeah, enough with the bastard swords already.
Were not Bastard swords remnants of long swords that were broken in battle,but only at the tip? So these blades were re-profiled with a new tip making it a bastard version of its former self(long sword)! Bastard IMO is not a reference to how the weapon appears but how it arrived at its current iteration.
Has to be the first time I've heard the word "boob" being used scientifically
Nobody ever talks about deadbeat dad swords.
grassy climer That would be the British officer sword. 😜
I think tulwars can be used with 2 hands as well. Half-swording. They're not really meant for it but YOLO.
EDIT: What's that 2-H sword hanging above the main gauche, smallswords & spadroons?
any comments about the falx?
Any thoughts about the warbrand?
What do you think of the elven swords from Lord of the Rings? Practical?? Not practical? Etc. Interested in hearing your opinions on them
Chris Kaiser I'd say lotr swords are pretty practical designs as far as fantasy swords go.
Great video! Some really interesting point I didn't really think of, I just love the name honestly. Also the sword you use as an example, I gotta wonder where did you get it? It looks really badass.
The main point being made is that "bastard sword" is a silly category, and that any bastard sword would be fine categorized as an arming sword or longsword. But, isn't that exactly why it's a bastard sword? Sat between two parts, inheritor of none. So, just call it longsword or arming sword or however.
The windlass one ive got is way too heavy to use with one hand, and i'm a really big strong guy. It's abt 4 lbs.
that's pretty heavy for a sword in general
Yeah it's a crusader arming sword which I guess is the heaviest one handed sword ever basically.
Good points, Snap! I love your videos. I've subscribed and liked this video :D. I even put on notifications!
You are missing the point of the name... Let me put it this way... "The pommel is a bit long for an arming sword cause it wasn't made for my size, but I love it anyways. I call it my bastard sword."
In my mind a bastard sword is a long sword but just short enough to be used with one hand comfortably. Sometimes they have a shorter hilt than a average long sword but still had enough space between the hands to get leverage. I believe they was used in a single hand in the sense of that you could switch to one hand for a tactical advantage like getting more reach or have a free hand to grapple or to use it on horseback. Overall I agree with you the bastard sword is just a bit shorter long sword.
This was very informative and helpful, especially for table-top role-playing games! Thanks, SnapJelly.
It seems you have made an oversight, a single hand sword can be used with two hands... for thrusting only. However it CANNOT be used two handed (effectively) for cutting, so a bastard sword is a single handed sword which allows for an effective two handed grip for developing effective cutting power.
you can cut using 2 hands on an arming sword too, why wouldn't you be able to?
Type of sword has more to do with the grip length than blade length. Also no one would ever make a sword of that length with a hand grip that long. If you gave a smith that specification they would try to talk you out of it.
Ok people, let's end the debate right here. Take it from a guy that actually teaches sword fighting. Bastard Swords, Hand and a half, arming and longs swords are not the same. A bastard sword has the same blade length as the hand and a half, but is thicker and heavier with a longer handle. Yes it can be used in one or two hands. The hand and a half was made so that a knight could use his shield with it, but still hold it in two hands comfortably while in armour. An arming sword is much harder to hold in two hands, when you're wearing plate mail. The Bastard sword was made to counter armour. Its heavier weight allowed it to punch through easier. Long swords were two handed and made to counter cavalry and heavy infantry armour. Great swords were mostly ceremonial, not for combat. There are exceptions to that, but they were only ever used to counter cavalry.
Snapjelly!
would you please, do a armor evaluation on dark souls becuase I feel they are a bit more historical then most fantasy weapons and if it's possible
could you do weapon evaluation on the dark souls weapons aswell? sure the scale would probably be too big and such but I would like to know if the black Knight greatsword would be useful in combat (you can redraw the weapon ofcourse to see how it should be) especially the hilt, otherwise cheers for your lovely content
So, I would say a bastard sword or hand-and-a-half sword would be an arming sword, likely on the longer side for such a sword blade-wise, with a slightly longer grip, about long enough to be grabbed comfortably with a literal hand and a half. You're free to disagree, but that just seems like the most useful distinction to me after watching most of this video (I skipped through the latter half because he seemed to be repeating himself a lot).
