Why Knights Loved Double Edged Swords

The main reason that double edged swords made excellent battlefield weapons in the medieval period for knights and other soldiers.
▼3 extra EXCLUSIVE videos each month on PATREON, which make this channel possible:
/ scholagladiatoria
▼Facebook & Twitter updates, info, memes and fun:
/ historicalfencing
/ scholagladiato1
▼Schola Gladiatoria HEMA - sword fighting classes in the UK:
www.swordfightinglondon.com
▼Matt Easton's website & Pinterest:
www.matt-easton.co.uk/
www.pinterest.co.uk/matt_east...
▼Easton Antique Arms - antique swords for sale:
www.antique-swords.co.uk
#medieval #knight #sword

[@dey-sama265]

Also, remember: switching to your back edge is always faster than resharpening!

[@asraarradon4115]

CoD:Feudal Warfare protips.

[@kooolainebulger8117]

@@asraarradon4115 call of duty still applies lol

[@alinvid6098]

Not really... cause you don't use the same edge most of the time... it is random snd you cannot tell the difference 😃 so there's a chance they are equally dull... and they sure will be in a while 😃 However your point stands if in a medieval war scenario the edge witch is facing your enemy ( the true edge ) gets significantly chipped or damaged and you notice it right away...

[@jmell458]

​@@alinvid6098 It's okay, I have autism too and often miss inside jokes people are making online.

[@alinvid6098]

@@jmell458 So if I don't share your pathetic sarcasm you say I have autism ? F@ck you and your pathetic sense of humour loser ! I didn't offend you with anything yet you try to insult me. F@ck you retard, go get a fucking life !

[@straightshowtunelove]

So, it gives you an....edge?

[@linkjoeaa]

I think you've got a point

[@AjenjoAnejo]

And it makes you edgy

[@thebonecone]

An additional edge.

[@simoneriksson8329]

Two actually...

[@julianshepherd2038]

Edging close to some non workplace reference here

[@freestatefellow]

Conversely, swords like the Tulwar Can afford to have very symmetrical hilts because the blade won’t allow you to draw it out the wrong way.

[@vedymin1]

One edge turns into a saw, you flip it, you have a fresh one x)

[@theeddorian]

That's actually the only explanation I had considered until Matt offered this insight.

[@RealZeratul]

There are also several techniques either only possible or much easier/faster with the "false" edge, like some hand snipes or Zwerchhau, plus it helps with thrusting.

[@walterabernathy5663]

Yes. You are the best I have seen

[@steemlenn8797]

Also changing directions is a lot easier if you don't have to move the blade around.

[@novembermike512]

Anyone that's tried to plug in a usb cord knows how wrong things can go.

[@Ylyrra]

It only ever takes three attempts to get it the right way around. ;)

[@TheTuttle99]

*stab* Ah woops 1 second sir *stab* Dangit right the first time *stab and die* ahh there we go

[@craigsurette3438]

This also adds insight into the popularity of maces as sidearms , in the era of kettle helms and full body maile. You can just grab a mace and start swinging it .Edge alignment is irrelevant.

[@Spielkalb-von-Sparta]

It's also advantageous you don't need a special edition for left-handed people.

[@seanmalloy7249]

It also reduces the number of decisions the swordsman has to make when grabbing the hilt.

[@TheGenericavatar]

It took me a moment to realize he was wearing a wireless mic instead of an anti-shoplifting clothes tag.

[@neverforged]

It was a a nargal so he knew which side of his shirt was sharp...

[@BlackSoap361]

It actually is an anti-shoplifting tag. Wouldn’t want your arms dealer to get stolen.

[@FieldDay-vq6qz]

Lol that’s awesome lol

[@Priapos93]

Stares longingly in left-handed

To me, it's still the chicken and the egg. If we go back to ancient Greece, xyphos are double edge and the hand guard is symmetrical, but the kopis is single edge and the hand guard is asymmetric. Even when going back to bronze age, it's already a tendency. Both has been used, in armour or not, and the hand guard is the reflection of the symmetry or the lack of symmetry of the blade to help it being handled well.

