Backsword

Backsword

A backsword is a sword having a blade with only one edge. [http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_euroedge.html MyArmoury] ] The back of the sword is often the thickest part of the blade and acts to support and strengthen it.

The term refers more specifically to Early Modern European weapons, usually straight, and typically with complex protective hilts as used in George Silver's manuscripts [ [http://www.mymartialheritage.org/manuals.html The Company for Historical Combat] ] . It can also refer to the singlestick, which is used to train for fighting with the backsword, or to the sport or art of fighting in this fashionBroadsword and Single-stick, by R. G. Allanson Winn and C. Phillips-Wolley (London, 1898)]

Backswords were often the secondary weapons of European-style cavalrymen beginning in the late 16th, early 17th centuries. The weapon's name was likely derived from the practice of slinging the weapon in a sheath behind the trooper's back while riding in order to prevent it from clanging against his or the horse’s side as they galloped. Ironsides: English Cavalry 1588-1688 by John Tincey ISBN: 184176213X ]

ome examples of backswords

*mortuary sword
*sabre
*szabla
*falchion

Notes


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  • Backsword — Backsword:italienische Schiavona Backsword oder Broadsword ist die aus England stammende, von Sammlern verwendete Bezeichnung für Militärschwerter die mit einer breiten, schweren, zweischneidigen Klinge ausgestattet waren und vor der Zeit der… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Backsword — Back sword , n. [2d back, n. + sword.] 1. A sword with one sharp edge. [1913 Webster] 2. In England, a stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements; also, the game in which the stick is used. Also called singlestick. Halliwell. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • backsword — [bak′sôrd΄] n. 1. a sword sharpened on only one edge 2. a hilted, saberlike stick used in fencing practice or as a singlestick …   English World dictionary

  • backsword — noun A sword with one sharp edge. It is a thick, heavy backsword, eighteen inches long, with a bevel where the point should be, worn at the waist in a half scabbard of wood …   Wiktionary

  • Backsword — The backsword was so named because it only had one cutting edge. The non cutting edge (the back of the blade) was much thicker than the cutting edge thus creating a wedge type shape which was said to increase the weapons cutting capacity. Also… …   Medieval glossary

  • backsword — noun Date: 1597 a single edged sword …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • backsword — /bak sawrd , sohrd /, n. 1. a sword with only one sharp edge; broadsword. 2. (formerly) a cudgel having a basket hilt, used in fencing exhibitions. 3. a backswordman. [1590 1600; BACK1 + SWORD] * * * …   Universalium

  • backsword — n. sword with one sharp edge; stick used instead of a sword for fencing …   English contemporary dictionary

  • backsword — back•sword [[t]ˈbækˌsɔrd, ˌsoʊrd[/t]] n. her a sword with one edge sharpened • Etymology: 1590–1600 …   From formal English to slang

  • backsword — /ˈbæksɔd/ (say baksawd) noun 1. a sword with only one sharp edge; broadsword. 2. a cudgel with a basket hilt, used like a foil in fencing. –backswordsman, noun …  

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