Single-Handed Sword

Sword & Buckler The arming sword is a double-edge single-hand sword commonly used through the 13th and 14th centuries. It had a significant taper to a point, making it an effective thrusting weapon as well. The buckler was a small steel shield used to deflect attacks, protect the wielder's sword arm, and to bind and attack the opponent.

Dussack / Messer The grosse messer or "big knife" was aptly named, generally being a large single edged knife or sword, similar to a machete. It was a weapon of the common man, particularly because it could be used as a tool as well as a weapon. Fencing with the messer was gradually replaced in the 16th century by the dussack, a curved single edged sword. Wooden dussack bouting remained popular into the 18th century. The weight, characteristics, and use of the dussack carried on in the heavy cavalry sabers of later centuries.