Editing Sword (section)

==Typology==
{{Main|Types of swords|Classification of swords}}

Sword typology is based on morphological criteria on the one hand (blade shape (cross-section, taper, and length), shape and size of the hilt and pommel), and age and place of origin on the other ([[Bronze Age sword|Bronze Age]], [[Iron Age sword|Iron Age]], European (medieval, early modern, modern), Asian).

The relatively comprehensive [[Oakeshott typology]] was created by historian and illustrator [[Ewart Oakeshott]] as a way to define and catalogue European swords of the medieval period based on physical form, including blade shape and hilt configuration. The typology also focuses on the smaller, and in some cases contemporary, single-handed swords such as the [[arming sword]].<ref name=Oakeshott>{{Cite Q|Q105271484|pages=18–19}}</ref>

===Single vs. double-edged===
As noted above, the terms [[longsword]], [[broad sword]], [[great sword]], and [[Claymore|Gaelic claymore]] are used relative to the era under consideration, and each term designates a particular type of sword.

====''Jian''====
In most Asian countries, a sword (''[[jian]]'' 劍, [[Korean sword|geom]] (검), ''ken/[[Tsurugi (sword)|tsurugi]]'' (剣) is a double-edged straight-bladed weapon, while a knife or sabre ([[Dao (Chinese sword)|''dāo'']] 刀, ''do'' (도), ''to/[[katana]]'' (刀) refers to a single-edged object.

====''Kirpan''====
Among the [[Sikhs]], the sword is held in very high esteem. A single-edged sword is called a ''[[kirpan]]'', and its double-edged counterpart a ''[[Khanda (sword)|khanda]]'' or ''[[Talwar|tegha]]''.<ref>Singh Jiwan Singh; B. Chatter (2001). ''The turban and the sword of the Sikhs: Essence of Sikhism''. Amritsar {{ISBN|81-7601-491-5}}</ref>

====''Churika''====
The [[South Indian]] ''[[churika]]'' is a handheld double-edged sword traditionally used in the [[Malabar region]] of [[Kerala]]. It is also worshipped as the weapon of [[Vettakkorumakan]], the hunter god in Hinduism.

====Backsword and falchion====
European terminology does give generic names for single-edged and double-edged blades but refers to specific types with the term 'sword' covering them all. For example, the [[backsword]] may be so called because it is single-edged but the [[falchion]] which is also single-edged is given its own specific name.<ref>{{cite book |title=European Weapons and Armour |last= Oakeshott |first= Ewart|year= 1980 |publisher= Lutterworth Press |location= Guildford & London|page= 152}}</ref>

===Single vs. two-handed use===
[[File:Tvåhandssvärd, Italien, ca 1623 - Skoklosters slott - 67303.tif|thumb|upright=0.7|Two-handed sword, Italy, circa 1623]]

====Two-handed====
{{See also|Two-handed sword}}

A two-handed sword is any sword that usually requires two hands to wield, or more specifically the very large swords of the 16th century.<ref name="laodes"/>

Throughout history two-handed swords have generally been less common than their one-handed counterparts, one exception being their common use in Japan. Two-handed grips have two advantages: obviously they allow the strength of two hands to be used, not just one, but by spacing the hands apart they also allow a [[couple (mechanics)|torque]] to be applied, rotating the sword in a slashing manner.

A two-handed grip may be needed for one of two reasons: either to wield a particularly large sword or else with the single-sided Japanese [[tachi]] for a slashing cut. Slashing swords may have distinctively long hilt grips to facilitate this.

====Hand and a half sword====
A Hand and a half sword, colloquially known as a "[[bastard sword]]", was a sword with an extended grip and sometimes pommel so that it could be used with either one or two hands. Although these swords may not provide a full two-hand grip, they allowed its wielders to hold a [[shield]] or parrying dagger in their off hand, or to use it as a two-handed sword for a more powerful blow.<ref name=McLean/> These should not be confused with a [[longsword]], [[two-handed sword]], or [[Zweihänder]], which were always intended to be used with two hands.