[@misterdoodle3447]

This got me thinking about the popularity of sabers in later periods, which you have previously discussed. A curved blade and a asymmetrical hilt allow you to quickly draw and attack without having to check or even think too much about edge alignment.

[@0612rex]

Also full plate armour wasn't common in that period, so this wasn't as big an issue.

[@hitandhope7355]

Plus hand armour wasn't used so better hand protection was needed, which prevents you using the sword the other way round.

[@Avaruusmerijalkavaensotilas]

Let's you swing both ways

[@theonlymegumegu]

in a variety of contexts

[@saitamagotchi44]

Important when out on campaign.

[@starkparker16]

​@@saitamagotchi44 any port in a storm

[@rhetorical1488]

so you can keep the peanut butter and jam separate ofcourse

[@danalden1112]

Didn’t Maj. Fairbairn want two edges on his constabulary dagger 🗡️ in order to make it harder for the defenders to grab 😅

[@julianshepherd2038]

Got to stick in easier too. Through clothing especially

[@TheTuttle99]

​@@julianshepherd2038that's what I was thinking the whole time as a major point. It's got clear stabbing and thrusting advantages

[@Leftyotism]

Slim back = easier penetration. Daggers / Spear Points just pierce greatly. I didn't think about indexing, makes sense, but I think the primary reason was stabby stabby power.

[@resolvedinsteel3804]

Also the back edge is just hella useful. I always thought the Kriegsmesser was really cool but I think I'd really miss the short edge trying to use it in actual combat.

[@VelaiciaCreator]

I never thought about it this way but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the tidbit.

[@WalkerLarson497]

Hey Matt, may you please do a video on the advantages and disadvantages of a boss gripped vs strapped shield. As well as the advantages and disadvantages of perhaps a round vs more rectangular or even kite shields. Keep up the great quality content!

[@Riceball01]

Skallagrim actually touched on this briefly in his most recent video where he tests a rattan shield. His conclusion was that a center grip shield with boss offers better protection for your arm against arrows and bolts. At least in the case of a lighter shield like the one he was testing because on more lightly constructed shields bolts and arrows will often penetrate far enough into the shield that the shield would be pinned to your arm. But I'm sure that it would be different for a heavier shield made from thicker and heavier materials.

[@WalkerLarson497]

@@Riceball01thank you!

[@theg0z0n]

Thanks for giving little bit of time for the single edge arming sword. I've never run across that before. That's pretty interesting that that was used at any point. I think you should do an in-depth video talking about pommel types and designs, hollow, solid, etc.

[@rippertrain]

I drank beer , I love you man

[@DarthHammieHam]

If you’ve ever struck a target with a sword, you know that they can and do “bounce back” off of their targets when striking. One sharp false edge to the face of an unarmored wielder on a bounce back helps perfectly demonstrate the transition to blunt false edges as full armor became less commonplace on the battlefield. Not sure if there are sources that help codify this but I promise it only takes one bounce back for this justification to feel very relevant

[@swayback7375]

Hence the saying about things being a “double edge sword cuts both ways”

[@GYI5U]

“I don’t know why people say a double-edged sword is bad. It’s a sword. With two edges.” -Kamahl, pit fighter

[@ratweetswords8140]

😎

[@cringusmoss9937]

The only thing I think of when double edged Swords come up.

[@temperededge]

To add to this, having two edges also allows a greater variety of styles of draw, which you might need if in a press of people or if you often switch between being mounted and on foot. Having two sharp edges also gives some advantage in the thrust (and the recovery from it), with both edges working to widen the wound channel instead of just one. Finally, I would imagine more sharp bits also makes a blade even harder to grab than it was already.

[@danielbrown9368]

Very important to be able to pull out in time.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Good discussion. Thank you.

