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European Swords

European Swords at eBladeStore.com contains all the swords that collectors yearn for. These swords are perfect to fill out a collection or start a new collection. Feng Shui décor also favors swords for home and office use. European swords make memorable gifts that can be passed down through the generations.

Broadswords

The broadsword is a sword with a wide blade and typically two sided cutting edges. The cutting edges were designed for cutting rather than stabbing. Most of these swords were used primarily in the middle ages and are also some of the most well known of the renaissance swords. King Arthur's Excalibur Medieval Style Sword is probably one of the most famous of all the Broadswords.

There are several types of broadswords that have been found as far back as the 6th century. The most popular ones are:

• Arming Sword - The cruciform (hilt/guard shaped like a cross) swords of the High Middle Ages.
• Basket Hilted Sword – This was a type of British Backsword.  The basket hilt broadsword featured a basket which was designed to protect the hand in combat.
• Dao – These Chinese swords are know known as one of the four major weapons, along with the spear, staff, and the sword, and referred to as "The Courage of All Soldiers".
• Lionheart – These cruciform-hilted swords were used by the crusading knights in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is hand-crafted from high-carbon steel, has an ebony grip and is finished with a steel guard and pommel.
• Scottish Broadsword – A popular version of this could be found in the movie Braveheart.

Celtic Swords

Celtic swords are some of the most intricate and beautiful of all the ancient European sword types.  The Celtic warriors as far back as the 6th century were using meticulously crafted Irish Swords crafted by master iron workers.  Celtic swords were individually designed to mirror the warrior's soul while he raced into battle.  These were heavy, razor-sharp swords that were purposely crafted to intimidate any foe.  Some of the Celtic swords could reach lengths up to six feet and the effect of these swords were unmatched by any other European style sword.

Fencing Swords

The word Fence is a shortened middle English word “defens”, which originated from the word “defensio”.  The sport and vocation of Fencing can be found in European historical records dating back at least to the 12th century.  Fencing is one of the four sports which has been featured at every modern Olympic Game.  There are currently three types of swords used in Olympic Games.  One of them is the Epee, which is a heavy thrusting weapon.  The Epee sword is also known as a dueling sword or rapier.  The most popular fencing sword is the Foil sword, which is a light thrusting weapon.  The Sabre sword is also used as a fencing sword.  This is a light cutting and thrusting weapon.

Longsword

The Longsword was aptly named due to it's length.  It was popular in the 14th century, although some variants of this sword have been found as far back as the 12th century.  The longsword is commonly held in combat with both hands, though some may be used single-handed. Longswords are used for striking, cutting, and thrusting and were the preferred weapon due to it's versatility and killing capacity.  It is also known as the Hand and a Half sword, noting the additional length of the sword, or a Bastard Sword.  The Bastard Sword has similarities to the conventional longsword, but also fits other types of swords that can't be classified under the more traditional designs.

Pirate Swords

The popularity of the Pirates of the Deep movies really brought everything “Pirate” into collectible prominence.  Pirate cutlery would be the Cutlass, a small almost dagger like blade for close combat, the Broadsword, and the small sword used as a thrusting weapon.  The small sword replaced the once popular Rapier as the weapon of choice in and around the 17th century.

Scottish Swords

Scottish swords such as the above mentioned Scottish Broadsword, along with the stately Scottish Court sword, dirks, claymores, and highlanders are all sought after collector pieces.  The Claymore and the Claymore Highlander are terms used for two types of swords used by Scottish warriors and soldiers. The first is a large, two-handed sword used in the medieval period.  The other type is a large basket-hilted sword issued to Scottish troops in the 18th century.  It was feared because of its strength and size and was the primary weapon used during the constant warfare that became the way of life for the Scottish clans.

Viking Swords

The most typical portrayal of Viking Swords were designed in the 9th and 10th century and follow the designs of Celtic Swords found as early as the 3rd century.  They feature a long wide blade with two prominent edge.  Viking swords were used similar to Broadswords, more for cutting but could still be used as a thrusting weapon.  The sword was the mark of a warrior in the Viking age. They were difficult to make, and therefore rare and expensive.

Whatever sort of European sword your tastes lead you too, you will find authentic high quality reproductions made by the finest designers from Paul Chen, to United Cutlery, and Cold Steel.   eBladeStore.com is your source for swords!