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Short Swords
Why Short Swords Are Fast, Flexible, and Always Ready
Bigger isn’t always better. When you need speed, control, and a blade that won’t catch on doorways or gear, short swords deliver. Compact and easy to keep close, they’re the blade you can always count on.
Short swords are:
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The adventurer’s reliable companion.
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The soldier’s go-to weapon.
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The rogue’s favourite tool.
In LARP, they’re ideal when fights get tight. Short swords give you freedom to swing fast, move easily, and stay sharp in close combat — whether that’s a duel or a chaotic skirmish.
What Counts as a Short Sword in History?
Short swords have been around for as long as swords themselves. They were chosen not for ceremony, but for everyday use.
The gladius armed Roman legionaries as they marched across Europe. Later, the arming sword became the knight’s standard sidearm, perfect with a shield. In medieval Germany, townsfolk carried the messer, a long knife-like blade that was simple and effective. To the north, the Norse and Saxons relied on the seax as both tool and weapon. And in Iberia, the curved falcata showed how much power a small blade could pack.
Famous Short Swords Worth Knowing
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Gladius – the Roman legionary’s empire-building blade.
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Arming Sword – the knight’s everyday weapon.
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Messer – the German “people’s sword,” part knife, part sword.
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Seax – a Norse and Saxon classic, both tool and weapon.
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Falcata – the Iberian warrior’s curved short blade.
These were practical, dependable weapons — blades you could carry at your side every day.
Why Short Swords Work So Well in Fantasy and LARP
Short swords are as popular in fantasy as they were in history. Rogues, scouts, and light adventurers favour them for speed and precision, while knights often keep one as a secondary blade.
On the battlefield or in roleplay, short swords are great when:
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You want to dual-wield for quick, aggressive strikes.
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You’re carrying a shield and need a compact weapon.
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You need a backup blade when larger weapons are impractical.
In cosplay or stage combat, they’re light, comfortable, and iconic. They complete a costume without overwhelming it — perfect for a knight, a rogue, or a wandering adventurer.
What Makes Epic Armoury’s Short Swords Different?
Our short swords aren’t just props. They’re built safe, durable, and ready for combat.
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Reinforced cores provide strength.
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Layered foam absorbs impacts safely.
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Protective coatings keep them looking sharp while staying safe to use.
Options You’ll Find in Our Range
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Historically inspired pieces like the gladius, seax, and messer.
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Fantasy swords with unique hilts and dramatic blade shapes.
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Hand-painted finishes — steel-like blades, leather grips, and detailed crossguards.
Because of their size, short swords are:
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Beginner-friendly — easy to handle for new players.
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Fast and agile — perfect for veterans with quick fighting styles.
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Versatile — suitable for LARP, cosplay, theatre, and display.
How Do You Choose the Right Short Sword?
The right blade depends on the story you want to tell.
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For speed and precision, go with a straight blade like the gladius or arming sword.
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For a rustic, practical look, the messer is a strong choice.
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For history buffs, the seax or falcata offer cultural depth.
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For fantasy players, sleek and stylized designs fit rogues and adventurers.
Short swords also excel as secondary weapons. Even heavily armoured characters often keep one at the belt for duels or when battles move into tighter quarters.
Where Do Short Swords Shine the Most?
Short swords thrive wherever size becomes a disadvantage.
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In combat: Light, quick, and less tiring over long fights.
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At events: Compact enough to carry without hassle.
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For cosplay: Instantly recognizable and easy to wear.
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On stage or film: Balanced, safe, and perfect for close duels.
How to Care for Short Swords
Keeping a short sword in good shape doesn’t take much effort:
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Store flat or upright, away from heat and sunlight.
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Wipe clean after each use.
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Apply maintenance gel to protect the latex surface and keep it flexible.
A little care ensures your weapon lasts for years of adventures.
What Gear Pairs Well with Short Swords?
Short swords are rarely used alone. They work best when combined with:
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A shield for a balanced knightly build.
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A dagger for rogues who want a fast off-hand option.
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Armour to tie the whole character together.
Short Swords: The Quick Blade That Never Lets You Down
Short swords don’t need to be huge to matter. They’ve lasted through history and fantasy because they’re reliable, versatile, and fast — blades you can always trust.
Whether you want the heritage of the gladius, the rugged messer, or the cultural flair of a seax or falcata, Epic Armoury’s short swords are built for the stories you want to tell.
Explore our Short Swords collection today — and find the blade that will always be at your side.