At one time it described both types of sword. [1] It is so called because the triangular cross section gives a flat back edge opposite the cutting edge. A broadsword is roughly the same size as a longsword but with a hilt much like a rapier. Historical Reason: During the 19 th century the “Broadsword Champion of the World” was a recognised title. check out the. Despite being eclipsed in the realm of civilian fencing by thrusting weapons ideal for single combat without armor, a tradition of cutting swordplay with sabre, backsword, and broadsword continued in Europe well into the 20th century. [1], https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backsword&oldid=946010253, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 17 March 2020, at 14:29. The Broadsword was used to slice and cut at an opponent [especially from horseback] and, in the right hands, was capable of severing a mans head from his body. The term "broad" was added to distinguish this sword from the thin-bladed rapier. The Broadsword Similar to the longsword, a broadsword historically (15 th century and earlier) meant a sword that carried a blade broader than a common reference sword of the time. Personally i like the faster swords better; - Claymore is way slower. How is it the World Broadsword Championship? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The word “longsword” originally (circa 11 th century) referred to a one-handed sword with a long blade. Getting even more specific there is the question of the claymore and what is and is not one, a question which has been argued to and fro for many years. Next will be a discussion of the broadsword and the backsword, two weapons which are often confused, usually as a result of one or both not having a clear definition. The Broadsword Similar to the longsword, a broadsword historically (15 th century and earlier) meant a sword that carried a blade broader than a common reference sword of the time. best. The World Broadsword Championship is a HEMA competition, open to anyone trained in the martial arts of English Backsword, Highland Broadsword or Military Sabre. The backsword gives us a more acute triangular section, therefore a sharper cutting edge - advantage backsword. Backsword/broadsword types and styles? Most broadswords are double-edged but there is a single-edged version called the backsword. Scottish and Borders History, Culture and Life. share. A Claymore by any other name.. by: Paul There is a fair amount of confusion surrounding the word 'Claymore' and technically it refers to two types of swords, the late medieval period two handed swords used in clan warfare and border clashes with the English (highlander) or the basket hilt one handed sword used by the Scottish military much longer than other armies (Scottish). "Am fear a thug buaidh air fhein, thug e buaidh air namhaid. Today, in the context of historical fencing, longsword means a wearable sword designed to be wielded in two hands. This traditional Scottish backsword or broadsword, dated to the 1740s and 50s, is one of the oldest items in the collection at the Museum of The Black Watch. This thread is archived . Among most Greek warriors, this weapon had an iron blade of about 60 centimetres. As a verb saber is . I was curious if there are additional references to learn from that were written in a similar context as George Silver's backsword vs. rapier era. Various forms of basket-hilt were mounted on both broadsword and backsword blades. It is so called because the triangular cross section gives a flat back edge opposite the cutting edge. The Spartiatēs were always armed with a xiphos as a secondary weapon. Saber vs Broadsword - What's the difference? In the 16 th -17 th centuries, mercenaries hired by Venice carried basket-hilted swords that could be either single-edged (backsword) or double-edged. The Broadsword Similar to the longsword, a broadsword historically (15 th century and earlier) meant a sword that carried a blade broader than a common reference sword of the time. Claymore sword . [2], The term "backsword" can also refer to the singlestick, which is used to train for fighting with the backsword, or to the sport or art of fighting in this fashion. A backsword is a type of sword characterised by having a single-edged blade and a hilt with a single-handed grip. Similar to the longsword, a broadsword historically (15 th century and earlier) meant a sword that carried a blade broader than a common reference sword of the time. Later examples often have a "false edge" on the back near the tip, which was in many cases sharpened to make an actual edge and facilitate thrusting attacks. Later examples often have a "false edge" on the back near the tip, which was in many cases sharpened to make an actual edge and facilitate thrusting attacks. report. Source. Broadswords are also called basket-hilted swords because of the protective cage or basket surrounding the hilt. A further distinction applied by arms historians and collectors is that a true broadsword possesses a double-edged blade, while similar wide-bladed swords with a single sharpened edge and a thickened back are called backswords. It is so called because the triangular cross section gives a flat back edge opposite the cutting edge. save. Chappon was a famous Hungarian fencing – teacher in K.u.K.- era and he wrote his manuals at 1892. lots of point forward, etc.). 2 minute read. What about cutting efficiency? Regarding terminology, a backsword is a type of broadsword, but a broadsword need not necessarily … 100% Upvoted. I know of scottish baskethilts and schiavonas, but what other common types of these kinds of swords are there? The Longsword. Longsword vs Broadsword. Other Comparisons: What's the difference? [2] Later examples often have a "false edge" on the back near the tip, which was in many cases sharpened to make an actual edge and facilitate thrusting attacks. However, their modern definitions are quite different to what they were historically. Edged Weapons from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Arms Collecting Societies, Associations and Groups, Modern-era Swords and Collecting Community. However, their modern definitions are quite different to what they were historically. The Long or Bastardsword was a tremendous weapon for dismounted knights often called 'Men-At-Arms' In Medieval times these Men-At-Arms were, more often than not, the Nobleman's Bodyguard or could be used as 'elite' shock troops to … hide. In the 16 th -17 th centuries, mercenaries hired by Venice carried basket-hilted swords that could be either single-edged (backsword) or double-edged. Sword Fiction: The Authors of; and Historical based works. 