What was the longsword

A Longsword is a sword designed for use in two hands and dedicates the wielder entirely to using offence and defence with the sword, as opposed to using an Arming Sword and a shield. Their key disadvantage is the lack of a shield to protect against projectile weapons in war or skirmish situations.

Longswords are designed to cut and thrust, with various techniques combining strikes and counters involving using combinations of both. Although earlier weapons tended to focus more on cutting, the Longsword strikes a fairly equal balance and depends mostly on the individual user's style.

Their large cross-hilt (single metal bean style guard, as opposed to a basket hilt) allows for various moves to be used. These involve not just stopping an opponent's weapon from striking the hands, but also manipulating the weapon and controlling it, so you know exactly where the opponent's blade is and can take advantage of the corresponding openings.

The pommel (on the very bottom of the sword) allows for great counterbalance for a quick whipping motion of the blade in stark contrast to a heavy Greataxe. A longsword can certainly provide much more hacking power than Arming Swords or other smaller weapons, but the fact that they remain well balanced does not make them at all unwieldy.

Source: experience in Historical European martial Arts, including handling multiple training and authentic examples of Longswords.