Top 7 Best Types of Swords
Swords are a weapon and tool that has been used throughout history, in cultures around the world. Different Types of Swords were first used by humans in prehistoric times, with bronze swords dating back to 3000 BC. In over 100 countries across the world, there are many different types of sword styles and forms of swords as weapons. 

This includes cutting swords like katanas or razors, impact weapons like broadswords or rapiers, and thrusting weapons such as spears or sabers. Swords have been weaponized since prehistoric times with both stabbing and piercing points on the blade, either at its tip (usually) or along one side (occasionally). 

Generally, swords do not split the fabric of their sword by hitting them in the middle but instead are sliced. Real Swords have been used throughout history for many different purposes and have been developed in various shapes, sizes, and types. Here are some amazing types:

1. Longsword

Longswords are types that were popular during medieval times, particularly in the Middle East and Europe. The average length of these swords can range from 65 - 100 cm. These swords have a straight blade, rounded point, and an average weight between 2 - 5 pounds. 


Longswords are used for both cutting (slashing) and thrusting (piercing). These swords typically had cross-guards on the hilts of these types of swords to keep the sword user's hands from sliding all the way to the blade. Longswords have been used throughout history as weapons in battle and they also can be used as a tool as well.

2. Rapier

Rapiers are a specific kind of sword with a triangular-shaped blade and have historically been used between 1400 - 1700 AD in Western Europe. These medieval swords were primarily used as thrusting weapons because they generally have lighter blades (averaging 2 pounds), smaller hilts, and cross-guards, allowing the user to maneuver the weapon more easily. 


Rapiers can be used for slashing and thrusting, however, these swords were designed for thrusting attacks. The length of these swords can vary from 90 - 110 cm and can be anywhere between grams in weight, usually around 1-3 pounds. 

3. Katana

Katanas are the shortest swords used in history (the oldest documented katana of 1477 had a length of 35.5 cm). These types of swords have thin blades with a length and weight close to other medieval longswords. The most popular and well-known katana has a slim blade and is often etched with scenes from ancient Japanese paintings and art. 

Katana Sword

Katanas are used for slashing attacks due to their slender blades, which makes them easy to wield around in the hand and move around for maximum reach. Katana sword is also quite popular for decorative purposes by having some symbols on its blade (such as dragons, birds, or flowers). 

4. Broadsword

The broadsword is the most common sword used in medieval times and the Middle Ages, however, they have been used throughout history as well. They were primarily used for cutting attacks due to their wider blades, using a slashing motion to cut through their enemies in battle. 

Broadswords can range from 120 - 135 cm and can weigh between 2- 5 pounds. They were very similar to longswords, but with a larger curve on the tip of their blades and shorter handles as well as larger cross-hilts. 

5. Saber

Saber is the name for a sword that has a curved blade, typically with a single edge and long hilt (handle). These swords are designed primarily for slashing attacks, having a curve that is sharp on one side of the blade (and blunt on the other) to maximize the cutting surface of this type of weapon. 


Saber length can vary from 60 - 100 cm and they usually weigh around 1-3 pounds. These types of swords have been used throughout history in many different cultures, including the Chinese. 

6. Short Sword

Shortswords are a type of sword that is used in the same way as longswords, but they are generally easier to use and can be wielded in a much more comfortable manner. These swords have been in use since the late Bronze Age in Europe (around 800 BC). 

The shortsword is a small sword, having a blade length of between 50 - 60 cm and weighing approximately 1-3 pounds. These types of swords were also referred to as "brunzweilers" or "hangers" because they were often kept on the user's belts or hung from their poms. 

7. Cutting Sword

Cutting swords is not a single category of the sword. They are a general term for any type of blade weapon, with varying degrees of sharpness and length, that is designed to cut through material rather than thrust or slice.

A cutting sword is usually only used defensively as it lacks the heft necessary to make an effective thrusting weapon if the tip breaks off. The term "cutting swords" can apply to both one-handed and two-handed weapons, giving us categories like longswords and daisho (a Japanese type of longsword).

Rules of Using Swords

What are the safety rules for using different types of swords? This is a question asked by many people who find themselves interested in learning how to wield, or just how they work in general. 

When you’re wielding a sword, your primary goal is always safety above all else. Regardless of the form of the sword or how it’s made, there are certain things that can put you at risk if you don’t do them right. Following these rules will make sure you stay safe while also allowing you to get the most out of your training. Now we’ll cover the main aspects of safety with swords:

  • Always Keep a Hand on The Tsuka

This is one of the most basic bits of advice when it comes to training swords. The tsuka, or handle section, is one of the most important parts of a sword and should always be handled with proper care and respect. It’s essential that you always have a hand on the tsuka at all times. 

Tsuka of a Sword

It is also important to keep the tsuka in one position when practicing so that you don’t accidentally shake it while swinging. The tsuka should never be removed from the sword’s scabbard when training, as this would cause potential harm to come to both your hands and your sword if something were to happen.

  • Never Swing your Sword When Not in Use

As stated in number one, we must always keep our hands on our swords at all times during training and practice. That being said, the tsuka should never be removed from the scabbard when the blade is not in use. 

Oftentimes, people will remove their swords from their scabbards without realizing it, and there’s a great chance that someone could accidentally cut themselves or another nearby person. This can be avoided by always keeping both hands on the tsuka and hanging it on your wall when you’re done practicing or training for the day.

  • Don’t Let People Touch Your Sword

The tsuka is one of the most valuable parts of any sword and represents a large part of its value to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Don’t let anyone touch your sword. People who don’t know how to use different types of swords or weapons can cause damage to themselves and others.  

Historical Importance of Swords

Swords were one of the earliest weapons to be used in battle, with the first swords appearing in prehistoric times as bronze daggers. Their usage continued into the Iron Age, and by around 600 BCE these swords were being forged from iron. The design of early types of swords is not known but they developed from cutting-edged tools such as axes, khopesh, and maces made of soft metals such as bronze and gold. 

Advanced metallurgy was required to create sword blades that could cope with hard use; a typical sword may have been made up to 18 inches long and composed of only 5-10% iron while the remainder being softer steel. Early swords were the same height or shorter than their wielders, but by around 1000 BCE a longer sword was developed. 

This sword was known as a longsword and had a straight double-edged blade of around 3 to 4 feet in length and was made from good steel so that it could take heavy impacts. Sometime in the late 1st millennium, the longsword began to develop into what would be recognizable as the medieval European sword; longer, larger, and more rigid.

By the 13th century, 'knightly' swords started to become fashionable among members of the nobility. This development was spurred on by the increasing number of soldiers who could afford expensive armaments and armor. The popularity of swords continued into the Middle Ages, although this popularity changed along with their appearance. 

While the earlier swords were relatively slim and straight, their later counterparts became more slender and curved, starting to resemble what would be known as a "swordsman's sword". Knights of the Middle Ages fought in close combat using swords similar to those used in the 9th century, gradually reducing their use in favor of bladed weapons such as axes, spears, and rapiers. As well as knights and nobles, many other people within Medieval Europe also carried or wore swords.