Hand and Half Swords

The term hand-and-a-half is more a modern designation for a range of sword types that featured tapered blades longer than the standard shorter arming swords of the time but without the double-hand grips of larger, heavier war-swords. Many different swords fall into this category, and many of them are as maneuverable as they are surprisingly sturdy. Hand-and-a-half swords roughly fall into two categories. The first tends to have approximately six-inch grips with the blades generally between 34–36 inches. The second type is known as “bastard” swords with grips around five inches or so, and blades 30–34 inches long. Both are light enough to use one handed but allow for two handed use by gripping the base of the pommel. Blade shapes varied to the changes from the mail to full plate armor, but remained of a size that made them effective from horseback. 

Museum Replicas houses a collection of hand-and-a-half swords which includes arguably the most famous of all medieval blades – the longsword. We also offer other traditional swords of the period – the bastard sword and the war-sword. Just like our other swords, Museum Replicas’ hand-and-a-half swords are aesthetically pleasing and works of excellent craftsmanship. Check them out now!

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