How To
Spear vs Sword
Nov
When it comes down to it, choosing a ‘best’ out of the spear and sword is challenging given they were designed for different purposes. Nevertheless, in this spear vs sword guide, we’ll analyse the history, uses, pros and cons of each to help figure out once and for all whether either the spear or the sword can be considered the ‘best’.
The debate over which weapon is the most effective out of the sword and spear has raged on for millennia. You might assume there’s no contest – the sword wins every time. However, the reach of the spear and the relatively little training required to master it made it a formidable foe to the sword in many situations.
A Brief History of the Spear
The spear has been fundamental to the evolution of humanity. Archaeological findings in Africa suggest that the spear dates back at least 460,000 years. In all likelihood, it was invented independently by disparate cultures as a survival necessity, particularly for hunting. Most spears consist of a long hardwood pole with a sharp and pointed end made from iron, stone or sharpened steel.
While it may have been invented primarily for hunting, the spear has long been a staple of the battlefield. Compared to swords, spears are cheaper to manufacture and require less training to use.
A Brief History of the Sword
While the sword may be more widely admired than the spear nowadays, the sword is actually a much more recent invention, dating back around 4,000 years. Initially, swords started out as long knives, but the blade gradually increased in length with technological advancements in metallurgy. Typically, the blade of a sword can be single or double-edged and is usually made from iron, steel, obsidian or bronze. While more expensive and more difficult to master than spears, swords were versatile weapons that could withstand the rigours of heavy combat.
Spear vs Sword: One-on-One Duel without Shields
It may come as a shock that, in a one-on-one battle without armour or shields, the spear would hold the upper hand over the sword. The spear has a much further reach than most types of swords. Moreover, the spear’s tip is less predictable than the sword due to its long wooden shaft. With a shield, a spear thrust can be challenging to deflect with a sword. And while the spear is less versatile, its reach makes it a good defence against a sword when dipped forward.
Spear vs Sword: One-on-One Duel WITH Shields
The story changes if the sword wielder also has a shield, which can be very effective at deflecting spear thrusts. A one-handed sword can be used to deliver powerful cuts, chops and slashes, while the shield held in the other hand provides effective defence.
Battle Formations
Whether swords defeat spears in battle formations often comes down to leadership, but spears often had the advantage. Heavily armed infantry in an organised line were hard to defeat by swordsmen. This ‘phalanx’ tactic was one of Alexander the Great’s most effective and brilliant strategies.
However, the sword-wielding Roman gladius were able to defeat the spear-thrusting Macedonian phalanxes due to strong leadership.
It’s worth noting that although long swords like the greatsword offered longer reach than typical swords, they were still less effective in battle formations than spears.
Compact-Area Combat
When it comes to close-quarter combat, the sword was usually a more effective melee weapon than the spear, particularly the one-handed varieties on the shorter end. For example, the katana was famously used by the samurai when it came to compact combat styles. The sword tactics employed by the samurai were heavily influenced by the repeated Mongol invasions of the 13th century. The spear isn’t versatile enough to win the sword in close-quarters combat.
Spear vs Sword: Our Verdict
When it comes to historical significance, the spear wins the sword. It dates back hundreds of thousands of years and has been integral to our development and survival as a species. Recreated training programmes today have demonstrated that the spear can hold its own against the sword in a variety of combat situations. Moreover, an inexperienced soldier with a spear would have a real chance at defeating a swordsman if neither had a shield.
However, the sword has become an iconic weapon due to its versatility. They’re often the preferred choice when it comes to martial arts. But it should be noted that the spear and sword were often used in tandem, with the sword acting as a secondary sidearm in battle formations.
Order Spears and Swords from The Survival Island
At The Survival Island, we’re a leading team of survival and wilderness experts that takes great pride in sourcing the highest quality gear from the far corners of the globe. Whether you’re looking for a modern replica or a historic artefact, we have the perfect sword or spear for you. Browse our product range today or get in touch with us for product recommendations and advice.