What Weapons Do Knights Use?
The term "knight" conjures up images of armored warriors riding horses, clad in heavy armor, and wielding impressive weapons. Knights were an integral part of medieval warfare, and their weapons were an essential part of their arsenal. In this article, we will explore the various weapons used by knights throughout history.
Swords
The primary weapon of knights
Knights used swords as their primary weapon. Swords were designed for both cutting and thrusting, and were typically long, double-edged, and curved. The most famous type of sword used by knights is the longsword, which was between 40-60 inches (100-150 cm) long. The longsword was used for both cutting and thrusting, and was often paired with a shield.
- Types of swords used by knights
- Longsword: a versatile sword used for both cutting and thrusting
- Broadsword: a wide-bladed sword used for chopping and hacking
- Rapier: a long, slender sword used for thrusting and parrying
- Bastard sword: a hybrid of the longsword and broadsword, with a shorter blade and a more aggressive curve
Lances
A powerful projectile weapon
Lances were long, wooden poles used by knights as a projectile weapon. Lances were typically 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) long, and were used to charge and break enemy lines. Lances were often used in conjunction with the sword, as a means of breaking enemy formations before engaging in close combat.
- Types of lances used by knights
- Pavise lance: a type of lance with a reinforced head and a long handle, used for charging and breaking enemy lines
- Spear lance: a type of lance with a pointed head, used for thrusting and piercing
- Axe lance: a type of lance with a blunt head, used for crushing and smashing
Bows and Crossbows
Archery in medieval warfare
Knights also used bows and crossbows as ranged weapons. Bows were used for long-range attacks, while crossbows were used for close-range engagements.
- Types of bows used by knights
- Longbow: a long, flexible bow used for long-range attacks
- Shortbow: a short, stiff bow used for close-range engagements
- Warbow: a heavy, stiff bow used for heavy cavalry charges
- Types of crossbows used by knights
- Hand crossbow: a small, handheld crossbow used for close-range engagements
- Foot crossbow: a larger, foot-operated crossbow used for siege warfare
- Cocking lever crossbow: a type of crossbow with a lever mechanism, used for quick reloading
Axe and Pickaxe
Close combat weapons
Knights used axes and pickaxes as close combat weapons. Axes were used for chopping and crushing, while pickaxes were used for piercing and thrusting.
- Types of axes used by knights
- Battle-axe: a large, double-edged axe used for close combat
- War-hammer: a heavy, blunt-headed axe used for crushing and smashing
- Halberd: a combination of an axe and a spear, used for cutting and thrusting
- Types of pickaxes used by knights
- Battle-pick: a heavy, pointed pickaxe used for piercing and thrusting
- War-pick: a large, heavy pickaxe used for breaking and crushing
Shields
Defensive armor
Knights used shields as a means of defense. Shields were made of wood, metal, or a combination of both, and were used to deflect arrows, bolts, and other projectiles.
- Types of shields used by knights
- Buckler: a small, round shield used for close combat
- Targe: a circular shield used for deflecting projectiles
- Pavise: a large, flat shield used for protecting infantry
Conclusion
In conclusion, knights used a variety of weapons throughout history. From the primary sword to the projectile lance, the ranged bow and crossbow, and the close combat axe and pickaxe, knights had an arsenal of weapons at their disposal. Shields were used as a means of defense, while armor was used to protect the knight’s body.
