two-handed sword

The Goliath Fechtbuch (1510) shows an intermediate form between longsword and Zweihänder. This represented the final stage in the trend of making very large swords, which started in the 14th century, and ended in the 16th century. In its developed form, the Zweihänder acquired the handling characteristics of a polearm rather than a sword due to its increased size and weight, therefore adding to its striking power and longer reach. Consequently, it was not carried in a sheath, but across the shoulder like a pike or halberd.

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. Zweihänders that were 4 kg (8.8 lb) in weight or more were confined to parade and ceremonial use. Early Zweihänders were simply larger versions of longswords. Later examples had Parierhaken ("parrying hooks") at the top of the ricasso as well as side rings on the hilt. Swords continued to be made without one or both features. Some Zweihänders had wavy blades, and were called Flammenschwert.

The Zweihänder is mostly associated with Swiss and German mercenaries known as Landsknechte. While the Swiss outlawed use of the weapon, other Landsknechte kept using it until much later. It is sometimes claimed that holding the title Meister des langen Schwertes ("Master of the Long Sword"), issued by the Mark Brotherhood, entitled Zweihänder wielders to double pay (Doppelsöldner). However, the veracity of this claim is disputed. The Black Band of German mercenaries (active during the 1510s and 1520s) included 2,000 two-handed swordsmen in a total strength of 17,000 men. Zweihänder-wielders fought with and against pike formations. Frisian hero Pier Gerlofs Donia is reputed to have wielded a Zweihänder with such skill, strength and efficiency that he managed to behead several people with it in a single blow. A Zweihänder ascribed to him is, as of 2008, on display in the collection of the Fries Museum. It has a length of 213 cm (84 in) and a mass of about 6.6 kg (15 lb). While it dates to the correct period and was used in battle, there is no documentary link to Grutte Pier himself.