Long Swords

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Long Swords What Is a Long Sword? When most people think of a knight’s sword, they’re picturing a long sword. Straight, double-edged, with a grip long enough for one or two hands — it’s the blade that sits right between a short arming sword and a heavy greatsword. Most measure around 100–120 cm, which makes them long enough to feel commanding but not so big that they’re clumsy. That balance of reach and control is why long swords became iconic in the Middle Ages, and why they’re still a favourite choice in LARP and cosplay today. Long Swords in History In the later Middle Ages, long swords became a knight’s weapon of choice. They weren’t just a symbol of status — they were practical and deadly. You could fight one-handed when speed mattered, or bring both hands to the grip for extra power and control. Medieval masters like Fiore dei Liberi and Johannes Liechtenauer even wrote manuals on how to fight with long swords, and those techniques are still practiced today in HEMA. These weren’t ceremonial pieces; they were part of an entire martial tradition. Some of the more famous styles included the classic knightly longsword with its cruciform hilt, the bastard sword with its longer grip, and regional versions like the espadon or spadone, which pushed the size further. Carrying one wasn’t just about prestige — it showed you had the training to use it. Long Swords in Fantasy and LARP Fast forward to today, and the long sword is still the “hero’s weapon.” It’s the blade you see in the hands of paladins, rangers, mercenaries, or fantasy champions. For LARP, they make sense on a practical level too: Extra reach to hold opponents at a distance. More presence than a short sword, without the weight of a two-hander. The choice to fight with one or two hands. On stage or in cosplay, a long sword brings drama without looking oversized. It’s the blade that feels right in almost any heroic role. How Epic Armoury Builds Long Swords Epic Armoury long swords are designed for play, not