List of the Best Fighting Swords in World History [Updated]
Thanks to books, tv, movies, and online documentaries, some historical swords are more familiar to us than ever before. Most have seen the power and elegance of a katana, or the fearsome blows of a Viking ulfberht.
Every major civilization in history has depended on weapons as a tool of security and conquest. Whether the attacker or the attacked, a blade of some sort was the weapon of choice prior to the invention of the gun.
Blade styles and uses vary depending on the time period or location studied, and historic swords give us valuable insight into the lives of those who wielded them.
The following fascinating blades are some of the best fighting swords in world history, from ancient times to the 20th century.
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1) Khopesh
(Ancient Egypt)
The khopesh sword was a curved Egyptian blade that was sharpened on one edge. This weapon may have originated in the Middle East or was adapted from sword styles of that region.
The hooked blade of the khopesh allowed its wielder to disarm and finish off their opponent in a few moves. Considered lightweight by ancient standards, the khopesh still proved thick enough to be used as a club in some instances.
Ancient Egyptian artists included this blade in many hieroglyphs. Warriors who wielded a khopesh were often embalmed with their prized weapon.
2) Gladius
(Ancient Rome)
One of the most famous and deadly swords in human history is the Roman gladius. This blade may have derived from those of Celtic mercenaries.
Its relatively short and thick blade made it effective for thrusting. While versatile due to its shape and size, the gladius truly was most deadly when used by disciplined formations of soldiers in thrusting attacks.
This weapon allowed the Roman Empire to grow and maintain its power for hundreds of years. Many historians consider the gladius the deadliest sword in history, as it is estimated to have killed more people than any other blade.
3) Falcata
(Spain)
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The ancient Spanish developed the falcata, a curved sword measuring approximately 2 feet in length. This blade featured a unique blade that was single edged at the hilt and double edged at the tip.
Like many other blades on the list, the falcata was a versatile weapon used for chopping and slashing.
The falcata is most famous for being Hannibal’s weapon of choice against the Romans during the Punic Wars. He provided his soldiers with falcatas of their own.
The sword’s effectiveness is thought to be the reason for Hannibal’s victory at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC.
4) Miao Dao
(China)
Next on the list is the miao dao, a classic Chinese sword. This weapon was the ultimate multi-use sword, as it was long enough to use with two hands and light enough for one-handed maneuvers.
Because of its size and weight, soldiers wielding the miao dao in close combat proved deadly. Most fighting techniques could be accomplished, such as slashing, thrusting, and chopping.
Fighters used the miao dao for combat and for the executions of prisoners of war.
5) Ulfberht
(Scandinavia)
Another famous sword is the ulfberht. Although technically considered a Frankish weapon due to its development by Frankish swordsman, the ulfberht is widely recognized as a Viking sword today.
Archaeologists have discovered around 17o of these swords at dig sites in Northern Europe. Vikings often buried warriors with their prized weapons.
The swords found date to between 800-1000 AD, when Viking invasions became rather commonplace in areas across Europe.
Interestingly, although the swords date to the early middle ages, the methods for creating the famous ulfberht were highly advanced and effective.
The blade was made with “crucible” steel, which was extremely strong and nearly unbreakable. The metal is thought to have been forged at around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, although the process for doing so remains a mystery.
6) Scimitar
(Middle East)
One of the most recognizable swords from the Middle East is the scimitar. This blade is popular in books, movies, and reenactments because of its unique curved shape.
Developed in the 9th century, the scimitar was traditionally forged using Damascus steel. The light and versatile blade made combat on horseback highly effective.
The sword was perfect for downward slashing motions, which were achieved while riding horses. In a pinch, the scimitar also made for deadly hand-to-hand combat.
The scimitar is also an important object in Middle Eastern legend and Islamic tradition.
7) Katana
(Japan)
The katana is perhaps the most famous sword on this list. Not only is it featured in hundreds of movies and tv shows, the historical significance of the blade is so great that it continues to be reproduced by skilled swordsman around the world.
Owners of the katana, both historically and in modern times, consider the blade a work of art. The elegant shape of the blade and the precision used to craft one make the katana one of the most highly prized swords ever.
Historically, the samurai wielded katanas and used them in close combat. The extremely sharp blade was regulated in 1876 and could only be used by police and samurai lords.
The Katana is truly a symbol of Japan and its rich history. While mostly associated with samurai warriors, the katana was also worn by everyday soldiers in World War II.
8) Estoc
(France)
The estoc sword is one example of the European longsword commonly used throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. This version was developed in France.
