Knight weapons
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Knightly weapons represent one of the most fascinating weapon cultures of the Middle Ages – from the lance in tournaments to the war hammer on the battlefield. In this category, you’ll find a wide selection of historically inspired knightly weapons for re-enactment, exhibition combat, medieval markets and collectors.
The weapons of knights: an overview of the historical arsenal
A medieval knight’s arsenal was more diverse than popular imagination often suggests. The sword was regarded as the ultimate symbol of knighthood – the ceremonial sword-girding, during which the squire was girded with the sword, marked his entry into knighthood. As a melee weapon, it was indispensable, but by no means the only one.
The lance was the mounted warrior’s most important weapon, both in tournaments and in open-field battles. Clamped under the arm and wielded at full gallop, it unleashed a penetrating force that scarcely any armour could withstand. Alongside these, battle axes, war hammers and daggers were standard equipment – the latter serving as backup weapons or to subdue a fallen opponent.
With the spread of heavy plate armour in the late Middle Ages, weapons such as the morning star, raven’s beak and awl-spear gained in importance. They were designed to defeat armoured opponents – either through concentrated striking force or by piercing gaps in the armour. Halberds and spears completed the arsenal, particularly among the infantry.
Knightly weapons by type: from sword to halberd
Swords
From High Medieval swords and Crusader swords to Renaissance cutlasses: swords form the centrepiece of every knight’s equipment. The range includes display combat variants (SK-B and SK-C) as well as collector’s items with scabbards.
Polearms
Lances and spears for tournaments and re-enactments, late medieval halberds and helmbards, as well as the awl-spear as an effective thrusting weapon against chain mail – the polearm range covers both infantry and tournament use.
Blunt and piercing weapons
Battle hammers, raven’s beaks and battle axes for combat against armoured opponents. Complemented by daggers such as the testicle dagger, Baselard and Katzbalger – classic secondary weapons of the knight.
Price ranges: Knightly weapons for every need
Lance tips, spearheads and simple daggers such as the testicle dagger are suitable for first historical re-enactments, as decoration or as an addition to a costume. A good entry point without a large budget.
Solid display weapons from Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles: battle axes, halberds with wooden shafts, war hammers or raven’s beaks. Good value for money for regular use at medieval events. Brands such as Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles are known for their robust craftsmanship.
For serious re-enactors and collectors: Hanwei display swords (SK-B), the 14th-century Da Carrara war hammer or Ulfberth display swords. Hand-forged details, high-quality steel and historical accuracy characterise this class.
Stage combat or decoration? The main categories in the range
- SK-B: Softer spring action, flexible blade – suitable for intense display combat
- SK-C: Harder blade variant for lighter display combat or re-enactment performances
- Blunt blades, thickened tip – for safe use at events
- Many items include a matching scabbard and sword belt
- Suitable for tournaments, exhibition fights and military camps
- Sharply ground replicas for display cabinets and historical re-enactments
- Available to those aged 18 and over only (Weapons Act)
- Intricately crafted, often with embossed leather scabbards
- Not suitable for exhibition combat – purely decorative or a collector’s item
- Observe transport and storage regulations in accordance with the Weapons Act
Knightly weapons by period: High Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages and Renaissance
High Middle Ages
Norman swords and Crusader swords with a simple cross-guard dominated the scene. Alongside these were simple lances and spears for warriors fighting on horseback or on foot. In the range: Medieval display sword High Middle Ages SK-B (Ulfberth) and Crusader sword SPQR.
Late Middle Ages
Swords were fitted with longer hilts for two-handed use. Battle hammers, raven’s beaks and the late medieval battle axe (c. 1460) were used against the widespread plate armour. The 14th-century Da Carrara battle hammer is a special piece from this era.
Renaissance
The transition to more refined forms: the cutlass, Landsknecht Katzbalger and Baselard defined the style. In our range: the Hanwei Renaissance Cutlass SK-B for exhibition fighting, as well as the Landsknecht-style Katzbalger dagger with scabbard.
Complete knight’s equipment: weapons in the context of the overall look
A weapon alone does not make a knight. Only when combined with the right pieces of equipment does a harmonious overall look emerge. A knight’s sword needs a suitable scabbard and a sturdy sword belt – many items in the range are already combined with a leather scabbard. Added to this is the chainmail as basic protection, complemented by helmets, gambesons and breastplates.
As an example of a complete ensemble: the Crusader set combines a High Medieval Crusader sword with a scabbard, a chainmail or haubergeon, a pot helmet or nasal helmet, as well as knight’s clothing in the form of a gambeson and tabard. There is a separate category in the shop for sword accessories – from scabbards to sword belt holders.
Anyone wishing to put together a complete knight’s outfit will find, alongside the weapons, matching knight’s shoes, bags and belt pouches in the range.
What to look out for when buying knightly weapons
Exhibition combat, re-enactment, decoration and LARP all have different requirements. For active exhibition combat at events, you need certified exhibition combat weapons (SK-B or SK-C). Different rules apply to LARP weapons – foam blades are generally required here. For purely decorative purposes or historical re-enactments without combat, replicas with a higher level of detail are the better choice.
SK-B refers to display combat swords with softer springing and a flexible blade – suitable for intense display combat contact. SK-C stands for harder blades with less springing, used for lighter display combat or historical demonstrations. Many events stipulate a specific class – check with the organiser before purchasing.
Hand-forged pieces often display slight irregularities, which attest to their authenticity and artisanal origins. Industrially manufactured weapons are more uniform, often cheaper and perfectly adequate for many purposes. In the higher price segment – for example, with Hanwei or Da Carrara – high-alloy steel is used, combining durability with historical accuracy.
In Germany, sharp weapons may only be sold to persons aged 18 and over. The Weapons Act (WaffG) applies to transport and storage: sharp blades must be transported in secure packaging, and carrying them openly in public is prohibited. Decorative weapons in display cabinets are not subject to any special licensing requirements, provided they are not carried. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult the current legal text or make a brief enquiry with the retailer.
Whether you’re looking for your first stage combat sword, a historically accurate battle axe for re-enactment, or a special collector’s item – in this category you’ll find knightly weapons for every purpose and every budget. Browse through the range and gear up for your next performance.
Frequently asked questions
Classic knightly weapons include the sword, lance, battle axe, war hammer, dagger, halberd and spear. In the late Middle Ages, weapons specifically designed to combat plate armour, such as the raven’s beak, mace and awl-spear, were added. Each weapon had its own specific tactical purpose – both in tournaments and on the battlefield.
The sword was regarded as a symbol of knighthood and was the most important close-combat weapon. The lance was the dominant weapon of the mounted warrior – its powerful thrust at full gallop was almost impossible to parry. The dagger and battle axe complemented the arsenal as secondary weapons for close-quarters combat.
SK-B refers to display swords with a softer, more springy blade – they are suitable for intense display combat and are mandatory at many events. SK-C stands for harder blades with less spring, which are used more for lighter forms of display combat or historical demonstrations. Which class is required depends on the respective organiser.
A coherent knight’s ensemble consists of a sword with scabbard and sword belt, chainmail or a gambeson as underarmour, a matching helmet, and knight’s clothing such as a tabard and tunic. Added to this are shoes and, optionally, arm or leg guards. The weapon is a central, but not the only, element of the overall look.
Sharp weapons – including sharp-edged swords, lance tips and daggers – may only be sold to persons aged 18 and over in Germany. The Weapons Act applies to transport and storage: open carrying in public is not permitted, and sharp blades must be securely packed during transport.