What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A historical European longsword was a sword type commonly designed for two-handed use, especially in the late medieval and Renaissance periods. But “longsword” does not name one fixed size or weight: surviving museum examples vary considerably, and a long sword should not automatically be treated as interchangeable with every greatsword or later Zweihänder.
What is a historical longsword?
“Long sword” appears in the supplied title; longsword is the conventional single-word form used here. The term describes a European historical sword type associated especially with the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance, often designed to be wielded in two hands. The records of individual objects show that the label does not imply one uniform method of handling or a single standardized design.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For example, Paço dos Duques says its cataloged longsword was customarily used with both hands, but could also be held in one hand while the other controlled the blade. That detail describes the handling recorded for this type by that collection; it is not a rule that applies to every sword called a longsword.
When were longswords used?
Dates refer to particular objects and records, not a precise start and end date for every longsword. London Museum says swords designed for two-handed use became fashionable in the early 1400s. Its Thames-found example probably dates to around 1450. Paço dos Duques dates its cataloged longsword to the 15th–16th century, a span that reaches from the late medieval period into the Renaissance.
#1 Best Overall
- Authentic Medieval Sword Design - This renaissance sword is a two-hand medieval sword, adding a real touch to your collection. It's a great addition for any enthusiast interested in medieval swords, and other larping weapons.
- High-Quality Material - This stainless steel sword is designed for longevity. It’s not just a sword prop but a well-crafted piece among fake swords. It’s a perfect blend of durability and elegance.
- Intricately Designed - This sword with sheath features intricate design elements like a faux leather-wrapped handle, and a pommel for a touch of mythical elegance.
- Scabbard Included - This sword replica comes with a scabbard for secure storage, making it an ideal sword display. Whether you're into toy swords, or looking for renaissance costume accessories, this piece is an excellent choice.
- Perfect Collector's Gift - Equally suited for display, gifting, cosplay, or larp weapons, this sword sheath makes for a fantastic medieval sword prop.
London Museum also notes that Henry VIII fought in a tournament with a two-handed sword in 1510. That is a specific historical reference to a tournament weapon, not evidence that every two-handed sword had the same form or purpose.
How long and heavy was a longsword?
There was no single standard length or weight. These three museum records describe individual objects with different dates, dimensions, and weights:
Rank #2
- [Premium 1065 Spring Steel Blade, Authentic Viking Combat Look] Crafted with 1065 spring steel blade, this medieval viking sword balances exceptional tensile strength and perfect flexibility, resisting bending during practice swings. All metal guard, pommel and scabbard trim adopt stainless steel & zinc alloy fittings, anti-rust and long-lasting for daily display.
- [Ergonomic Hollow Handle & Dual Guard Safe Grip Design] Designed with a curved flared crossguard to shield your hands perfectly during wielding, preventing accidental slips and hits. The full handle is tightly wrapped with thick black leather cord, offering excellent anti-slip friction for steady, comfortable holds. The fan-shaped textured metal pommel locks the handle firmly, forming an ergonomic complete grip suitable for long-time cosplay.
- [Lightweight PU Leather Scabbard with Practical Carry Loops] The sword sheath is wrapped in PU leather, lightweight and scratch-resistant to protect your blade well. Equipped with an adjustable shoulder harness and fastening buckle strap, you can freely adjust the strap length to wear the sword on your back or waist easily for outdoor cosplay, LARP and historical reenactment events. Reinforced metal caps at both ends strengthen the scabbard to avoid deformation during storage.
- [Standard Full Size Specs, Ideal for Collectors & Hobbyists] This replica sword is ideal for fantasy cosplay, LARP events, themed parties, or as a display piece for your home or office. It makes a thoughtful gift for sword enthusiasts, fantasy fans, or anyone who appreciates unique decorative sword. Overall length: 88 cm/34.65 inches; Blade length: 68 cm/26.77 inches; Handle length: 15 cm/5.91 inches; Sword weight: 1.55 kg/3.42 pounds.
- [Double Shock-Proof Secure Packaging, Complete Sword Set Delivery] Every viking sword set includes the sword + matching, packed with foam shock-proof inner liner plus outer corrugated carton double-layer protection. The anti-collision packaging avoids blade scratch, metal fitting dent or paint damage during long-distance shipping, ensures you receive an intact, flawless sword ready for use right out of the box.
| Collection and object | Recorded date | Overall length | Blade length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Ca. 1400–1450 | 146.1 cm | 109.9 cm | 2,354 g |
| London Museum | Probably around 1450 | 1,360 mm | 1,020 mm | 2,100 g |
| Paço dos Duques | 15th–16th century | 165 cm | Not stated in the collection record | 3,963 g |
These are measurements of specific artifacts, not a representative average. A useful comparison starts with the object’s date and region, then considers its total and blade length, weight, blade profile and point, hilt and guard, and the handling described by its collection record.
