Did Medieval Knights Frequently Pierce Their Opponents Armor?

The Frequency of Armor-Piercing Attacks by Medieval Knights

The effectiveness of a knight's weaponry against armor in the medieval period varied significantly based on several factors, including the type of armor used, the weapon employed, and the circumstances of combat. This article explores the frequency and success of armor-piercing attacks by medieval knights and the impact of various factors like armor types, weapon design, and combat techniques.

Types of Armor

Medieval armor evolved over time, with plate armor becoming more common in the late medieval period. Early forms of armor, such as chainmail, were more susceptible to piercing attacks due to their interconnected metal rings. In contrast, later full plate armor was designed to deflect blows, making it much tougher to penetrate.

Weapons Used

Knights employed a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and crossbows. Swords were less effective at piercing plate armor unless they were specifically designed for it, like thrusting swords. Weapons like poleaxes and war hammers were more effective against armored opponents, as they could deliver crushing blows or use spikes to pierce armor.

Combat Techniques

Combat techniques played a crucial role in the success of armor-piercing attacks. Thrusting attacks aimed at gaps in armor, such as at the joints, were more likely to succeed than broad, slashing attacks. Knights often sought to exploit these weaknesses, which made armor-piercing attacks more successful.

Historical Accounts

While specific statistics on the frequency of piercing armor are scarce, battles and duels often resulted in injuries through gaps in armor rather than direct penetrations. It was not uncommon for knights to be injured by blunt force trauma as much as by piercing attacks. For example, in hand-to-hand combat, two heavily armored knights would typically strike for joints in armor or, if the visor of a helmet was removed, attempt to stab the face.

Rare and Effective Weapons

Rarely did medieval knights pierce their opponents' armor, especially against well-made plate armor. However, there were instances where the success rate of such attacks was higher, often due to the specific equipment and combat techniques used. The bodkin arrows used with the longbow were particularly effective, as they were designed to pierce armor, and their impact can be seen in the battles and records left behind, such as the renowned Battle of Agincourt.

Chivalry and Technological Advances

Interestingly, the Battle of Agincourt also marked the end of chivalry in the traditional sense. Here, the longbow, with its precise and effective bodkin arrows, played a crucial role, demonstrating how technological advancements could challenge the ideals of medieval combat. Additionally, the first recorded use of firearms in battle also emerged from this battlefield, marking a significant shift in warfare and armor design.