Favorite sword across all eras?

[RedReaperz]

I think most can agree, swords are very pretty.
But which sword is the best in your opinion? Personally I love a good bastard sword from the medieval times era, but katanas from the feudal Japan era are so pretty.

 

[echo]

While I agree that the bastard sword is a fabulous tool when it comes to slicing through one's enemy, I still favour the ever-famed Excalibur... Sure, sure, it's the sword of Legends, and had been wielded by the always amazing King Arthur, but the sword it was modelled after was pretty sturdy, lightweight, (for swords anyhow), it did the job and led a nation....

But, if we're being for real, I have two: I do enjoy the purpose of the Gladius, which the bastard sword had replaced.. and one can never negate the ever lovely Rapier, though a bit heavy, the handle helped balance it and added a bit of 'umph' when striking down ones foe.

 

[Sync]

There are two ways I could go with this one...so I'll list both options.

For a single weapon...it's the Claymore, or Greatsword. While I can appreciate most larger blades - longsword, broadsword, bastard sword, katana - there is something elegant about holding a haft of over 30cm in two hands that's attached to a blade over a meter in length. What it lacks in speed and elegance, it makes up for in reach and sheer hammering power. A Claymore sword in the hands of a skilled practitioner was something to be feared.

For a smaller weapon...then the shortsword, or the traditional gladius (a sword about half the length of the Claymore). Shorter blades tend to be more stabbing and punching than slicing, and smaller blades have the advantage of being able to be readily dual-wielded...you gain speed and flexibility, but lose reach and power. Making your opponent uncertain of which blade could strike them, though, had to be a battlefield advantage.