The estoc blade, like other longswords, featured a long, narrow, and pointed shape that could easily pierce through armor and chain mail.
Interestingly, the European longsword is named not for an unusually long blade, but rather for a longer than average hilt. This can be seen on surviving artifacts, reproduction swords, and in illuminated manuscripts.
Because of its larger size, soldiers used the estoc and other longswords by thrusting or swinging the blade at opponents. While it could be used one handed, most wielders proved more effective in combat when using two hands.
The estoc sword and other versions of the longsword gained popularity as hunting weapons in the late 15th century.
9) Zweihander
(Europe)
Another European sword, the zweihander was popular in Germany and known for its incredible size.
Soldiers wielded the sword with two hands, as the weapon could be made up to 6 feet in length. Only the strongest and fittest soldiers could handle this weapon, as it averaged about 15 pounds.
The length of the zweihander allowed soldiers more reach and power than their opponents, and the weapon was ideal for efficiently breaking up long rows of pikeman.
The zweihander is considered a later example of the European longsword. This weapon was most popular in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance era.
10) Flammard
(Germany)
One of the most unique swords to make the list is the German flammard, or flammenschwert (literally “flame sword” in German). This blade is similar to other European longswords of the 14th-17th centuries, except that it features a wavy blade, often called a flame-bladed sword.
Swordsman believed this odd blade shape was more deadly than a standard straight blade, and that the undulating metal could slow down opponents and upset their rhythm.
These theories proved mostly false, but regardless, this sword was still effective in close combat and was a unique alternative to other styles of longsword.
11) Kukri
(Nepal)
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A lesser known but incredibly deadly sword is the Nepalese kukri. This blade was wielded by Gurkha warriors and is a short sword/dagger that features an angled blade.
The distinctive shape of this weapon made it effective for slashing and chopping at enemies, and skilled swordsman could decapitate their opponent in a single swing.
The kukri was so feared by the Gurkha’s enemies that some fighters would give up immediately after seeing the blade.
The kukri is one of the best examples of a short but deadly blade in world history.
What about Masamune?
Masamune was a “legendary” sword maker in Japan. He made the swords, he is not one of them.
actually not true masamune was so good at making swords because he was actually secretly also a sword
actually not true he was a shield who felt really pointy swords and thought they were pathetic so he made legendary swords
Actually, not true he was neither a shield nor a sword, he was nonbinary. they were really good at making swords because secretly they was a sword but with a really nice pair hollow iron bosses that made them look like a they could be a shield or a sword
Masamune was a famous ancient Japanese sword smith
like great soword too heavy.heavy compared to other northern style swords and hard to meak sow hard to meak.
I know some may say not a sword
What about the cutless/cutlass?
In my opinion cutlass is one of the finest swords ever designed and it is my go to weapon for HEMA sparring and practice. Definitely a sword and should definitely be on this list
Agreed. Cutlass or sabre with buckler shield.
How is a cutlass (or any other true saber for that matter) not a sword? I could see how things like falchions and dussacks would be considered “big knives” by some but a cutlass is a sword and is constructed as such.
The Cutlass was never made till the 18th century.
Panabas
How about the Kilij.
The katana is perhaps the most famous sword on this list. So why he is not Number 1,??
Because Katanas were very light and sharp, they were thin and flimsy. Greatly exaggerated in TV shows. The Khopesh would easily dominate the Katana in a 1v1 combat scenario.
It’s simple katana is sharp as hell but katana users must be fast to use it to cut opponent. Katana is single blade sword means only one side is fully sharp and other is Blunt. If a swords man with heavy sword strikes it’s back it can damage sword and continue this process and it can brake katana blade. Not to mention real katana is hold by single pin inside it’s handle if pin broke katana will fell apart from it’s handle. That’s why katana users must be fast otherwise results may not be pleasing
I have done cutting practice with some quite expensive examples of katana and many hours of sparring with them and agents them. They are by no means thin and flimsy but what I will say is fame doesn’t mean it is better in a fight. In my sparring experience the lack of a pommel makes them very front heavy and hard to recover. It’s good for the first cut but agents a lighter sword it’s the speed of the counter attack that would lose the fight not the “flimsy blade” also when I say good in the cut they aren’t exceptional. They are perfectly average. It’s just sharp steel people 🙂
They had a rule called the three cut rule that in combat samurai would only cut 3 times or they would damage their blade a lot
Khopesh were bronze. lmao
it is not the sword, but the swordsman who dominates. these commenters are acting like the swords are magical and swing themselves! the strength, endurance, technique, tactics, skill of the sword wielder all contribute to victory or defeat, not to mention conditions such as weather terrain, time of day. really, don’t act like you knmow something unless you spent hours a week and years of weeks to attain your level of skill and knowledge. some masters defeat an advanced swordsman with a small iron folding fan. so would you claim the iron fan is superior to any sword? of course not, it is the wielder who achieves the victory, not the sword.