[@holstensolar4648]

Muy bien explicado, me encantan tus videos se nota la dedicacion y el conocimiento 🤌

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

ALso, this even more so important for heavy calvarymen cus they kinda expected to break enemy formations, crashed into weak points and cause a rout, so essentially they the most high stress, high danger job. If your horse comes to a dead stop bfefore the enemy you crashed starts legging, if they stand firm, the last thing you want to have to think is how you have to pull your sword so the dangerous bit is towards the enemy.

[@batteredwarrior]

*cavalrymen 😉

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

@@batteredwarrior Thanks.

[@FieldDay-vq6qz]

Love it thank you Smarter not harder tool design

[@UnbeltedSundew]

Especially considering how much the scabbards can flop or flip around during extreme activity, like a fight, but even running or making your way through debris or undergrowth. Thanks for the well reasoned explanation.

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the good video ⚔️

[@RickR69]

It's like the USB C slot and connector in weapon form. I get it now.

[@LuxsDeluxe]

@scholagladiatoria I've always been curious about armor while traveling or armor while trying to keep a low profile. weight/protection fall offs as well as noise created by the armor itself. I always assumed the brigandine would be a nice choice because I thought it was lighter and quieter than plate, but it turned out to be the opposite. And I had recently found out that gambesons can get even heavier than plate armor when very many layers are stitched together. perhaps a notable use case for cuir bouilli leather?

[@ericlancaster412]

Great video. Your enthusiasm for the material rally comes across. Any comment on the role of hand protection in this problem? My intuition (which could be completely uninformed and wrong) is that a steel gauntlet would be even more trouble than the helmet. Or even if your palm isn't covered by steel, a thick enough glove pushes the difficulty up. If you had a bare hand on the weapon and have practiced all the time and know it well - maybe not as hard even without sight.

[@Ylyrra]

Would have liked a bit more coverage about ways in which you could lose track of which way around the sword at your side is aligned. I can think of a few, but I'd be interested to see what ways I never thought of.

[@mm650]

It's why USB-C is better.

[@andrewharrington7435]

They are also really useful for fighting left handed people with a cut with the back of the blade up into their armpit.

[@swivell]

I would LOVE to see if you've got any "spear spiked axes" (an axe with a side and upper spike, something that looks like a small/one-handed halberd)

Also, swords were often designed and used as a thrusting weapon, so symmetrical shape is quite natural in such case.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

Double edges for a straight blade also allows for techinques that have a easier time getting around shields, wraps cuts, extremely back edge hamstrings, helicopter of doom cuts, ie

[@andrewmaloney837]

There's a less known channel named Schwerpunkt who made interesting content on ancient and medieval swords: he's not a hemaist/oplologist but he shows serious competence. Have you ever thought of criticizing/commenting on that? I've always been curious about HEMA and Art of War meeting in "open field"

[@MH-yp6wg]

I think it is the other way around: When a double-edged sword was used, people maybe just did not pay attention to how/what side up it was worn. Whenever a single-edged blade was worn and the danger of confusing both edges existed, people would wear it in a way that they always knew where the sharp edge was (see your expample of the japanese swords). Two edges have other advantages, of course (symmetrical balance, helps thrusting, two edges stay sharp longer, false edge techniques and more angles of attack possible, more success with the women, extra lifes in Super Mario and so on).

[@arcadius2569]

I've seen techniques specifically using the double edge in combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Was really cool to see.

[@tedrex8959]

It is possible to have a scabbard for a katana slip when using it. The trick is that it to has a projection, just not on the weapon. You can check the orientation of the scabbard by feeling for the small loop which the silk cord runs through.

[@NDOhioan]

Doesn't the curve of the blade also make it easier to distinguish? I've owned a blunt training katana before, and I remember being able to "feel" the curve if it was facing the wrong way round.

[@mickallen899]

It's to cut behind the knees hamstringing opponents or up through the groin without the need to turn the blade over while in close shield fighting. Nothing to do with the draw as you should know which way you put your sword in the hilt. Especially a well trained knight.

[@oldcaptainjack]

Matt, I love your collection behind you, but I am worried for the future of those and my own with recent events in the UK. I wonder how it's going to go down ultimately. Have you any thoughts on it?