Yeah, true, but it makes more sense then "Smallsword, & Broadsword"...
I love bastards couse its so not heavy to use as single handed and also they give extrability to powerstrikes as doublehanded. U can use them with dagger, shield or as longsword. Its very agile and longer than arming sword a bit. The sword ur holding at 6:04 is more long sword than bastard and u can use only as twohanded. Try zweihandler
there are sevral ways you use a longsword with one hand
I remember reading about why it's called a "bastard" sword and it's apparently because of it's design. Unable to be distinguished as a one-handed or two-handed weapon.
Wait a second. I have the exact same model of practice longsword and it reaches up to my belly button. Does that mean to me that its arming sword and i should get a longer one? I''m about 190 cm.
Length for one hand using on horse are longer than on feet, may BASTARD SWORDS using with one hands pratical on horse?
I always use a bastard sword in my roleplaying games. Perfect stats balance.
Isnt bastard sword just another term for long sword
Iiro Valtonen it is. Just in english and french.
Actually, no. All Bastard Swords ARE Long Swords, but not all Long Swords are Bastard Swords. The difference is in the length. The blade of a Bastard Sword tends to be shorter then the usual Long Sword.
far as I know... its not how you use it, it mostly about the grip... basicaly a grip that is longer than a arming sword and shorter than a longsword... it doesnt matter the blade length either, it can be shor or long, the grip is what makes the difference
Lucas Leite bastard sword IS a longsword. All early longswords had hand and a half handle.
The difference is context and intended use. An "arming" sword with a long hilt is not an arming sword. You may be high enough for it to be an arming sword length for you, but i somehow don't think you'd ever have the palms to hold it properly. Especially as most of their handles were designed with some grips in mind. So what is a bastard sword? It is a long sword sub category for sure, but one that has certain specific uses and might suit the wielder's need better in some situations by providing alternative grips (usually at the expense of reach). Can you tell me of at least one such use?
Well that certainly took a pudao to the legs of so very many high horses.
A bastard sword was actually apparently larger than a longsword and was very different from a hand and a half sword more like a war sword the way that I see a hand and a half sword is a light longsword not necessarily shorter but on the light side of a long sword with a slightly shorter guard it's essentially a specific size of longsword
where did you get that idea?
SnapJelly well for one that's essentially what you said I'm just making the argument that it doesn't have to be a longsword for someone smaller sometimes people prefer a lighter weapon and that there are ways to lighten a blade asside from shortening it, as for the bastard sword being large the crusader sword (rather large two-handed "war sword" were often referred to as war-sword and the only times I've heard of a bastard sword being used in one hand (at least speaking of tales and legends so verry possibly inaccurate) was when someone was describing an impressive feat of strength if it was shorter than a longsword I wouldn't exactly describe it like that
when did I say a bastardsword is larger than a longsword? I don't think I said that.
because it's not
and also that's a nice story but it didn't answer my question: ''WHERE did you get that idea''
because it's false and whoever told you needs a slap on the wrist.
unless you made it up yourself
SnapJelly well no you didn't that was exactly what I was saying that bastard swords in history refered to a much larger sword than it does today, you didn't say that I did
I look at hand in a half swords like a four door sporty car! Lol
you make some good points, but your example about an arming sword becoming a two-handed sword when you wield it with two hands is a bit of a technicality. even if you have small hands and did that you still lose leverage you would have when using two handed techniques with a proper two handed sword. with a hand and a half sword you get some more of that leverage back.
Some longswords can be used easily in one hand, and some arming swords can be used easily with two hands. I call them both bastard swords, because it's easier.
the good king buttface Yes, but nobody used those with 1 hand in history. Just on horseback.
I think the bastard sword should have a dramatically tapering handle to encourage the proper execution of the push and pull technique. And there seems to be a bit of a throw in there granted by the dramatic tapering.
So is the Katana a Japanese long sword or arming sword? I find it to be the best example of a bastard sword.
Tim Jackson First of all, bastard swords are longswords.
Katana clearly had long two-handed handle. Its more than enough to fit 2 hands.
