Sword and Buckler

The sword and buckler was one of the most common personal weapons of medieval Europe. It combines a single-handed sword with a small shield (the buckler).

Bucklers and the swords that go with them come in a huge range of styles, as you would expect given that this combination was popular for centuries, in many parts of Europe. The key distinction as regards use is the level of protection afforded by the sword's hilt. When using a simple cross-hilted sword, the buckler's main function is to protect the sword hand. When using a complex-hilted sword, the buckler is more free to move around.

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A training arming sword and buckler

Choosing a Sword and Buckler

Historical Systems

Several medieval and Renaissance sources teach sword and buckler fencing. At present, we focus on the earliest surviving fencing manual: Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33. This is available in facsimile from the Royal Armouries, in translation by Jeffrey Forgeng.