What Did Historical Swords Weigh?

Introduction: How heavy were swords from the Middle Ages and Renaissance? Experts know the answer, but many people do not. It's hard to find the true weights of these swords because there are many false ideas. This article gives you the real facts about the weights of swords from these times and clears up the myths.

A Weighty Issue: There are many wrong ideas about how much medieval and Renaissance swords weighed. TV and movies often show these swords as very heavy and hard to use, which is not true. For example, an expert on The History Channel once said that 14th-century swords could weigh up to 40 pounds, which is not accurate.

In reality, swords were not that heavy. Most historical swords weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, and even the larger war swords rarely go over 4.5 pounds. Many reference books do not give detailed weight information, adding to the confusion.

The Reality of Historical Sword Weights: The Wallace Collection Museum in London has good data on this. Most of their swords, like arming swords, two-handers, and rapiers, weigh less than three pounds. Sword expert Ewart Oakeshott said medieval swords were light and easy to handle. He said, "The average weight of any normal-sized sword is between 2.5 lb. and 3.5 lbs. Even the big hand-and-a-half 'war' swords rarely weigh more than 4.5 lbs."

Medieval swords were well-made, light, and quick. They could cut and thrust powerfully and were not the clumsy weapons often shown in the media. For example, swords from the 10th to the 15th centuries weighed about 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs), and in the 16th century, they weighed around 0.9 kg (2 lbs).

Expert Opinions: Many experts say medieval swords were not heavy. Dr. Hans-Peter Hils said that museum collections often have heavy parade swords mistaken for real combat swords. These parade swords were not for fighting. Medieval swords were made for use, not weight.

Wrong ideas about the weight of medieval swords have been around for a long time. For example, in the 18th century, fencing writer Thomas Page called medieval swords "enormous" and "unwieldy." Later writers agreed, adding to the myth that these swords were heavy and hard to use.

Real Sword Handling: Using real historical swords shows how they truly were. Swords were balanced and quick, not heavy and hard to use. Charles Ffoulkes, a British arms curator, wrongly said medieval swords were heavy and impractical. In fact, these swords were made for fighting and were well-suited for their purpose.

Some historians, like Kelly DeVries, have also continued the myth of heavy medieval swords. Despite evidence, many still believe these swords were clumsy. However, using real swords shows they were effective and efficient weapons.

Subjectivity and Objectivity: John Latham, a sword maker, wrongly thought medieval swords were heavy because they were made to fight armored opponents. But the real weight of a sword balances being light enough to move easily and heavy enough to strike effectively.

Medieval and Renaissance swords were carefully designed for their purpose. They needed enough weight to support an edge and point, block strikes, and hit hard. Stories of giant swords cutting through armor are just myths. In reality, these swords were light and quick.

Conclusion: The idea that medieval and Renaissance swords were heavy and clumsy is a myth. Historical facts and expert opinions show these swords were well-balanced and easy to handle. Knowing the true weight and use of these swords helps us appreciate their design and effectiveness in battle. Real medieval and Renaissance swords were not only useful but also a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of their makers.