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Due to their length and weight, which was typically at least 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) and around 2 kg (4.4 lb), Zweihänders required two hands, as the name implies; as such they require at least 25 cm (9.8 in) for the hilt. [2] Zweihänders that were 4 kg (8.8 lb) in weight or more were confined to parade and ceremonial use. [citation needed]
This is a list of historical pre-modern weapons grouped according to their uses, with rough classes set aside for very similar weapons. Some weapons may fit more than one category (e.g. the spear may be used either as a polearm or as a projectile), and the earliest gunpowder weapons which fit within the period are also included.
Gladius: Roman one-handed double-edged shortsword for thrusting (primary) and slashing, used by legionaries (heavy infantry) [2] and gladiators, and late Roman light infantry. 3rd century BCE Roman Republic – late Roman Empire. Kopis: one-handed single-edged sword – blade 48–60 cm (19–24 in) – with forward-curving blade for slashing
The shuangshou jian is a Chinese two-handed double-edged straight sword . Historically, shuangshou jian were up to 1.6 meters (65") in length, and the two-handed grip could be used as a lever to lock the opponent's arm if necessary. Large ring pommels are prevalent in the construction of shuangshou jian.
The two-handed flame-bladed sword is referred to by the German Flammenschwert (literally "flame-sword"). These swords are very similar to the two-handed sword or Zweihänder, the only difference being the blade. The design of the blade is decorative along with being functional by causing unpleasant vibrations when parried.
Experienced and well-equipped soldiers, receiving double a normal Landsknecht 's pay and getting the title Doppelsöldner, [29] made up a quarter of each Fähnlein. 50 of these men were armed with a halberd or with a 66-inch (170 cm) two-handed sword called a Zweihänder while another fifty were arquebusiers or crossbowmen.
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The term "single-handed sword" or "one-handed sword" was coined to distinguish from "two-handed" or "hand-and-a-half" swords. "Single-handed sword" is used by Sir Walter Scott. [11] It is also used as a possible gloss of the obscure term tonsword by Nares (1822); [12] "one-handed sword" is somewhat later, recorded from c. 1850. Some swords were ...