[@ericthompson3982]

A: how on earth would you not know where your cutting edge is on a single edged blade? B: the blunt edge of the blade is as important a tool as the cutting edge. They just do different things.

[@jamespuckett9753]

Yay. I finally guessed one of the lead in questions correctly.

[@Morgowitch]

After the end of this video I am unsure whether this was matt easton and if he will continue to be 🤔

[@shotgunridersweden]

I once was asked to give advise to a friend who was a soldier going to war in afghanistan on what combatknife they should get. And double edged with a good thrustcapacity was my primary argument. For the same reason

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

7:13 Why do I think of The Adventures of Robin Hood when Guisburne was reaching for his dagger in the final duel?

[@Evelyn-qt3hi]

This is definitely a big advantage for double edged blades. I feel as though the combination of benefits speaks more to their popularity than one factor alone. Two edges for instance could in theory increase the lifetime of a blade between sharpening, as they would both dull differently and thus have a slower overall degradation than a single edge. Having two edges also allows for more options in strikes against an opponent, where one can parry a blow and move to strike quickly with the "back" edge, rather than a longer move to realign the forward edge. One factor that I personally feel is very advantageous is the effect on thrusting. A single blade can certainly thrust, but the taper of a double-edged blade into a single fine point makes for more precise thrusts than a single edge, which may either curve or require a thicker end to also be thrusted. Gripping the blade with one hand to more accurately thrust usually means the "rear" edge becomes the downward edge, and this technique would allow more accurate thrusts as well as the ability to slash either direction.

[@aurenian8247]

I'm guessing there are advantages to mitigating edge damage as well. Fight til one side gets blunt and then switch around.

[@bobrobinson1576]

Just noticed the nape of that helmet fits very nicely into your hoodie. You think they were designed for each other?

[@j_taylor]

You're right! I guess that's a reproduction 16th century hoodie.

[@eberp9270]

A slight tangent to this video, but Matt mentions the extra cost in time and resources when producing a double edged blade. With that in mind, why was it that many swords that only have one usable cutting edge are fitted with double edged blades? I'm thinking of basket hilts in particular, which often had a back edge.

[@menwithven2862]

Hey Matt, something iv always wandered about but haven’t yet been able to find any information on was weather a scabbard has ever been used as a defensive tool in the off hand? It seems to me that if your sword is single handed, having another rod to control incoming attacks would be very useful. Would be very interested to hear your thoughts.

[@armorbearer9702]

Makes sense, the sword is quite versatile.

[@GR-cf4qh]

Having cut a fair amount of wood with a double bit axe, having a second edge allows you to switch from one to the other if one gets blunted or becomes dull. It also allows you to use two different grinds, a tough edge and a fine edge. I imagine the same is true for a sword.

[@gorbalsboy]

"index it and use it the right way round"shall try to use this in conflabs

[@tsmspace]

I don't know,, I would argue this is more of an aside, something people might notice, but not something that would drive their decision making. A soldier or knight would have more than one sword, and if facing a band of unarmored peasants they would produce their falchion, and if facing an armored opponent would produce their double-edged pointy sword. Two edges make for more effective stabbing through materials, and having the edges go all the way down the blade affects the balance, the energy flow of the tip, and means that contact with any point of the sword other than the handle is hazardous, meaning that the overall versatility is increased.

[@SirMatthew]

It also allows you to strike with either side

[@michaelsmith8028]

Where'd you get that arming sword?

[@johnbennett1465]

While I don't have experience with swords, I have developed strong habits of keeping tools in specific orientations so I can grab them without looking. I would expect a knight with a single edge sword to keep the scabbard and sword in a very consistent way. Is there something about medieval sword carrying that prevents this?

[@seanpoore2428]

Pre video prediction: Stabbin' Edit: pleasantly surprised to be wrong!

