The bastard sword, also known as the hand-and-a-half sword, embodies the evolution of European bladed weapons between 1350 and 1550. This versatile weapon, born out of the necessity to adapt combat techniques to the evolution of armor, marks a crucial transition in medieval martial arts.

Characterized by its elongated grip allowing for one or two-handed use, the bastard sword offered fighters unparalleled flexibility on the battlefield. Its unique design, often featuring a straight or rhomboid guard and a balancing pommel, allowed for quick transitions between different combat styles, thus adapting to various tactical situations.

The bastard sword derives its name from its "intermediate" status, being neither quite a longsword nor a short sword, which sometimes earned it a certain disdain. However, its effectiveness in combat, both against plate armor and unprotected opponents, quickly made it a weapon of choice for many fighters in the late Middle Ages.

For HEMA practitioners, the bastard sword offers a fascinating field of study. The techniques associated with this weapon, documented in historical treatises, highlight the sophistication of late medieval combat. The modern use of steel or polymer replicas allows for the exploration of these ancestral techniques, combining the power of two-handed strikes with the agility of one-handed handling, thus providing a rich and varied training experience.