Not every hero needs a longsword (or even a deadly katana)! It’s easy to imagine legendary warriors wielding colossal swords that could cleave through armies in a single swing. From the iconic greatsword to the sharp elegance of a katana, we’ve always been fascinated with sizable blades. However, there’s another weapon that often gets overshadowed, lurking in the shadows of its larger counterparts. The short sword!
We know how katanas and greatswords steal the spotlight. However, short swords have quietly carved out their place in history. Many underestimate these swords for their size, but they are incredibly (and surprisingly) effective in battle. These swords offer agility, versatility, and precision where larger blades couldn’t.
Let’s take a quick journey through history to uncover how short swords became essential tools of survival and status.
What Makes a Short Sword “Short”?
Two short swords by Jake Cleland on Bladesmiths Forum.
Think of a short sword as the “pocket rocket” of the bladed weapon world, never exceeding 24 inches but always longer than 12 inches (although you’ll see that this definition isn’t as strict as it seems). This blade is the middle child between the dagger (a glorified stabber) and the long sword (the heavyweight champ of blades).
However, such swords shine the brightest in their versatility. They are like a ninja in blade form (think, quick, precise, and built for lightning-fast strikes). And yes, even in tight spaces! It’s also the perfect backup weapon (like the SIG Sauer P226 sidearm to the M4A1). It’s easy to stash when you need something fast and reliable.
These blades have an uncanny ceremonial flair, too. Many, like the Wakizashi, symbolize status (like a Daimyo) and prestige. Short bladed weapons can add a dash of style to the warrior’s ensemble.
A Slice of History: The Rise of the Short Sword
The history of short sword didn’t happen overnight. This blade worked its way through history. Let’s just say, it made quite an impact.
Warriors of the Bronze Age realized they didn’t need a massive, hefty sword. A shorter blade can be equally deadly (if not more!). Short bladed swords evolved from knives and daggers as early as 3000 BC, although it wasn’t until the 13th century BC that the 24- to 27.5-inch-long German Naue II formalized these swords’ entry.
A Bronze Age Naue II short sword by Bronze Age Warriors Series on Facebook.
It was the Roman Gladius that cemented the compact blade’s dominance in close combat. It was quick, easy to wield, and perfect for those tight spots in battle.
From the European battlegrounds to the far reaches of the Orient, these little blades became practical (and dependable) tools for fighting. More importantly, they became symbols of status and power. Warriors (and royals and nobles) often carried these blades alongside larger weapons in ceremonial settings to add a touch of prestige to the wearer’s gear.
While big swords get the glory, we cannot ignore short swords’ contributions! These blades might be small but are equally mighty and ready for action whenever needed.
Legendary Blades: 10 Famous Short Swords Through the Ages
Short swords might not always steal the spotlight from their bigger, flashier counterparts. However, these little blades have made a huge impact throughout history. With their compact size and killer precision, short swords were favored by warriors, assassins, and kings alike. Here’s a look at 10 legendary short swords that shaped history in ways big blades couldn’t quite match.
1. Roman Gladius
Gladius short sword by Rama on Wikimedia.
The Gladius is probably one of the most famous short swords in history, and for good reason. This Roman beauty had a blade length of about 18 to 24 inches. It was perfect for stabbing enemies in tight formations.
Roman soldiers, known for their disciplined and methodical fighting style, relied on the Gladius for centuries. They could cut through opponents like a hot knife through butter. Its design made it the go-to weapon for those epic Roman battles. More importantly, historians credit the Gladius with helping the Roman Empire expand its reach across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Talk about a blade that knows how to conquer!
2. Greek Xiphos
A Greek xiphos on Sword Buyers Guide.
The Xiphos was the weapon of choice for Greek hoplites (those heavily armored soldiers who made history by taking down some of the most legendary armies of their time). This short sword, usually around 18 inches long, was great for quick thrusts and slicing in close combat.
Unlike other swords, the Xiphos wasn’t about slashing from afar. Instead, it was favored for its ability to get up close and personal (just like a warrior should). It played a crucial role in some of the most famous battles in history, including the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans made their mark. Short, sharp, and serious business.
3. Persian Kopis
A Kopis short sword on KukriSmith.
Imagine a short sword with a wicked, forward-curved blade designed to hack and slash with terrifying efficiency. Enter the Kopis. Popular with Persian cavalry (and adopted by the Greeks), this 25-inch blade was perfect for mounted combat. It allowed warriors to swing down on enemies from horseback with devastating power.
The Kopis wasn’t just a weapon. It was an embodiment of Persian warfare. The curve of the blade made it perfect for cutting through armor and causing chaos in battle. If you ever needed a weapon to make a dramatic impact on the battlefield, this was it.
4. Iberian Falcata
A falcata short sword on Sword Buyers Guide.
The Falcata is one of the most intimidating-looking swords out there. With its curved blade, often around 20 inches long. It was the ultimate close-quarters chopper used by the Iberian tribes of Spain and Portugal.
The unique curve of the blade (like the iconic curve of the famous katana) gave it unmatched cutting power, making it capable of slicing through armor like it was paper. Warriors used it with great effect against Roman legions. The Falcata became a symbol of resistance and a weapon that could challenge even the most feared empires of the ancient world.