[@knate44]

I think the double edge for most straight swords makes sense because generally speaking materials were cheaper than labour so if you were going to shell out for a sword, you can probably afford to get both edges profiled and sharpened just let the smith do their job. If you are on a budget hafted weapons are probably going to serve you better or you could get a multi-use knife fighting and working knife like a bauernwher

[@peasantsrevolt4780]

Phenomenal video.

[@devreed5931]

Also interesting that later on single edge swords come in to fashion as theres less armor

[@Zbigniew_Nowak]

I dare not argue with your practical experience, but I do not understand how you can draw a bladed weapon so that it has a blunt edge forward. Of course, if the sword scabbard hangs loosely next to the body and can rotate and twist freely... But I assume they didn't hang in such a "chaotic" way? PS.: However, if this was indeed such a problem (although it's hard for me to imagine such a mistake without some video showing it), then there's a good explanation for why the sabers were curved. This should rather effectively protect against trying to use the blunt edge by mistake XD

[@MrBottlecapBill]

Agreed. I've never seen a traditional scabbard mounted in a way that would confuse the sword owner other than on horse back where the scabbard may be attached to the saddle and not the knight. In that case you may be reaching down to pull the blade, or forward or whatever which may be more confusing in battle. On the hip never. Let's face it, why wouldn't you want dual blades? It doesn't take any more material and you can't sharpen your weapon in battle. It just makes practical sense.

[@Zbigniew_Nowak]

@@MrBottlecapBill I can imagine a theoretical scenario where some servant has to quickly hand the sword to the master and there may be some doubt... But when someone already has the sword attached to their body? How can he pull it wrong? On the other hand, Matt says he had this problem, so I'm willing to wait for a video where he SHOWS it.

[@frankharr9466]

I suppose that works for Roman soldiers too. And complicated hilts are, well, complicated. So if you're making a lot of them, a two-edged swrd's easier than a one-edged one with a messy hilt design. That is, up until industrilization.

[@99Hatman]

I’m honestly not sure this would have been anyone’s motivation for double edged swords, as you said they’re a lot of work, so just making the handle asymmetrical would probably be a lot easier and cheaper for most people. There are other advantages of double edged swords of course, but this one in particular, I’m not sold on :P

[@beepboop204]

i have a weird question i was hoping someone could address: are there any first-hand accounts, or has anyone done any sort of research into, the effect of piling corpses of men and horses had on attackers and defenders during battles? part of me thinks that if most causalities came during the rout, it wouldnt really be a problem until the rout. but part of me thinks battles like Crecy or Agincourt, the corpses of attacking men and horses made life harder for the attackers. cheers.

[@peterrose5373]

It's enough of a problem in large scale mock battles that they have to stop periodically to let the "dead" people get out of the way. My understanding is that that's mostly for the safety of the corpses, but still.

[@mtgAzim]

Matt, were there any accounts in history of someone using the blunt side of a single edged sword in an attempt to be less lethal? It would seem like a good idea for police perhaps, but I do know that some swords weren't designed to use the spine for striking, so it could be more likely to break, but is that the case for all single edged swords? Were there any purposely made to have the blunt side usable for striking?

[@sjl197]

Ok, how might a second unused sharp edge be valuable after blunting the first side whilst hacking at some armour?

[@jarnMod]

I'm skeptic about this. Maybe it's just the advantage of the design and not the design criteria. As you said, it's way easier to just wear the sword one way and keep the sharp front at any draw like the Japanese do. I always have the idea that the two edge come from the less need to sharpen on campaign or in a fight. Medieval knights are way more armored than most and to have two edge to bend away in one fight sure beat one edge to dull. And I don't think the smith has to be ADHD to sharpen one edge and feel kinda sick to leave the other side dull.

[@DingoAteMeBaby]

I believe this way more. "right way around" is a design issue, not a logistical issue.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

double edges gives you access to more techinques, back edge cuts to get around shields, thumbs the and doing the helicopter cut of doom, back edge draw cuts, cutting with the lead edge then rising cut back.

