The Long and Short of it all

[golok]

I have seen it in movies several times. One of the duelists uses a long sword in the right hand and a short one in the left.

What's the advantage of having swords of different lengths in a swordfight?

I must admit it proves to be quite intriguing and interesting when the swordsman mentioned manoeuvers his way to gain an advantage and his opponent is always on his guard so as not to be taken surprise by the shorter blade.

 

[shortgoth]

Well presumably in a "duel", both combatants would have the same sword/dagger/buckler/etc combination. But movies being movies.....

Anyway, principle advantages are using one blade to trap/parry/break the opponents blade while the other attacks, two attacks launched at once, fighting multiple opponents is also common in Hollywood. The reason they're two differents lengths are many, and the best place to get a feel for the technique and reasoning behind them is to go here and read up), you'll find not just essays from current swordsmen but also period manuals explaining the techniques and uses which are far better than I could descbribe them.

Wish I could type it all up, but it would take hours and I wouldn't know where to start.

 

[Stuart McDermid]

Hi All,

The role of the off hand weapon depends alot on the nature of the primary weapon. In the 16th Century sword and dagger fight according to George Silver, the dagger does little more than stop either party trying to grapple.

In the rapier and dagger fight according to Saviolo, the dagger makes the fight more secure by offering a defence far better than a hand parry. The offensive nature of the off hand weapon is not often used.

In the Filipino bolo and dagger fight, things are different. The bolo is only really a little longer than your average dagger. In this fight the dagger is used in both an offensive and defensive manner.

In the Filipino bolo and bolo fight, each weapon is used independantly to both attack and defend.

So basically what the off hand weapon does depends on what the primary hand is holding.
Cheers
Stu.

BTW. I think the ARMA/HACA are a great example of the manner in which Historical Western Swordsmanship should NOT be approached.

 

[shortgoth]

Stuart,

BTW. I think the ARMA/HACA are a great example of the manner in which Historical Western Swordsmanship should NOT be approached.

Why's that? And I was only suggesting using it as a source for period manuals, I have no affiliation with them.

 

[Ferrous Wheel]

Well, personal style couuld be an explanation...

Also, perhaps the shorter sword would be a heavier sword, such as a falchion, ofr close in slashing or stabbing if the opponent crosses within the range of the long weapon. Also, a shorter stouter weapon could take more damage if blocking with the weapon.

Sometimes it was just a fad in weaponry as well...

There are many reasons, some we haven't even touched on...

Keith
En Ferro Veritas