Differences about swodsmanship of armingsword and side sword

[Griffion Lau]

The medieval armingsword and renaissance cut and thrust sword are both one handed sword.I wonder that if there are any differnces between the swordsmanship about medieval armingsword and swordsmanship of renaissace cut and thrust sword?

Were the swordsmanhip nearly both same?

[Stacy Clifford]

They both certainly have a lot in common, but later cut & thrust swords tended to be longer and narrower than earlier arming swords and were optimized for better thrusting capability, so they do handle a little differently. A longer sword doesn't turn around for a cut as fast as a shorter one, so while you still can cut effectively with a C&T, there's less use of it than there would be with an arming sword (and more thrusting, obviously). A narrower sword won't hit as hard either, since there is less mass near the end of the blade. Again, they were designed for where they got used the most. Arming swords were great for the battlefield where cutting is a constant necessity to fend off multiple opponents, and C&Ts work great in civilian self defense against robbers and street punks looking for a reputation. Each is still versatile enough to be used in the other's context (and it happened all the time), they're just somewhat specialized for one or the other. The rapier would be an example of extreme specialization for civilian defense. Ultimately there's some difference in the way they're used, but not a whole lot.

[Griffion Lau]

They both certainly have a lot in common, but later cut & thrust swords tended to be longer and narrower than earlier arming swords and were optimized for better thrusting capability, so they do handle a little differently. A longer sword doesn't turn around for a cut as fast as a shorter one, so while you still can cut effectively with a C&T, there's less use of it than there would be with an arming sword (and more thrusting, obviously). A narrower sword won't hit as hard either, since there is less mass near the end of the blade. Again, they were designed for where they got used the most. Arming swords were great for the battlefield where cutting is a constant necessity to fend off multiple opponents, and C&Ts work great in civilian self defense against robbers and street punks looking for a reputation. Each is still versatile enough to be used in the other's context (and it happened all the time), they're just somewhat specialized for one or the other. The rapier would be an example of extreme specialization for civilian defense. Ultimately there's some difference in the way they're used, but not a whole lot.

But sidesword can also be used for war,unlike rapiers.

In renaissance,so many soldiers used cut and thrust sword in war,not armingsword.

[Jaron Bernstein]

"In renaissance,so many soldiers used cut and thrust sword in war,not armingsword."

Armor was heavier and more prevalent when the arming sword was more common. Firearms reduced the effectiveness (and use) of armor. So you could use a C&T sword more effectively on a 1550 battlefield than on a 1350 one.

[Griffion Lau]

"In renaissance,so many soldiers used cut and thrust sword in war,not armingsword."

Armor was heavier and more prevalent when the arming sword was more common. Firearms reduced the effectiveness (and use) of armor. So you could use a C&T sword more effectively on a 1550 battlefield than on a 1350 one.

But I can see so many soldiers wore the breast plate in renaissance,some even had 4/3 plate amour.

[Stacy Clifford]

But I can see so many soldiers wore the breast plate in renaissance,some even had 4/3 plate amour.

Jaron didn't say armor went away, just that it became less common as guns became more common. The C&T remained useful on the battlefield because tactics and technology changed in a way that allowed it to remain useful, just as the arming sword was in earlier times. You'll want a slightly different sword if most of your enemies are fully clad in mail armor than you will if they're armored like Spanish conquistadors. Single hand swords work against both types if used right. If your opponent is in full Maximilian plate harness and you attack him with a single hand sword of any type, your widow will probably be receiving condolences from your buddy who had the sense to use a halberd instead.