Arming Sword

[Timothy]

Hi all

Sorry to show my ignorance of swords but what is an Arming Sword? Also when ordering a sword do I want it sharpened or not?

Thanks

Timothy

[Ian]

It's generally used to indicate a one-handed sword during the knightly era. 

As far as sharp or blunt, well that entirely depends on what you want to use it for

If you want to cut with it at all, it's got to be sharp.  If you have no intent of cutting with it and just want it to be displayed and safer than a sharp, go blunt. 

[Sir Edward]

Yeah, sword terminology can get confusing. Part of the reason for that, is simply that back in the day, they just called it a "sword", and didn't get hung up on classifications.

For the most part, if someone is referring to "arming" or "broad" swords, they probably mean one-handed.

If they say "bastard sword" or "hand and a half", they're probably referring to a longsword (which is mostly two-handed, but can be used with one).

If they say "great sword", they're probably referring to the larger two-handed swords. These have more period correct terms for them, but those terms still just mean "two handed" or "large sword", such as Zweihander (German), Spadone (Italian), Montante (Iberian).

[Timothy]

Hello,

Thanks all