That couldn’t be more true so I agree with you in principal. However there are some factors that definitely are based on the sword. If both people have the same sword skill always wins, but reach type of steel and edge geometry is almost as much of a factor as skill in real fights. Someone with less skill and a longsword or spear will beat a more skilled fighter with a shorter sword most of the time. It’s why most medieval armies used mainly poll arms and bows. So the tools you choose do have some affect on the outcome. Skilled fighters understand this and don’t only use one type of weapon. You always have to know the situation and use the appropriate tool
If you’ve never seen or held a miserable sword before then I suggest you find yourself a spadroon or any perfunctory Western saber from the early modern era. And an “iron folding fan”? You have seen too many Wuxia films. lol Such a thing is more a badge of office, a swagger stick and occasionally a truncheon. It would never be used as a serious weapon.
I have used all of these swords in actual sparring and I’d say that this list is pretty accurate as far as swords best to worst with only two changes. Firstly I’d say Cutlass instead of Roman Gladius On account of the similar length and hand guard. You lose a little cutting potential but in my experience I use hand protection way more than false edge cuts. The second change I’d make is trading the Kukri for literally anything else. It’s good as a hunting knife or outdoor tool but it’s almost worthless as a weapon agents an actual person
The Romans made lots of types of gladii. It wasn’t just one type of sword. Gladius is the Latin word for any sword.
The pen 🖊 is mightier than the
Sword 🗡 😜
In the case of Percy Jackson, the pen is as mighty AS the sword.
The pen IS the sword
my pen can… draw a sword
in both ways.
What about the longsword, they were a meter long, around 2 kilograms, and were made of spring steel, which is still the best sword making material. They could also be held upside down and used as a mace.
Longsword is a generic term—a taxonomic wastebin like bastard sword or shortsword. It does not actually describe any one specific type of sword. A 20th century hoplologist named R. Ewart Oakeshott devoted his life to defining, categorizing and organizing medieval swords into various types and subtypes based on when they were made and what construction methods were used. You should look into him.
So-called “spring steel” didn’t exist until the modern era. And it was used to make SPRINGS (imagine that), not weapons. That’s why they called it that. Making swords from old leaf springs from trucks and wagons is a rather recent innovation. What would’ve been used was laminated bits of iron with a steel edge and later on blister steel which is sometimes called “shear steel” although the name has nothing to do with scissors.
What about the Khanda of north India used by the Sikh.
How about the jian? it’s a very nice sword.
It is the king of all Chinese weapons. There were two varieties: the war jian and the scholar’s jian. The war jian was a double-edged broadsword for armored combat dating back to the bronze age but the scholar’s jian was a lithe and agile weapon akin to the Western rapier.
What about kris?
yes
If you are speaking of un armored combat sword fighting a true combat rapier has been proven in multiple exhibitions between top swordsman with their respective sword types to be superior EVERYTIME. I think there are a number of videos on the net that even show a few of the competitions. Of course any long sword would be completely impractical in today’s word. Even a syfi channel end of civilization movie scenario. We no long live in open plans and wide cleared areas. Hallways alleys buildings. Lots of crowds etc.
In today’s world something like a Gladius but with a 20″ blade. But with today’s hi tech steels and HT processes. Think CPM3V deep hollow grinds center support tappered to tge tip for extra strength but still fine for easy thrusting. Slightly do inate edge bias with a slight recurve belly. You have a super tough steel that can have a significant thin (for combat) edge yet it will almost never chip even @ 60hv at most would roll. This allows huge weight reduction thru the deep hollow grinds making the blade lighten fast and even at 20″ single hand a very lively tip with great balance.
I have been competing in kendo for over 20 yrs. We test and try many short sword designs before and after training. As much as I am a huge proponent of the katana I am not blind to its short comings. I am damn good with one. Not trying to be arrogant but the point is as good as I am with it I know it is not the best design for really any type of bladed combat if your opponent could choose any sword design. The katana was best for feudal Japan factoring in their type of ore and the type of combat and Armour used at those ti es in that region. Never with that in actual mi,Italy combat(not dueling) it was a secondary back up weapon. As is always the case the spear was far more effective as was their long bow. Now as far as sword training and strategy I would say the Japanese really had a step up. The very nature of how a katana is used from training gives you great balance foot work over all speed and coordination.