[@charliesage7004]

​@@PJDAltamirus0425It's not like single-edged swords could not have false edge.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

@@charliesage7004 Yeah, but they are smaller, there is chance with a false edge on a single edge sword that you miss and just hit them with the flat. When you fighting with big shield, having such a large back is very usefull

[@GonzoTehGreat]

For all these reasons, a double-edged sword is also useful when wearing your sword on your back, which was especially important for Witchers, Fantasy Adventurers, LARPers trying to look cool and certain KZbin channels... 😁

[@ArdentLion]

Matt: Is the difficulty and expense of creating a double edged blade significantly greater than the difficulty and expense of creating an asymmetrical swept hilt and nagel on top of a single edged blade? In other words is the advantage of a single blade (cheaper and easier) negated by mitigating its downside (difficult to index under duress)? Or perhaps this is a question for Tod from Tod's Workshop.

[@farkasmactavish]

Is this why so many rondel daggers were triangular cross-sectioned?

[@brucetucker4847]

No, that's to make the blade stiffer. Rondel daggers are highly specialized for thrusting so edge alignment doesn't matter.

[@farkasmactavish]

@@brucetucker4847 Not all of them were triangular. Most were regular single-edge blades with a reinforced point.

[@drizztdourden1060]

We know that, Matt!

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

Here is a video idea. Best head protection for dungeon adventuring. I've started playing Dnd with my folks (2e our DM is super old fashioned so tons in incuracies) and I've come to that a sallet and bevor is the best becuase of the sheer of visibility and breathing options you with just raising the visor, tipping the sallet back, lowering first bit of the bevor, pushing it all the way down, raising it all the way and lowering the visor and tipping the sallet down, to buckling the sallet and bevor together with the chin strap. Lots of protection and breathing changes with little fus.

[@tedhodge4830]

Well, I frankly think this is one reason that katana were such a big deal even into post-feudal Japan. They were and still are ludicrously quick to draw and cut in the same motion. And they're single edged blades. I think this above anything else is the primary advantage of the katana. You'd imagine that a samurai walking down the street in Tokugawa era would be terrifying precisely because the instant he thought you needed a lesson, he could kill you.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Even if you aren't wearing a helmet or full armour, I bet while riding you want to be able to draw by touch without looking because you may have more important things to be looking at. Particularly if you just lost your lance, your attention is probably fully occupied. And even in a civilian context, the moment you draw your sword it is likely you have far more important things to be looking at than the hilt!

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Jump into a melee and swing in all directions striking left, and right?

[@peterleblanc661]

I wonder if this is one of the functions of the menuki on Japanese swords.

[@Schwarzvogel1]

Gentlemen like you and Tod of Tod's Workshop are doing *excellent* work in not only entertaining people and educating them, but also countering one of our ancestors' greatest historical sins--the notion first perpetrated during the Victorian Era that the mediaeval era was a time of utter barbarism and hopeless ignorance, and that the technology and weaponry of the mediaeval era were invariably crude, clumsy implements made by stupid, brutish, and utterly unrefined men (at least compared to the charmingly refined industrialists and dandies of the mid to late 19th century). That pernicious misconception has sadly persisted into the modern age, and is further worsened by fetishization of all things Eastern, such as Japanese arms and armour. You still find some ignoramuses today who genuinely believe that Edo-era katana could cut straight through mediaeval longswords, or that a 17th century samurai would invariably mop the floor in any fight against a European opponent armed with his preferred weaponry of rapier and parrying dagger, etc. (In actuality, the outcome of such a fight would depend *highly* on the circumstances and context of that engagement. Not every one-on-one fight is a regulated duel.) People during the Middle Ages were *not* stupid--at least no more stupid than people are today. In fact, I'd argue that they were perhaps _less_ stupid in general than people tend to be today, since the penalties for stupid choices tended to be somewhat harsher back then than they are today, at least for those of us who live in relatively crime-free areas of developed nations. Mediaeval peoples were clearly capable of empirical thinking and reasoning, and if they designed something a particular way, or preferred a particular approach, then they probably had rather good reasons for it based on cost-effectiveness, tactical efficacy, ergonomics, and ease of use. Tradition and aesthetics *did* play a role back then as they do today. But for those whose livelihood (and even their continued survival) depended on their skill with various hurty implements, what _actually_ worked well in the field *and what they could afford* undoubtedly trumped style points or perceived "cool factor." People have always wanted to look cool--muscle cuirasses were a thing back in Alexander the Great's time. But regardless of whether it's 200 BC, 1340, 2024, or 3375 AD, we can all agree that one looks _a lot_ cooler alive and with all one's body parts intact than dead, or bleeding out, soon to be dead in some unpleasant and crappy place. Unless, of course, we're talking about your enemy, in which case it's better if he goes for the most tacticool, but ineffective setup he can afford. This is especially true back in the mediaeval era, when most soldiers weren't getting regular pay cheques so an enemy equipped with fancy, but ineffective kit was potentially a walking loot box.

