Coined in the Victorian era, the term Broadsword is a generalized descriptor for almost any European sword from the medieval period (11th to 15th centuries). Although historically a misnomer the word was used by 19th century writers to differentiate the earlier cut and thrust sword from the more slender bladed swords of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. For simplicity’s sake we shall perpetuate this trend. “Broadswords” can be found in both single-hand and hand-and-a-half (often called “Bastard”) varieties with the general form having a cruciform hilt and a double edged blade useful for both cutting and thrusting.
Single-Hand Broadswords
The majority of our broadswords are custom made. Please note that, unless specified one of a kind, those listed below represent general groups with similar basic characteristics within which will be found slight variations in either hilt or blade. Be sure to call in advance to check on availability or with specific inquiries.
| SINGLE-HAND BROADSWORDS | DESCRIPTION | WEEKLY PRICE * | |
 | Fullered Blade | 28 inch blade; 2 ½ - 3 ½ pounds. These blades have a central fuller for adding strength and reducing weight. | $10 |
 | Standard Blade | 28 inch blade; 2 ½ - 3 ¾ pounds. All blades are flat ground with neither ridges nor fullers. | $10 |
 | Twisted Ring Guard | 28 inch blade; 2 ½ -3 ¼ pounds. Guards are twisted steel with side ring. Blades are standard or fullered. | $10 |
 | Light Blade | 28 inch blade; 2 ¼ pounds. Very lightweight blade available plain or with cutout pattern on forte. | $10 |
 | Basic Light Blade | 28 inch blade; 2 ¼ pounds. Very lightweight with a more basic design than the light sword above. | $10 |
 | Noble's Broadsword | 28 inch blade; 3 ¾ pounds; one of a kind Flat ground blade with elaborate guard. | $10 |
 | Small Ridged | 21 inch blade; 3 pounds; Features a heavy ridged blade. | $10 |
 | Leaf Blade | 28 inch fullered blade; 2 ¾ pounds; A beautiful sword that is light in the hand. | $12.50 |
 | Norman Sword (costume only) | 30 inch blade; 2 ½ pounds. A style of sword popular in Northern Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries. Includes hard scabbard. Costume only. | $7.50 |
 | Viking Sword (costume only) | 31 inch blade; 2 ¼ pounds. A sword design found in the hands of Scandinavian warriors primarily during the 8th - 10th centuries. Includes hard scabbard. Costume only. | $7.50 |
Hand-and-a-Half Broadswords
Hand-and-a-half swords are also called “bastard swords” as their “parentage” is unclear, belonging to neither the single-handed nor the true two-handed sword families. They possess an elongated grip which can easily accommodate both hands but they are generally well balanced enough to be wielded in one hand. Hand-and-a half varieties typically have a blade length between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 2 ¾ and 4 pounds.
As with our single-hand broadswords above these weapons are custom made. Please note that, unless specified one of a kind, those listed below represent general groups with similar basic characteristics within which will be found slight variations in either hilt or blade. Be sure to call in advance to check on availability or with specific inquiries.
| HAND-AND-A-HALF BROADSWORDS | DESCRIPTION | WEEKLY PRICE * | |
 | Standard Blade Hand-and-a-Half | 34 inch blade. The standard size Hand-and-a-Half. | $12.50 |
 | Light Blade Hand-and-a-Half | 32 inch blade. Similar to our standard blade but... well... lighter. | $12.50 |
 | Twisted Guard Hand-and-a-Half | 34 inch blade. Large hilt with twisted steel guard, faceted pommel, and light blade. | $12.50 |
 | Teardrop Pommel Hand-and-a-Half | 34 inch blade; one of a kind For the discerning knight. | $12.50 |
 | Tapered Blade Arming Sword | 30 inch blade; one of a kind A very light and fast sword that can easily be used one handed. | $12.50 |
* 4 week minimum for all rentals. Scabbards with associated frog, baldric, or hanger are $2.50 when available. Simple frogs always supplied free of charge.