So the Franks didn’t live in Scandinavia. The Franks were originally from around the Sea of Azov but, during the Volkerwanderung, they migrated to what was once Gaul and founded Frankia which later became France and Germany. And Ulfberh+ (which can be interpreted to mean something like “wolf brand” or “wolf-bearer” with the addition of an equilateral Greek cross at the end, because Aachen was the seat of the Holy Roman Empire at this point) was a brand name manufactured in what’s now Solingen, not a kind of sword. The kind of sword was X or Xa (depending) based on Oakeshott’s typology. There are many swords of this type dating back to just after the collapse of Celtic culture in continental Europe. It’s an evolution of the older spatha.
One thing rarely mentioned in a history class are the so-called Northern Crusades. It’s really controversial and a bad look for early Christianity. The reason there’s dead Franks (who weren’t ever Vikings—in fact, viking is a verb, not a noun) with swords made of Damascus steel in Northern European dolmens was because Charlemagne (King of Frankia and Holy Roman Emperor) decided he was going to make all of Europe Christian. What stood in the way of that were Saxons, Suomi (we call them Finns in English these days) and other northern tribes who simply wouldn’t give up their heathen ways. In time they even staged a counter-insurgency by attacking monasteries in Ireland and Britain.
Anyone who wouldn’t convert was declared an outlaw, killed when it was convenient or captured and sold into slavery to eastern Caliphates. In return they got billets of damascus steel to make their swords.
This crucible steel was centuries ahead of anything else in Europe (and arguably better than any carbon steel made prior to the Bessemer Process). It was pure, clean, free of slag inclusions, held a razor’s edge indefinitely and, it was discovered circa 2008 through reverse engineering, contained carbon nanotubes that made the blades insanely tough. Unfortunately the source of the steel eventually dried up and Ulfberh+ became one of the first international brand names to be counterfeited. Quite a few of these inlaid blades have been found made of inferior wrought iron and were irreparably damaged in battle and discarded. These date after the 11th Century.
I honestly think you should consider researching ancient Indian Swords. For example, the urumi sword is one of the deadliest in the world in my opinion.
The Miao Dao, Katana and Flammard seem particularly difficult to wield. They look long and sharp, which would make them great stabbing implements but they also look like they would only cut at very specific angles, which would be less than ideal, especially if the swordsmen using them wouldn’t be particularly skilled.
The Khopesh on the other hand is the exact opposite: wide and solid, could definitely hack like an axe, the curvature of the blade, along with the hook at the tip would allow for disarming the opponent by gently repositioning his shoulder, and for a particularly brutal swordsman, it could be an excellent tool for exploratory surgery, particularly if you wanted to see what your opponent had for breakfast, as a single stab into the abdomen would allow the hook to excise his stomach and intestines.
Swords were status symbols,used for ego.in mele combat polearmes were the only weapon worth mentioning on the battlefield,and daggers for close quarters.
Yes, I totally agreeing with your research. The damask sword can not compare with another swords.
what about polish hussar szabla
Ashtré, I just wanted to jump on here and say thank you. Sincerely. You taught me something new with that little fun fact there! Much appreciated my friend! I usually remain silent in these comments sections and just enjoy reading other people’s thoughts and reasoning. Especially in a field with such a wide bandwidth.
I occasionally have one or two cents to add. Usually a quick one liner for a laugh. Inevitably though, I always run into that ONE GUY who knows WAY MORE than anyone else on the subject being discussed and everyone needs to just stop talking because you could never compare to their vast knowledge, experience, and expertise. Usually their names are simple English names like, Doug or Matt or SEAN!!! Heaven forbid you accidentally misspell something, and God forbid you have a different opinion that theirs in what is clearly THEIR COMMENT SECTION! Bahahahaha
Look hard enough, you’ll always find the guy. And here’s a hint, if you CAN’T find him…. Chances are… YOU’RE that guy. Don’t be that guy…. No one likes that guy. Online or in the real world. Ok?! Ok. (And if anyone is confused Ashtré did have an interesting little nugget of knowledge. He’s not “the guy”. Haha. I’m being genuine towards him, while helping another guy out that obviously doesn’t understand how the real world works.) Take care and be safe everyone! And please look out for your neighbors, we are all that we have left these days!!!