The Long Sword

The Long Sword is actually a two handed or hand and a half weapon which was developed as advances in Plate Armor increasingly obviated the need for a shield, allowing two handed weapons to be used. The weapon incorrectly described as a 'Long Sword' in role playing games is actually more accurately known as a 'single sword' or an 'arming sword.' Great Swords and Bastard Swords are subtypes of the Long Sword.

The European Long Sword is perhaps the most single effective and versatile hand weapon developed by any culture at any time in the world. Light, fast, with a deadly reach, it is equally capable of chopping, slashing, and thrusting, and highly effective against both armored and unarmored opponents.

Finger Rings were invented to protect the finger when it was over the guard in a modified grip intended to assist in control and precision when thrusting. Thrusting was the most effective way to penetrate Plate Armor.

A beautiful repdroduction of a LongSword by Del Tin of Italy

The unusual history of a finger ring Long Sword in Alexandria

A Review of a replica Long Sword at Sword Forum