How were longswords used against armor?
Interpretations of a blade’s intended use should stay tied to the object being discussed. The Met describes its circa 1400–1450 sword as having a double-edged blade, an acute point, and a flattened diamond cross-section. The museum says its design was suited to thrusting and slashing against armor, including targeting gaps in plate and splitting mail rings. This is the Met’s interpretation of that particular sword, not proof that every longsword was purpose-built to defeat armor.
Rank #3
- Knight Collections One Handed Medieval Swords Non-Battle Ready
- 41.25" overall length with scabbard
- Carbon steel blade with 8" handle. Metal guard and pommel
- Faux Leather wrapped wood scabbard, Dull Blade
- Good For Collections, Gift, Cosplay and LARP
Paço dos Duques describes its own 15th–16th-century object as used against heavy armor. The record also says the type was customarily wielded in two hands, with the possibility of holding the sword in one hand while controlling the blade with the other.
Is a longsword the same as a greatsword or Zweihänder?
Not necessarily. “Longsword” is not a blanket name for every long European sword, every two-handed sword, or the later Zweihänder. The surviving examples here vary in date and measurements, and collection records use their own descriptions. To identify or compare a particular sword, rely on its date, dimensions, construction, and the terminology used by the relevant museum rather than assuming the names are interchangeable.
Rank #4
- Overall Length: 126cm/49.6in | Blade Length: 91cm/35.8in | Handle Length (without counterweight): 19cm/7.5in | Handle Length (with counterweight): 24cm/9.45in
- Blade width (max): 4.7cm/1.85in | Guard width: 26cm/10.2in | Handle circumference (max): 9.8cm/3.8in | Handle circumference (min): 7cm/2.76in | Blade thickness (max): 0.58cm/0.23in
- Blade Material: 65Mn Spring Steel | Oil-Quenched / High Toughness | Sheath: Wooden Core + Grade A Synthetic Leather | Counterweight Ball + Crossguard: Polished 304 Stainless Steel | Handle: ABS Handle + Hand-Stitched Cowhide + Stainless Steel Wire Wrap
- Blade weight: 1.5kg/3.31lb | Weight with scabbard: 1.98kg/4.37lb | Center of gravity (from guard to pivot point): 9-10cm/3.54-3.94in
- Manual measurements may vary slightly (1-2 cm, 0-100 g), which is normal. Handmade items may occasionally have imperfections. If you encounter any issues, please rest assured that both Amazon and our team will provide excellent after-sales service.
The Met calls its object a rare surviving English example and says fewer than twenty English two-handed swords from the fifteenth century are known to survive. That count is specifically about English fifteenth-century two-handed swords; it is not a count of all European longswords.
What does a modern longsword replica represent?
A replica is a modern object, not an original artifact, even when it is based on a museum sword. The Royal Armouries Museum Shop documents a Windlass Steelcrafts replica based on its object IX.1106, a mid-14th-century longsword. The shop page lists the replica at 111.76 cm overall and 1.871 kg. Those are measurements for that model and differ from the museum-recorded historical examples above.
Best Value
- Perfect replica Cosplay props:Geralt's Steel Sword
- Size parameters:Overall length: about 125cm/49.2inches; handle length: about 24cm/9.8 inches; total weight: about 1.8kg/4.2 lbs
- Stainless steel full Tang blade with black leather wooden scabbard; Double wolves criss-crossing the front saddle with leather rope wrapped around the handle.
- Quality assurance: The unique material has a certain texture; the product strives for the balance of hardness and toughness, and strictly controls the quality of the materials to ensure the excellent quality of our products，ideal for collecting gifts or role-playing
- The product quality of "ZKBWFLA" is guaranteed. Not only exquisite workmanship, but also high reducibility and high safety. We also provide customers with the best after-sales service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will try our best to solve any problems you encounter.
The Royal Armouries describes its replica collection as a way for more people to get a realistic feel for how important originals may have looked and felt in hand. That statement concerns the collection’s accessibility and does not establish that this replica is suitable for sparring. The cited shop page also does not establish current Amazon availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
