A hand-and-a-half sword, often called a “bastard sword”, is a type of European longsword that evolved during the late medieval and Renaissance periods (roughly the 14th to 16th centuries).
Its nickname comes from the versatility of its grip: the handle is long enough to accommodate either a single hand for swift, agile movements or both hands for additional leverage and power. This adaptability made the hand-and-a-half sword a favored choice among knights and soldiers who needed a blade for multiple combat scenarios.
Structurally, a hand-and-a-half sword typically features a straight, double-edged blade and a cruciform guard, offering protection to the wielder’s hands while also balancing the weapon’s weight. The ability to shift between single-handed and two-handed use allowed combatants to effortlessly switch fighting styles during battles.
