Longsword vs Broadsword: What’s the Difference and Who Wins in a 1v1?

Longsword vs broadsword, which played a more decisive role on the battlefield? During the 12th to 16th centuries, the longsword was a popular European battlefield weapon, prized for its reach and adaptability within military formations. Later, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the broadsword, with its sturdy cutting blade and protective hilt, became a prominent weapon in various conflicts.

While longswords were employed for cutting, thrusting, and close-quarters techniques like half-swording, broadswords were favored for delivering powerful slashes and offering crucial hand defense. Both weapons had their place in the military landscape of their respective eras. This post will explore their designs, applications, and consider their potential in a one-on-one encounter.

Clarifying What We Call a Longsword and a Broadsword

When it comes to swords, one thing that is often misunderstood is the terminology. This is because, historically, these terms didn’t always apply strictly, especially terms like broadsword, longsword, or greatsword. They are not distinct types like rapier or sabre. When you hear ‘longsword’ you may think about a sword that is long. Yes, that’s true, it actually is. But not all swords that are long are longswords.

What we refer to as a longsword in modern times is a European sword designed with a grip to be held with two hands (but can also be used with one hand in some cases) and a double-edged blade, used by knights in medieval times. We will discuss other characteristics in a bit. It’s the same for broadswords. Not every sword that features a broad blade is called that. Today, the term “broadsword” generally describes a double-edged, primarily cutting sword with a single-handed grip, used during the 17th to 19th century.

Most of these types were crafted around the late 16th to 17th century, and the term was primarily used to distinguish it from other types of the era like the rapier or smallsword, which were thinner and mainly used for thrust. Specific types we call broadswords are the double-edged basket-hilt Scottish broadsword (single-edge is called back-sword) or Venetian Schiavona.

Longsword Vs Broadsword Design

The longsword features a straight, double-edged blade that tapers to a sharp point, a long grip, and is built primarily for two-handed use. The crossguard is often a simple bar shape, with a pommel that acts as a counterweight and also prevents the hand from sliding. The broadsword also features a straight, double-edged blade; however, it’s shorter in length compared to the longsword and can be wider or narrower based on the model.

This blade was typically broad compared to other swords of its time, like the rapier or smallsword. Its grip is strictly designed for one-handed use. A complex basket hilt, offering significant protection for the hand, is a very common design element for the broadsword but is not exclusive. The pommel is shaped to balance the sword and secure the basket guard.

Even though they both feature a long double-edged blade that is very effective for cuts and thrusts, the longsword is associated with the two-handed medieval sword used by knights. The broadsword is associated with the European one-handed broad-bladed swords crafted and used during the 17th and 18th centuries by soldiers and Highlanders.

Advantages of the Longsword

Longswords were one of the most effective swords of their time, outperforming one-handed swords or other two-handed European swords. I would say they are also more effective than the iconic samurai katanas(check longsword vs katana comparison). They were fast, versatile, and could be used for different cut and thrust techniques or halfswording, even with more power and effectiveness than basket-hilted broadswords. Historically, they are known to effectively penetrate heavy armor. They also offer more reach to attack or maintain distance. They can also be used with one hand for specific techniques.

Advantages of the Broadsword

As a one-handed weapon, the broadsword offers the significant advantage of leaving your other hand free to wield a secondary tool or shield. Its broad blade excels at delivering powerful slashing attacks, effective both in infantry combat and cavalry charges. The double-edged design further enhances its versatility in combat. Most broadsword variants provide substantial hand protection, with basket-hilt designs offering nearly complete coverage of the wielder’s hand. While not matching the longsword’s thrusting capabilities, broadswords remain quite effective for piercing attacks and provide respectable reach in combat situations.

Disadvantages

Using a longsword efficiently necessitates both hands, which means the wielder cannot utilize a shield or other secondary tools. Although the longsword’s straightforward crossguard provides minimal hand protection, its significant length offers superior reach, though it can be challenging to maneuver in confined spaces or densely packed battle formations.

In contrast, the one-handed broadsword generates less power for thrusting attacks than the two-handed longsword due to its wider blade and the limited force generated by a single hand. However, the broadsword’s basket hilt provides excellent hand protection, even though it adds weight and bulk near the hand, affecting its balance. Additionally, some users may find the basket hilt’s intricate design restricts wrist movement compared to swords with simpler hilts.

Which Triumphs

This is a classic “who would win” scenario! While fun to think about, it’s purely hypothetical. However, based on their typical equipment and fighting styles from their respective peak eras, the Medieval Knight with a longsword would have a very significant advantage and would likely win the vast majority of encounters.

However, a recent HEMA match I observed between a broadsword practitioner and a longsword user complicates this simple picture. The contest, judged under fencing rules with point-based scoring, was close, but the broadsword wielder seemed to have a slight edge. The broadsword seemed slightly faster and despite the generally longer blade of the longsword, with arm extension, the broadsword appeared to offer even more reach, controlling the space and delivering better strikes. Ultimately, skill and experience would likely be the deciding factor in such a close contest.

Last Words

In conclusion, both the longsword and the broadsword, despite their differing periods of dominance on European battlefields, stand as testaments to highly effective sword design, each proving superior to many contemporaries in the brutal reality of combat.