Small sword

The small sword or smallsword (also court sword, fr: L'épée de cour or dress sword) is a light one-handed sword designed for thrusting.

As a rule, the blade of a smallsword is comparatively short (about 60-80 centimeters). It usually tapers to a sharp point but may lack a cutting edge. It is typically triangular in cross-section, although some of the early examples still have the rhombic and [[spindle (textile)|spindle-shaped cross-sections inherited from older weapons, like the rapier. This triangular cross-section may be hollow ground for additional lightness and stiffness. Many small swords of the period between the 17th and 18th centuries were found with colichemarde blades.

The guard is small (typically 3-5 inches in diameter), approximately flat and either round or composed of two oval lobes ("figure of eight"). There is usually a knuckle-bow and either one or two short quillons, used to strengthen the wielder's grip and provide increased points of control.