Ambiguous use of the term "longsword" in WMA?

[JeanryChandler]

I always understood 'war sword' to be another term for greatsword. It seemed to be used more in earlier times.

Greatswords did tend to be both a bit longer and heavier, though again, not the six foot dopplehander types.

Jeanry

[Jake_Norwood]

I always figured a "war sword" was a battlefield weapon, including bastard swords/spadones, longswords, greatswords, etc.

Jake

[JohnGallego]

A related question for you guys:

Where would the William Wallace sword fit in?

News Link

The fittings are not original, but the blade supposedly dates to the 13th century, however, it IS HUGE, 5 feet and six pounds according to the article. This ranks up closer to the a dopplehander, no? I wasn't aware that such weapons were being used at that time. Could it have been ceremonial in nature?

[Jake_Norwood]

Well, it was a claedh Mawr (my spelling is probably way off...I haven't done any Gaelic languages in a few years), which translates to "big sword." Nowadays we say "claymore." So, according to it's users, it's a "big sword." Middle english for a "big sword" would be a "great sword," so there you go.

Jake

[James_Knowles]

Do you think I should get a sharp one or unsharp?

Yes. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

At least get a blunt that you can have no qualms about beating up. While there are certainly better swords, the Paul Chen practicals have good "bang for the buck."

Once I have a good range of cheaper, functional blades for practice I'm going for those beauties. *drool* Just a matter of my $$$ priorities.

And it's not like an unsharpened sword can't bash the living hell out of an intruder. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

LOL. If I need my swords that's because both my wife and I ran out of ammo. <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

I sure the heck wouldn't want to be hit with a blunt with intent. I have scars from moderate contact with edges. I also have cut a number of pumpkins with blunts --- they cut cleanly like a sharp. This is mainly because of the nature of the material, but a full-force blow with edge or point will do more than just "bash." <img src="/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif" alt="" />

[Andrew Kesterson]

Yeah, the buckshot would reach the intruder long before my blade did. As much as I may like a blade, I'll be reaching for mister Mossberg when the time comes to defend the homestead.