How do you handle a sword?

Answer 1

This is a complicated question to answer as there were many types of swords and each one was used differently. Most people think swords were used for slashing, like swinging a Baseball bat. That is one way to use it. The Romans specialized in the use of a short sword that was used for thrusting and NOT slashing. Swords used in duels in the 17th century were long and thin and sword fights became an art form---similiar to the style seen in the Olympic Games. The Knights had large swords that were handled with two hands. Some could be gripped on the blade near the handle. They fought with them much like you would use a staff. Cavalry sabers were sometimes used for slashing in a charge. But many were held with the blade facing UP while in a horse charge so that they cold stab their target and left it fall below them as the swung it back up into position for next victim.