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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Zweihänder

A huge Renaissance two-handed sword, used by Landsknecht mercenaries to break pike formations.

Zweihänder
Zweihänder WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

Zweihänder; Bidenhänder; montante (Iberian relative)

Origin and history

The Zweihänder is the great two-handed sword of the 16th century, carried by German Landsknechte, sometimes by the Doppelsöldner who received double pay. It was also used as a guard and parade weapon.

Martial arts that use it

HEMA

Construction

A blade of up to about 1.4 m and a total length of 1.5–1.8 m, with a long unsharpened section (ricasso) below the guard, often with parrying hooks; weight usually 2–3.5 kg.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

Despite its size, a typical Zweihänder weighs only about 3 kg.

More weapons

Rapier Smallsword Foil Épée Sabre Gladius

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Zweih%C3%A4nder
  2. Wikipedia — Montante