The bastard sword, one-and-a-half sword

The bastard sword, the French épée bâtarde and the English bastard sword, originated in the 15th century. Originally, the term referred to an 'irregular' sword that could be used with both one and two hands. By the mid-16th century, it could also denote exceptionally large swords, making the distinction between 'bastard sword' and 'longsword' increasingly vague. The competition Masters of Defence, organized by Henry VIII in July 1540, listed the 'two-handed sword' and the 'bastard sword' as two separate categories. It is uncertain whether the same term was also used for other types of shorter swords, but by the 19th century, "bastard sword" was clearly established as a reference to large swords. As a result, the term is often confused with the longsword or the two-handed sword.

At weapons and armour, there is a clear connection between the development of both. Those who wanted to survive on the medieval battlefield had to constantly take new measures. During the High Middle Ages (1000–1300 AD), knights were armored with gambesons and chainmail. These offered good protection against cuts, limited protection against thrusts, and gave the wearer enough mobility to use their armor effectively. Around this period, the aristocracy fought with the sword exclusively with the arming sword (arming sword).

As early as the 12th century, experiments were conducted with making larger swords (Oakeshott type XIIa and XIIIa), which could deliver more powerful cuts to break through the chainmail shirt. These were the early types of longswords and served as precursors to the longsword and the bastard sword from the late Middle Ages.

Around the 14th century, plate armor developed, initially for the protection of knees and elbows, culminating in the coat of plates, which was worn over the chainmail shirt. By the end of the 14th century, further advancements were made, including the cuirass, leg, arm, and pauldrons. During this period, we speak of full armor. As a result, longswords became increasingly important. These swords could, in addition to cutting, also deliver much more powerful thrusts than the traditional knightly swords. With this weapons, targeted thrusts were made at vulnerable parts of the body, such as the arms and the neck.

Alongside the new longsword, the bastard sword developed in the 15th century. The main difference is that longswords have a grip clearly intended for use with two hands, while bastard swords have a grip suitable for one-handed use and sometimes also with two. This is how the sword got its name: the bastard is neither a single-handed sword nor a two-handed sword. Bastard swords are generally lighter and shorter than longswords, making them excellent for combining with a shield or buckler.

The bastard sword consists of a blade which is often slightly longer than that of a normal arming sword. The blade tapers and has two cutting edges. The crossguard is comparable to that of traditional knightly swords and is also equipped with a pommel. The grip is longer than that of a arming sword (arming sword) but shorter than that of a longsword. As a result, the weight is lighter than that of a longsword and the weapon is more maneuverable and suitable for both cutting and thrusting. 

The term one-and-a-half sword is relatively modern (from the late 19th century). This name refers to the fact that the sword, due to its balance, could be used with both one hand and two hands. In the first half of the 20th century, the term bastard sword was still regularly used for this type of sword, while longsword, if used at all, referred to the rapier in the context of Renaissance or early modern fencing.

Despite many attempts, it remains difficult to make a clear distinction between a longsword and a bastard sword. Both types often overlap in dimensions. In principle, one can assume the following: a bastard sword has a shorter grip, allowing it to be used with one hand and possibly with two hands, whereas a longsword has a longer grip and is primarily handled as a two-handed weapon.