The longsword, also known as the bastard sword or hand-and-a-half sword, is one of the most iconic blades of late medieval and Renaissance Europe. Associated with knights, men-at-arms, and the changing battlefield of the 14th to 16th centuries, this sword style bridged the gap between the one-handed arming sword and the larger two-handed sword.
This 37" Damascus longsword captures that historical character in a manageable size with a straight double-edged blade profile, wood handle, Damascus steel bolsters, and a leather sheath. For customers who love medieval history, European sword design, and the feeling of owning a blade inspired by the past, this sword has the presence and character that make the longsword such an enduring symbol.
Quick Specs
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Overall Length: 37"
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Sword Type: Longsword / bastard sword / hand-and-a-half sword
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Blade Material: Folded high carbon Damascus steel
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Damascus Construction: 11 pieces forge-welded, folded in 5 stages to 352 layers
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Hardness: HRC 55 to 56
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Edge: Sharpened
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Tang: Reinforced tang construction; full tang upgrade available
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Handle: Wood handle with Damascus steel bolsters
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Sheath: Leather sheath included
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Heat Treatment: Heat treated according to steel type and sword design
Historical Inspiration
The bastard sword earned its name from its versatility. It could be held in one hand or two, giving the wielder more reach, leverage, and control than many shorter medieval sword forms. Over time, swords of this general style became closely associated with European knights, armored combat, historical fencing traditions, and the late medieval world.
This Battling Blades longsword is shaped around one of the most recognizable sword types in European history. Its straight double-edged blade, hand-and-a-half grip style, and balanced medieval profile give it the look and presence customers expect from a traditional European longsword.
Folded Damascus Steel
The blade is true pattern-welded Damascus steel, forge-welded from 11 alternating pieces of steel: 6 pieces of high carbon #43 and #40, and 5 pieces of 1095 high carbon steel. This billet is then folded in five stages, doubling the layer count at each stage, to reach a final 352 layers.
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Starting stack: 11 pieces (6 of #43 / #40 carbon steel, 5 of 1095)
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1st fold: 22 layers
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2nd fold: 44 layers
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3rd fold: 88 layers
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4th fold: 176 layers
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5th fold: 352 layers
Combining 1095 with higher carbon tool steels is what gives the blade both its working strength and its distinct visual contrast. The folding process draws those alternating steels into the flowing pattern that makes Damascus visually distinctive, and because the layers are real rather than etched, the pattern runs through the steel itself.
Because each blade is handmade or hand-finished, the exact Damascus pattern varies from sword to sword. No two patterns are identical, so every sword carries its own character.
Steel and Tang Construction
This longsword is made with folded high carbon Damascus steel, a sharpened edge, heat treatment, and reinforced tang construction. A full tang upgrade is available for this sword for customers who want the strongest available build for this design.
Why Choose This Sword?
This sword is a strong choice for anyone who wants a genuine European longsword with the visual character of folded Damascus steel. It is built as a real, full-size steel sword, with the materials, construction, and presence of a traditional medieval blade. It appeals to medieval history enthusiasts, fantasy fans, custom gift buyers, and anyone drawn to one of the most important blade forms in European history.
The 37" length gives it substantial presence while remaining more manageable than oversized greatswords or larger two-handed swords. The combination of folded Damascus steel, sharpened edge, reinforced tang construction, wood handle, Damascus bolsters, and leather sheath gives this sword both historical character and strong visual impact.
Customization
This sword may be customized with available options such as steel choice, sharpening, scabbard upgrades, engraving, and tang upgrades depending on the selected configuration. For a fully personalized build, you can design one from the ground up with our custom sword builder.
A full tang upgrade is available for this sword. The standard version uses reinforced tang construction, while the full tang upgrade extends the tang construction through the handle for customers who want the strongest available build for this design.
Handmade Variation
Because this sword is handmade or hand-finished, small variations in Damascus pattern, wood color, finish, sheath fit, and measurements may occur. These variations are part of the character of handmade steel goods.
Care
High carbon Damascus steel should be kept clean, dry, and lightly oiled. Wipe the blade after handling, avoid storing it wet, and check it periodically if stored in a humid environment.
For more information about steel types, handmade variation, blade care, and sword ownership, read our Quality, Materials & Real Sword Ownership guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a real sword or a decorative replica?
This is a real, fully constructed steel sword, not a cast or decorative replica. It is forge-welded Damascus steel, heat treated, with a sharpened edge and a reinforced tang, built the way a genuine steel sword is made.
Is this longsword sharpened?
Yes. This 37" longsword ships with a sharpened edge.
Is this sword heat treated?
Yes. Battling Blades swords are heat treated according to steel type and sword design. This sword uses folded high carbon Damascus steel with a listed hardness of HRC 55 to 56.
Is full tang available for this sword?
Yes. This sword comes with reinforced tang construction, and a full tang upgrade is available for customers who want the strongest available build for this design. You can select the upgrade where customization options are offered.
What does 352-layer Damascus mean?
The blade is forge-welded from 11 pieces of steel (6 of high carbon #43 and #40, and 5 of 1095) and folded in five stages, doubling the layer count each time, to reach a final 352 layers. The folding process creates the flowing pattern that makes each blade visually distinctive.
Is this real Damascus steel?
Yes. It is true pattern-welded Damascus, not an etched surface pattern. The 352 layers run through the steel itself, which is what gives the blade its depth and contrast.
Will the Damascus pattern look exactly like the photos?
Not exactly. Because each sword is handmade or hand-finished, the Damascus pattern, wood color, finish, sheath fit, and small measurements may vary slightly from sword to sword. Each blade is one of a kind.
