A one-handed sword is any bladed weapon specifically designed to be wielded comfortably with a single hand. Typically balanced for maneuverability, these swords were favored by warriors who paired them with a shield, buckler, or another defensive implement. The term “one-handed” differentiates these blades from longer two-handed swords or hand-and-a-half swords, which require additional leverage or grip space to use efficiently.
Historically, one-handed swords played a critical role in the armories of various cultures—most notably in Medieval Europe, where the arming sword served as a standard sidearm for knights and infantry alike. These swords generally feature a straight, double-edged blade and a simple crossguard, providing both offensive capability and balanced defense.
