The majestic Falchion Sword was a very famous weapon used during the medieval period and originated in the European lands. The word ‘Falchion’ literally means a big broad sword. The name originates from the French word ‘Fauchon’. The sword is single-edged with a wide curvy design towards the tip.
The falchion sword is a type of medieval weapon that was popular during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was a heavier, more curved version of the earlier swords such as the longsword and was used for cutting rather than thrusting. Falchions were usually single-edged and had a blunt, hooked tip known as a “basket hilt.”
There were many different types of falchion swords, each with its own unique design. Some were made for use in battle, while others were more ornamental. The most common type of falchion was the “Heavy Falchion,” which weighed between four and six pounds. This type of sword was typically used by knights and soldiers, as it was too heavy to be wielded by a single person.
The “Italian Falchion” was another popular type of sword. It was similar to the Heavy Falchion, but was lighter and had a more curved blade. This type of sword was often used by mercenaries and bandits, as it was easier to carry and conceal.
The “Medieval Falchion” was the most ornamental type of sword. It was often decorated with jewels and engravings and was used more for ceremony than for combat.
Falchion swords were also popular in the fantasy world of “Eragon.” In this series, the Falchion was the sword of choice for the main character, and was used to vanquish evil.
Falchion swords were equipped with a short and heavy blade. It was bulky and had the power of a strong axe with the versatile quality of a sword. Such swords were found in various designs and forms, starting from the 11th century until the start of the 16th century.
Some falchion sword forms resembled a knife with a pointed shape. During the middle ages, it was used as a farming tool by the farmers, labourers, peasants and the common folk. It was known to be produced in bulk quantities by the blacksmiths. It was a multi-purpose weapon used both as a sword and a farm tool.
Falchion Sword Description
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The most popular falchion sword forms were at least 40 inches lengthwise and weighed nearly two pounds. Made from steel and iron, falchion swords were favourite war weapons of the medieval times. Knights and soldiers practiced with falchion swords to master the single stroke attack, used for slicing the enemy’s limbs, head or any other exposed areas of his body with just one stroke.
Two Basic Types
- Cleaver Falchion – It looks more like a large meat cleaver. Such types of Falchion Swords were used for fighting wars during the 13th and the 14th However, only limited number of these falchion swords has survived the middle ages to be showcased as a historic relic.
- Cusped Falchion – These swords had a straight long blade with cusped or flared tips. It more or less resembles a sharp knife. Historians believe that the designs of the cusped falchion were influenced by the 13th century Turko-Mongol sabres who reached European borders during that time. This particular falchion sword was very popular until the end of 16th
Features
- Medieval period falchion sword was very heavy and powerful as an axe
- There are many varieties of falchion sword
- The sword was swift and lethal enough to cut an individual’s limbs or head in one stroke
- It originated from an ancient farming tool
- The designs of Turko-Mongol sabres were responsible for the styling of the great falchion sword
Origin, Uses & Misconception
This sword was a champion’s weapon in the Middle Ages. They were also highly favoured by the king’s knights. Some historic manuscripts imply that the falchion was an important secondary sword for the brave knights and was also bestowed the third place in sword ranking for the Men-at-arms.
However, there were bad rumours regarding the quality of the swords hinting that it was unworthy of the nobility. The misconception was later cleared. For example, the Conyers falchion was used for battles that raged between horse-mounted knights.
The swords slowly gained prominence among the nobility and were made with beautiful decorations. Some falchions were even gold-plated and engraved with a personalized court of arms.
Some manuscripts suggested that falchion was initially derived from a longish single-edge knife called Frankish scramasax commonly found in Scandinavia. They were supposedly used by Vikings. But such swords were designed with straight uniform broadness all through their length.
The famed medieval weapon falchion sword gave historians an understanding of the Middle Age warfare strategies. Such swords played a vital role in the daily medieval lives of the soldiers and knights. The training sessions included sword training with new swift moves, accuracy in judgement, defending oneself in battles using the heavy yet strong falchion sword.
Historic Facts about the Battle-friendly Falchion Swords
Some historians also believe that falchion swords were specially developed and designed to penetrate even the toughest of armours made of hard leather or complex chain mail. Early evidence showed that these swords were made to good use by the nobility.
During the great decline period in the 16th century, when most weapons or swords were unable to pierce through plated armours, falchion swords were still second favourite swords among the medieval knights. As falchion swords could deeply injure and cut through thinly armoured enemy soldiers, knights used them as secondary swords.
Facts
- It was a favourite among the medieval royal nobility
- It was fashioned to be tough and penetrate armour made of chainmail and leather
- The early versions of falchion swords were made from iron metal
- Superior quality falchion swords were produced from iron and steel
- It was the main backup weapon for the medieval period knights
The war-torn medieval period relied on weapons such as falchion sword among many others. Its resilience, strength, and power were its main plus point.