5. Germanic Seax
A seax short sword by Bullenwachter on Wikimedia.
The Seax was the ultimate multi-tool of the early medieval world. This single-edged knife or short sword, typically 12 to 24 inches long, was carried by Germanic tribes (think Vikings and Saxons). The Seax isn’t just a weapon. It was also a multi-tool for everyday tasks (like the trusty Swiss Army pocket knife, only bigger). One could chop wood and prep food with it.
But when it was time for battle, this blade could cut through flesh and bone with precision. The Seax was a symbol of personal identity, often carried by warriors as a mark of status. It was no ordinary blade. It was a tool of survival, a weapon of choice, and a badge of honor.
6. European (and Middle Eastern) Falchion
A falchion short sword on Tod Cutler.
The Falchion doesn’t have the most glamorous name. However, it was a total beast when it came to delivering crushing blows. It had a broad, single-edged blade (about 24 inches long) and was a favorite of knights and soldiers in medieval Europe. Its slightly curved blade made it a great weapon for chopping through armor, making it deadly in close combat.
This medieval sword was perfect for a knight who wanted a weapon that could deliver both slashes and thrusts with brutal force. If you needed a sword that was as practical as it was powerful, the Falchion had your back.
7. Japanese Wakizashi
A wakizashi short sword on Wikimedia.
The Wakizashi is probably the most famous short sword when it comes to samurai. Traditionally paired with the larger (and sexier) katana, the Wakizashi had a blade length ranging from 12 to 24 inches and was the samurai's ultimate sidekick.
This blade wasn’t just a backup weapon. It was designed for close combat, seppuku (a very honorable but serious act), and even ceremonial use. The Wakizashi symbolized the discipline, honor, and precision that came with the samurai way of life. Plus, it just looks cool — who doesn’t want to walk around with two swords?
8. Arming Sword
An arming sword on Valiant Armoury.
The Arming Sword was a little longer than some of the other short swords on this list (around 28 inches). Regardless, many experts often consider the Arming Sword the quintessential medieval one-handed sword. It was a knight’s best friend during the Middle Ages. They carried the blade alongside a shield and often used in both battle and tournaments.
The Arming Sword wasn’t flashy. However, it was solid, reliable, and designed for versatility. It became a symbol of the knightly class, showing up in everything from chivalric tales to real-life jousts. A true legend in the world of medieval weaponry.
9. European Cutlass
A cutlass short sword on Rama on Wikimedia.
You might have seen Capt. Jack Sparrow with this sword as he swings across the Black Pearl. The cutlass, called the “pirate’s power tool,” is short, sharp, and ready for trouble. It was the go-to blade for sailors and swashbucklers alike. The cutlass had a curved 24- to 30-inch blade and a tough hand guard. It was built for slashing through ropes, enemies, jungle vines, and whatever the day threw at you.
The cutlass was perfect for close-quarters brawls on rocking ships. It was unusually fast, brutal, and easy to handle. No wonder pirates loved it. Navies issued it, too! And in a boarding fight? This short sword was well worth it.
10. Swiss Baselard
A baselard short sword on Wikimedia.
The Swiss Baselard is a sleek, distinctive short sword that was especially popular in northern Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. It had a blade length of 12 to 18 inches and a broad, triangular shape that made it stand out among other short swords.
The Baselard was often carried by civilians as well as soldiers. After all, this sword wasn’t only for defense. It was also a statement. The Baselard was a symbol of status and personal defense during a time when danger lurked around every corner. Plus, its unique shape and design made it a weapon that looked as good as it fought.
Swordplay: How Short Swords Were Used in Combat
Short swords were designed for quick, efficient combat in the most intense situations. Their compact size made them ideal for close-quarters fighting, where agility and speed were crucial. Unlike their larger counterparts, which relied on sweeping slashes, short swords excelled at precision strikes. That makes them perfect for stabbing or thrusting into gaps in armor or between ribs.
Short swords were often used as backup (or secondary) alongside spears or larger swords. For example, Roman soldiers wielded the Gladius, using it in tight formations to stab their enemies while maintaining a strong defensive line.
Similarly, the Greek Xiphos was perfect for a hoplite soldier who needed something fast and reliable once the longer spear was no longer useful.
Short swords were also a favorite for mounted warriors. The Persian Kopis fits this description perfectly. Its curved blade made it perfect for slicing through opponents while riding at full speed.
In contrast, the Wakizashi of the legendary Samurai was not only a combat weapon but also a tool for seppuku (ritual suicide) when necessary. It showcased the depth of honor and discipline associated with the sword.
Ultimately, short swords were all about versatility. They offered warriors a swift, effective way to fight in various combat scenarios.
Final Thoughts: A Short Sword’s Timeless Appeal
True, short swords are small. However, their impact on warfare and culture has been nothing short of massive. From the Gladius of Roman legions to the Wakizashi of the Samurai, these blades proved that size isn't everything. Precision, speed, and adaptability in the heat of battle matters, too!
After all, when space is tight and speed is key, it’s not the size of the sword that matters. It’s how you use it!