Shrekas 2 Not always. The longs word has a longer blade than the Katana. But the Katana is longer than the arming sword. So what kind of sword is it?
Tim Jackson katanas (uchigatanas) are shorter than arming swords by blade lenght.
Sword lenght has nothing to do with classification if we are talking about duoble edged european swords. There are arming swords that are longer than some longswords. The handle determines wether its longsword or arming sword. Katana has 2 handed handle - by european standarts its a longsword.
A bastard sword is a sword with a grip halfway between an arming sword and a long sword.
Can you review the weapons in Dark Souls 3????
Hand and a Half swords are still longswords- I thought this was already known. Functionality is no issue whatsoever, and swords should technically be made or chosen to best fit the user. Trying to name something with many variations can only be general.
I like the bastard sword because I like having a big sword but still a 1 handed sword. Also I'm tall and feel like arming swords are just too small, and I prefer some actual reach
Put the bosworth in the hands of a child and it becomes a claymore
There is no difference - I really don't know why a video was necessary to address this. Hell, if people bothered to look it up - longswords as a type of European bladed weaponry have several sub-categories, for example: the bastard sword (hand-and-a-half sword), the war sword ( which are just longswords that exceed a particular length - typically about 5 feet - and are almost completely unwieldable with a single hand), hell even a greatsword, and a claymore fit into the category of longsword - again they typically to long to wield with one hand. The term longsword is really just a general discriptive category - European style swords that happen to be long enough to possibly necessitate the use of two hands for effective wielding and are double edged pretty much all fall into this category.
Isn't the idea of hand and half swords to be used in one hand when on horseback and 2 hands when on foot?... Still, I don't have historical accounts about that or anything so...
Having a jack of all trades weapon is more detrimental than advantageous. If I'm an infantryman using sword and shield, then I want the best possible arming sword. Why should I pick a weapon that isn't balanced perfectly for my intended purpose?
Choosing a bastard sword guarantees two things,
A: If I go up against an opponent with sword and shield, then I'm at a disadvantage.
B: If I go up against an opponent with a longsword, then I'm also at a disadvantage.
Bastard swords are a ridiculous idea.
It would be like choosing medium length spears for your phalanx because you want them to also be kinda throwable. WTF?! Just arm some skirmishers with dedicated throwing spears and keep your pikes, otherwise you're gonna get skewered by THEIR pikes.
These terms are just overcomplicating on an arguably nonexistant issue. "Bastard" is a derogatory term, not a cathegory nor a sub-cathegory, you use it on swords that don't look like they would nicely fill in the job you want them to fill because of some odd proportions. Cathegories of cross-hilted swords (and variations from it) are just three: one-hander, two-hander and great; a single sword can be either one, another or both depending by the person that wields it and them alone, if it has odd proportions you could call it a "bastard" but that doesn't put it in a different cathegory.
I can see what he is talking about bt his only point is that their is no set length standards for swords
Ey, I'm getting one of those sparring swords soon... I hope
It is just your opinion. There are definitions in the literature and they were used in the past . If one arm was injured they could use the 1,5 sword 🗡with one hand . And there were some also with 1,5 long handle . If the opinions and feelings are involved it’s more a topic for therapy than for a non-Fiction talk . And in a mass production when people have different length . Some used it with one hand others preferred use it with two hands . Depending on the armor you needed two hands . People lived not that long so a length In between and a little longer handle were good for people with big hands or small people with small hands . And in rooms slightly shorter sword could make a difference. And you can grow with the sword. Starting with two hands and when you have more strength and skills with one hand. With thick leather gloves or armor gloves good luck with two hands with handle for one hand .
He needs 980,000 more subs for a face reveal. We gotta make this happen guys, can't wait.
Isn't it because a hand and a half sword kind of is both at the same time.
Enough about the name, a regular longsword is too small for me and a larger hand and a half sword just works better for me.
Why do people get so stuck up on weapon types?
Try them all and settle with what works for you and what feels fun to play with for hours on end.
Jon Snow's sword, Longclaw, is a Bastard sword. It is SUPER epic!!
I'm laughing my ass off right now! XD
I just imagine every "Sword" being replaced with "Dick" XDD