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Saying ‘versus’ isn’t correct. Yet, I do see many people trying to claim that one type is superior to the other. Becomes a whole ‘knight vs samurai’ thing at times. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here owning both styles of swords. I still want to do a short post since some people might think a sword is just a sword. Many are surprised to learn that each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Curved Blades
Let’s start with blades such as scimitars and katana. These weapons have a backwards curve, which helps with slashing and cutting. A warrior can deliver a blow across an enemy who has none to light armor. These wounds are deep and the movement results in the blade cutting through a bigger area. For example, a slash starting at the right shoulder can go all the way to the left hip with enough power. Heavy armor can be a problem since the force isn’t hitting a single point to penetrate.
Curved blades were especially useful when it came to cavalry. Needing less accuracy than a stabbing weapon, it’s supposedly easier to wield from atop a moving horse. Being a weapon that depends on momentum, the speed and power from a charge can add to the slashing damage. Some people believed this would mean less training necessary for cavalry when compared to a knight.
They are also easier to draw and work better in large army situations where there are plenty of targets.
Straight Blades
Longswords and rapiers can cut, but their strength is in stabbing and piercing. They can be used with more accuracy since you’re aiming a straight thrust. This allows for hitting gaps in defenses and even breaking armor since all of the power is being focused on a single point. With chainmail being the most popular during Medieval Europe, this piercing power was essential.
Straight blades are better for small group fights and duels, which was what you found in the regions they were used. A defensive reason for this is because they are better for blocking. The straight blade deflects a blow with very little chance of the opponent sliding along and into you. A curved blade has a chance of directly the blocked weapon towards your body if you aren’t carefully.
In General
Everyone who is into swords has their own preferences in opinions. Mine is that I like both and see a use for each type. I’m sure there is plenty more information out there than the basics I wrote here. So, what do you think?
Legends of Windemere 
I like your interpretation and agree with it. I wonder why some cultures used a curved blade and others a straight blade.
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Probably the type of battles, armor, and tactics. Each one has a strength and weakness.
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So best to use both!
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If you can swing it.
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Nice pun!
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Wow, your “basic” information is way more than I know! I didn’t use swords in my fantasy story, because of my lack of knowledge about them. I’m glad to have this post to refer to. What do you think of the swords used in LoTR?
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I think LOTR stuck mostly with straight European blades. At least the books. Elves had the curved ones, right?
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Yes. I never understood why though. To contrast with the European blades?
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Not sure. Maybe because they fought using speed and agility instead of strength? That seems to be the fantasy difference between curved and straight blade use.
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I haven’t given much thought to curved or straight but now that you have explained the difference, I think I lean toward curved for the quickness of dispatch.
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As long as the situation allows for it. Part of the post was to explain how one isn’t better than the other. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
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I’m not such a weapon wonk. To me they are more like costume elements that reveal the user’s culture and aspects of their training, honor code, and so on. It would be most important that the weapon naturally fit with other details.
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I think that’s a big part of it. Warfare tactics does tend to be cultural and grow alongside honor codes.
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Quite right Charles, superiority totally depends upon the circumstances in play at any given moment. Hugs
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Thanks.
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I think this kind of research can make a story that much better. I have no intention of fighting with one.
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Thanks. 😁
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Interesting, Charles. It’s not something I’ve thought much about, although as a fantasy writer, I should have done so.
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Thanks. Hope it helps.
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Greatly. Thank you.
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