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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Arming sword

The one-handed knightly sword, often used with a buckler. The oldest known fencing manual, MS I.33 (around 1300), teaches sword and buckler.

Arming sword
Arming sword WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

knightly sword; side sword (later); espada de armas

Origin and history

The single-handed arming sword was the knight’s sword of the High Middle Ages (about 1000–1350). The oldest known European fencing manual, Royal Armouries Ms. I.33 (around 1300), teaches it together with the buckler.

Martial arts that use it

HEMA

Construction

A straight, double-edged blade of about 70–80 cm with a simple cross-guard and a pommel, often brazil-nut or disc-shaped, weighing around 1–1.2 kg.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

Ms. I.33 is illustrated with a priest teaching a student, and one of the fighters is a woman called Walpurgis.

More weapons

Messer Zweihänder Rapier Smallsword Foil Épée

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Arming sword
  2. Wikipedia — Royal Armouries Ms. I.33