A type of sword with a blade length of ~13"-25". They are typically wide at the base and taper to a narrow point, and thus are good for thrusting. Short swords were first made of bronze by the Greeks, and were later made of iron and steel. A short sword made of decent high carbon steel will weigh in around 1-3 pounds. If the blade is 10"-18" and is very narrow and single-edged, I'd be inclined to call it a long knife.