50 Classic Swords from History

Throughout history, swords have evolved in form and function, reflecting the technological advancements, artistic expressions, and martial philosophies of their times.

Here is a list of 50 classic swords from history.

1. Longsword – A European sword characterized by a cruciform hilt with a grip for two-handed use.
2. Shortsword – A shorter sword ideal for close combat.
3. Rapier – A slender, sharply pointed sword designed for thrusting attacks.
4. Sabre – A curved, single-edged sword used mainly by cavalry.
5. Katana – A curved, single-edged Japanese sword used by samurai.
6. Wakizashi – A shorter companion sword to the katana, also worn by samurai.
7. Tanto – A Japanese dagger or short sword.
8. Claymore – A Scottish two-handed sword.
9. Scimitar – A Middle Eastern curved sword with a single edge.
10. Falchion – A European single-edged sword with a slight curve.
11. Broadsword – A sword with a broad blade for cutting rather than thrusting.
12. Cutlass – A short, broad sabre used by sailors.
13. Gladius – The primary sword of Ancient Roman foot soldiers.
14. Jian – A double-edged straight sword used in China.
15. Dao – A single-edged Chinese sword used primarily for slashing and chopping.
16. Viking Sword – A type of sword used by Vikings, typically single-handed and double-edged.
17. Estoc – A sword with a long, narrow blade designed for thrusting.
18. Zweihänder – A large two-handed sword from Germany.
19. Kris – An Indonesian asymmetrical dagger with a distinctive wavy blade.
20. Kukri – A Nepalese knife with an inwardly curved blade.
21. Shamshir – A Persian curved sword with a slender blade.
22. Talwar – An Indian curved sword.
23. Khopesh – An ancient Egyptian sickle-shaped sword.
24. Kopis – A one-handed, single-edged sword used by ancient Greeks.
25. Xiphos – A double-edged, one-handed straight short sword used by ancient Greeks.
26. Backsword – A European sword with a single-edged blade.
27. Flamberge – A sword with a wavy flame-like blade.
28. Gross Messer – A German single-edged sword.
29. Ninjato – A straight-bladed sword associated with ninjas.
30. Shotel – A curved sword originating from Ethiopia.
31. Tachi – A traditional Japanese sword, predecessor to the katana.
32. Nodachi – A large two-handed Japanese field sword.
33. Yatagan – An Ottoman knife or short sabre used from the mid-16th to late 19th centuries.
34. Kilij – A type of one-handed, single-edged Turkish sabre.
35. Spatha – A long sword used by Roman cavalry.
36. Baselard – A historical dagger or short sword from the medieval period.
37. Seax – A Germanic single-edged knife used during the Early Middle Ages.
38. Khanda – A double-edged straight sword from India.
39. Urumi – A flexible, whip-like sword from India.
40. Bolo – A Filipino machete used both as a tool and a weapon.
41. Sica – A short sword or large dagger of ancient Thracians and Dacians.
42. Makhaira – An ancient Greek single-edged, curved sword.
43. Spadroon – A light sword with a straight blade popular in the 18th century.
44. Greatsword – A large sword requiring two hands to wield.
45. Messer – A German single-edged sword similar to a large knife.
46. Cinquedea – An Italian short sword with a wide blade.
47. Claybeg – A smaller Scottish sword.
48. Sword Breaker – A parrying sword with slots intended to catch an opponent’s blade.
49. Épée – A thrusting weapon, often used with a blunted end in the sport of fencing.
50. Foil – A light fencing sword used for thrusting.