A bastard sword is a type of European sword characterized by its twisted or wavy blade, though the term also encompasses other types of swords with similar blade construction. These swords are often used in pairs. The name is derived from the fact that they were made by joining two blades of different shapes and sizes into one weapon.
This resulted in a long, slim blade with an entwined double-edge pattern and a heavy cross-guard, which was sometimes dubbed “the grand cross”. The grip and pommel were generally long to allow for cutting and stabbing techniques. This sword is closely related to the longsword, from which it eventually evolved, and so the two terms are used interchangeably.
One of the characteristics of this sword was its long grip length, giving it superior handling characteristics. In addition, the long haft allowed a wide variety of grips to be used for one-handed or two-handed use. The longer grip and blade enabled using a more powerful and effective thrusting technique, which was especially useful when fighting in tight spaces such as an indoor stairwell or chamber.
In addition to providing better-handling characteristics, the longer hilt and grip also provided better protection. The short cross-guard was often narrower than that of a longsword, which made it easier to parry an opponent’s cut while delivering a powerful thrust.
Production of Bastard Swords
The production of these real swords began around the 15th century and continued through to the early 16th century, at which point they fell out of use in favor of other types of swords such as the bayonet, rapier, and longsword. Techniques for holding and fighting with them evolved over time as well; this was due in part to knowledge reaching Europe from Japan during the time period when both weapons were popular across Asia.
One of the most famous exponents of the use of these full tang swords was Henry VIII, who was portrayed wielding such weapons in several paintings. The term “bastard” or “two-handed sword” was used in the Middle Ages to describe the long, hand-and-a-half sword. In contrast to the single-handed longsword, which is optimized for a stabbing action, the bastard sword’s characteristic twist was designed for a powerful cutting attack.
Its use is described in two German fencing manuals of around 1480 and as early as 1279 by Pseudo-Peter von Danzig and Peter Falkner in his book (c. 1396), where he describes how to wield it cut & thrust style. Until around 1560, the term “bastard sword” referred to all types of curved swords. Starting in 1560, however, the term was used to refer specifically to large-bladed single-handed swords, often with a long grip and long hilt (the “grand cross”).
These weapons were sometimes described with reference to their construction as a variation on “petit bastard” (“little bastard”), again by French authors. The word “bastard” carries two meanings. One is an illegitimate child or descendant of an illegitimate child, while the other is to forge or copy another’s work without permission; hence a “poor” imitation of something originally by another person or organization.
Read Also: How is a Bastard Sword Different From a Longsword?
