When they should be thinking of this:
The term broadsword originated around the 16th century, around the time that rapiers became popular as an urban self defense weapon. Broadswords, also known as basket-hilted swords, were military swords that were thus named for the blade that was broader compared to the rapier and basket shaped hand guard.
The term was used in reference to swords that predated the development of the rapier. Comparatively all types of swords were broader than the needle thin thrusting blades. The reason weapons enthusiasts refuse the term broadsword when used to refer to non-basket-hilted blades, is that the term was not used by the contemporary users of said swords.
The typical knightly sword, which was wielded in one hand, was known as an arming sword. The two handed blades that followed it were known as longswords, as they were comparatively longer. There are several naming conventions that I will get in to at a later date. For now all that you need to know is that the longsword and its compatriots were never referred to as broadswords.
And really, why would they be? The swords were just as broad as any sword in existence at the time. There would be no reason to refer to a sword as a broadsword when it was just as wide as any other. The major difference was in length and whether the blade was wielded in one or two hands.
It's important to make the distinction, because not only does it help make it sound like you know what you're talking about, but the major convention in naming swords is to use the names given by those who actually used the weapons. In a way, the people who lived and died by their swords earned the right to decide on the name of their weapons.
Is it bad that I didn't think of either of those pictures when thinking of "broadsword"?
ReplyDeleteYes. You are a terrible person. What on earth were you thinking when you looked at the first picture then?
ReplyDeleteBut seriously though, it isn't bad if you didn't think of either of them as a broadsword. But if you keep thinking that then you will be a horrible person. :P
Not all sword enthusiasts care about holding to the titles used in the weapon's original time period. I think it depends on whether you're an enthusiast in sword arts or sword history, not to mention where you trained. I know in stage combat we call them broadswords because we've summed up all technique for them under the name "broadsword combat" as it makes it easier to test and certify it, and from stage no one cares the actual name of the weapon you're using. Provided you're using it well.
ReplyDeleteA broadsword to me has always been a sword with a broader blade. That's why they're called broadswords to me. I'm not that much of a swords enthusiast to be sure I'm right about that.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a fan of the second actual broadsword. Thanks for clarifying what broadswords really do look like. This is why I love history!
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