European Longsword
European hand-and-a-half sword Fighting in Armed Combat & Tactics
The European longsword, also known as the hand-and-a-half sword, was widely used across medieval Europe from the 14th to 17th centuries. It is a balanced, agile, and highly versatile weapon, capable of both offensive and defensive applications across a wide range of combat scenarios.
Averaging around 120 cm in length, the longsword features a long, tapering double-edged blade, a cross guard, and a pommel. Its design allows nearly every part of the weapon to be used functionally in combat. The edges of the blade, the cross guard, and the pommel all serve as striking tools, while the blade and guard provide effective parrying structures.
Despite common misconceptions, the longsword is not a heavy weapon. Weighing between 1.2 and 1.5 kilograms, it is easy to maneuver, with precise balance that allows for fast, controlled strikes and directional changes with minimal effort.
In ACT, we teach the hand-and-a-half sword as a distinct class of weapon. The swords we use correspond to type XVIIIb in the Oakeshott typology, a refined battlefield blade designed for both cutting and thrusting, with excellent handling characteristics and structural integrity.
Training in ACT is shaped by the tools we use. Unlike plastic or metal simulators, which often fail to replicate proper weight distribution and pose a high risk in sparring, we train with semi-hard simulators designed specifically for our system. These allow for realistic handling and full-contact application, balancing accurate weight and behavior with the ability to strike at speed and power with minimal protective gear and minimal restrictions.
While we have studied historical sources on the use of the longsword, our method is shaped equally by direct, full-contact experience. Thousands of sparring rounds and combat trials inform our approach. Tradition is respected, but functionality under pressure is what defines the practice.