A Squared Armory Blog

Everyone knows that knights used more than just a sword in their daily activities.  But, what other weapons were there and what were they used for?  You might be surprised by the wide array of weapons at knights’ disposal.  The weapons weren’t just used as weapons either.  You might be surprised to learn that most medieval weapons were used in mundane activities such as gathering wood for a fire, hunting game, or sometimes…just for show.

Beyond your typical sword, knights usually carried a dagger with them at all times.  Not only did they come in handy in close combat like a surprise attack, but they were essential for living the rough life of a knight.  They were perfect for skinning game, cooking and eating (can you imagine a knight eating with a sword?) and whittling wood for skewers, arrows and pleasure.  The dagger had to be compact and sharp, lest it let its master down in a time of need.  Medieval daggers were indeed an important part of the knights’ personal arsonal.

Crossbows were an important weapon to the knights who were fortunate enough to carry one.  An excellent long range weapon, the crossbow was used for everything from hunting game in the forests to taking out a guard atop a castle wall.  There were only two long range weapons during the Middle Ages:  the crossbow and the trebuchet.  It would be overkill (to say the least) to use a trebuchet for hunting purposes, but the crossbow was the perfect tool.  Therefore, if one was available to a knight, he’d definitely carry it.  Medieval crossbows required skill to use them.  Practicing and perfecting one’s aim was paramount to using it effectively.

Now, let’s look at a weapons, like this Flange Mace.  This is one heck of a brutal weapon.  Think of a police’s billy club…then add about 5 pounds in flesh cutting steel blades.  Though an extremely effective weapon in close combat or in survivor mode against a large, predatory animal…weapons like these weren’t used as frequently as swords and daggers.  They are not multipurpose tools, which is fine but if you can only carry a certain number of weapons with you, you are probably going to pick the ones that will have other uses.  All I know is that I would hate to be on the receiving end of this weapon. 

It really is interesting to learn what these different weapons can do.  You can browse our medieval weapons section and be sure to check out the rest of A Squared Armory!

Filed under: Weapons History