The French Arming Sword is a straight-bladed thrusting sword from Medieval Europe, a weapon tailor made for piercing chain-mail armor. It was the Close-Range weapon of Joan of Arc.
Description[]
The arming sword had a straight, double-edged blade which tapered to a narrow point. The blade had a ridge running along the center, giving it a diamond-shaped cross-section, which gave the blade greater strength when thrusting. The hilt was typically single-handed, with a cruciform-guard and a pommel.
Stats[]
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Blade length: 27"
- Double-edged blade
Uses[]
The arming sword was primarily used for thrusting, as its narrow, but sturdy tip was ideal in the gaps of plate armor. However, it could also be used for cutting and slashing. Its light design allows the blade to be held with a hand, allowing a more agile, aggressive and close-ranged fighting style compared to traditional broadswords.
The Arming Sword would evolve into the Espada Ropera by the end of the Medieval Age and would evolve again into the Rapier during the height of the Renaissance.