Brief Description:  The arming sword is a versatile, single-handed, cruciform weapon famously wielded by medieval knights between the 11th and 15th centuries. Featuring a double-edged blade roughly 70–80 cm (28–32 inches) long, it was primarily designed for cutting and thrusting, allowing warriors to simultaneously wield a shield in their off-hand.

The classic knightly sword is defined by a highly functional structure optimized for battlefield maneuverability:

Blade: Straight and double-edged. Early versions (12th–13th century) had a wide base and a rounded or leaf-shaped point for slashing, while later 14th-century versions tapered to a fine, stiff point specifically designed to pierce chainmail and gaps in plate armor. Most featured a fuller (a central groove) to reduce the blade's weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Hilt: Designed purely for one-handed use. It features a straight, cross-shaped crossguard to protect the wielder’s hand from enemy strikes.

Grip & Pommel: The grip was typically wood wrapped in leather or wire. At the base sits a metal pommel (often disc or brazil-nut shaped) which acts as a crucial counterweight to balance the blade, and which could also be used to strike or pummel an opponent in close quarters.