[@TheGenericavatar]

If the swords were curved, the direction of the sheathed blade can be determined by how the sheath is worn. Straight/symmetrical blades, not so much.

[@spokeshave5415]

Who wouldn't like to edge twice

[@mikegrossberg8624]

Another reason for having a double-edged sword is its potential for doing damage on a BACKSWING.

[@stefflus08]

I think it's strange that replicas are being made with modern spring steels or things with even more chromium etc. Looking at your viking sword the sheen is all wrong. It's like most people think "steel is steel", just like they think "wood is wood" and proceed to turn Yew or Cherry into firewood.

[@GaryChurch-hi8kb]

Hmmmm....I think not. It is simply far more lethal. The same reason daggers used to be illegal in almost every state in the U.S., though that is slowly changing. The Tachi was considered secondary to the early Samurai horse archer so edge preservation was not so critical. The later Samurai were more likely to fight duels on foot and a razor sharp edge was the concern and so worn edge up to prevent any possible edge contact with the scabbard. A double edge sword was also typically used by men in armor. A single edge sword was more useful to hold against the body in the press so people did not want to grapple with you. Only in armor you could do this with a double edge sword.

[@reeyees50]

So basically helment reduced visibility and disorientation

[@hesserk]

what other single edged swords did knights use?

[@RobertSpitzer]

...wait!? Are you Matt Easton, and will you always be Matt Easton? Just who are you? Cheers.

[@showtime2629]

Ah... It's about their pull out game!

[@Vggamegod]

So it IS all about the pull out game

[@robf5230]

Wouldn't you just always sheath the sword one way? Also, wouldn't something like the falchion be obvious from the guard?

[@lifigrugru6396]

ok, i have it! the sword white 2 edge ist the solution for having a side for a fight, and a dedicated side to open champagne bottles after battle (just kidding)!

[@davenickname]

If that was the main reason, it is much, much easier to slightly change the shape of the handle , then you wouldn't need to bother making the blade symetrical !?!?

[@Theduckwebcomics]

So double edge swords have been a thing since ancient times- Why did they start? Obviously fashions and styles always have a huge role and symmetry is always popular, but back then the bronze blades were more damage prone so it made lots of sense to have a back up edge, much more so than with steel. In a large part medieval swords looked the way they did because of being based on that old tradition. I wonder if ancient warriors also had concerns about drawing their blade the right way while dressed in armour? There are certainly heavily armoured examples from back then.

[@reeyees50]

Helmet reduced visibility

[@hitandhope7355]

A few other reasons maybe. Early steels weren't great, so the edge would be easily damaged, making double edged swords the norm. Although later steels were better, metal armour was more common, again making edge damage likely and a double edge useful. Also,a double edged blade cannot be safely grabbed.

[@shanejustice7307]

To forge a double edged is more than twice the work. The steel wants to twist....forged unevenly....warps during hardening phase....then it needs softened....and straightened....and hardening again.....then a guy may ruin it altogether......

[@user-tv4lz5ie5u]

To drive "British" bureaucrats nuts