5 comments. The sword was reputedly made in Scotland. Hard to say since the particulars will vary so broadly (heh), but would you suppose, that well-designed the difference is a wash? ", None at all. Secure site backed by: How do I care for my sword? Backswords are still sharp along the first 1/3 of the back edge, which is what you use in cutting anyway. Figure 1: A Highland Broadsword, 1785 Pattern. A backsword is a type of European sword characterized by having a straight single-edged blade and a hilt with a single-handed grip. Greggor88 23:28, 29 October 2011 (UTC) The Claymore page keeps moving the definition of claymore. Claymore sword, c. 1700 Source . The way I understand it is that the first third of the backsword is still sharpened along the "back" to enable more efficient thrusting from horseback. The terms “broadsword” and “backsword” were not used in the 17th and 18th centuries and are of Victorian invention, referring to double-edged and single-edged basket-hilted swords respectively. Sort by. Claymore or Scottish Basket Hilted Broadsword A common weapon among the clansmen during the Jacobite rebellions of the late 17th and early 18th centuries was the Scottish Basket Hilted Broadsword, commonly known as claidheamh mor or “claymores” – meaning “great sword” in Scottish Gaelic. A broadsword blade however can after some extensive use be re-mounted 180 degrees to give us a fresh cutting true edge and twice the practical use - advantage broadsword. level 1. Perhaps somebody meant to link to the Scottish Broadsword, which only has one edge? I ask particularly as I've recently read an allegation that some of the broadsword manuals such as Hope, etc. A backsword is a type of sword characterised by having a single-edged blade and a hilt with a single-handed grip. And what are the most common sources/styles for their use in hema at the moment? First we have to realize that many of the terms we use today like “Longsword” is a new term. saber | broadsword | As nouns the difference between saber and broadsword is that saber is while broadsword is a type of sword, usually of the single-handed basket hilt variety, that has a broad cutting blade as opposed to the more slender thrust-oriented rapier. Please add askdifference.com to your ad blocking whitelist or disable your adblocking software. Early broadswords had just a simple wire guard which became increasingly ornate and covered more of the hand as this weapon evolved. The Dussack was for a long time one of the most misunderstood weapons in HEMA, with many thinking they were either simple peasant’s knives or more commonly a wooden or leather sword used in the fencing guilds. Longsword vs Broadsword. Arts, Culture, Recreation & Entertainment, If this is your first visit, be sure to The Spartan version was typically only 30-45 centimetres. The words “Longsword” and “Broadsword” are commonly used to describe different types of swords. A back edge would make withdrawing the blade from the wound you've created easier. [3], Being easier and cheaper to make than double-edged swords, backswords became the favored sidearm of common infantry,[2] including irregulars such as the Highland Scots, which in Scottish Gaelic were called the claidheamh cuil (back sword), after one of several terms for the distinct types of weapons they used. are significantly influenced by the smallsword of the era (e.g. In the 16 th -17 th centuries, mercenaries hired by Venice carried basket-hilted swords that could be either single-edged (backsword) or double-edged. Another name associated with the basket-hilt is the “Back Sword,” indicating a weapons with a single edge and thick back. Bladesmiths, Blacksmiths, Artisans and Professionals, Metallurgical Studies Question and Answer Forum, Performance Swords Question and Answer Forum, Chinese, South-East Asian & Pacific Sword Arts (CSEAPSA). It depends on when you’re talking about, and the context of the conversation. In the 16 th-17 th centuries, mercenaries hired by Venice carried basket-hilted swords that could be either single-edged (backsword) or double-edged. The words “Longsword” and “Broadsword” are commonly used to describe different types of swords. The Broadsword Similar to the longsword, a broadsword historically (15th century and earlier) meant a sword that carried a blade broader than a common reference sword of the time.In the 16th-17th centuries, mercenaries hired by Venice carried basket-hilted swords that could be either single-edged (backsword) or double-edged. Longsword vs Broadsword. From around the early 14th century the backsword became the first type of European sword to be fitted with a knuckle guard. You are correct that backsword does not refer to the two-handed Claymore. The word “longsword” originally (circa 11 th century) referred to a one-handed sword with a long blade. See more. Backswords were often the secondary weapons of European cavalrymen beginning in the 17th century. To begin with: sabers are types of swords. Would you suppose it is safer for the horse and rider to not have that second edge 'coming back to visit' after a hard stroke? Backsword definition, a sword with only one sharp edge; broadsword. Xiphos. Longsword vs Broadsword. Both terms were introduced to distinguish these cut and thrust swords from the narrower rapier and smallsword. In modern times, this variety of sword is also sometimes referred to as the broadsword. The tournament will be fought with blunt reproductions of authentic weapons. The Longsword. Edge and thick back ornate and covered more of the protective cage or basket surrounding the.! This sword from the thin-bladed rapier back edge, which is what you use in at! The definition of Claymore wound you 've created easier thug e buaidh air fhein, thug e air. 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Historical fencing, longsword means a wearable sword designed to be fitted a! Baskethilts and schiavonas, but what other common types of swords, their modern definitions quite! Broadsword and backsword blades Modern-era swords and Collecting Community whitelist or disable your adblocking.. You use in cutting anyway the hand as this weapon evolved wound you 've created easier were introduced distinguish! Such as Hope, etc the faster swords better ; - Claymore is way slower in hema at moment! Entertainment, If this is your first visit, be sure to check out.! Blunt reproductions of authentic weapons in two hands introduced to distinguish these cut thrust!

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