Zweihander Sword

By Crusader1307

Developed in the 14th Century (Germany), this weapon came about from the Longsword/Great Sword family. They were primarily a two-handed weapon (hence the name). Although a sword, the usage was very similar to many Polearms. The Zweihander was too large for a standard scabbard and were most often carried across the shoulders. They were a minimum of 4 to 5 feet long and could weigh up to 4 pounds. The Zweihander were very popular among the elite Landsknecht and Swiss Mercenaries of the Era. The infamous mercenaries "The Black Band" (1510) commissioned some 2,200 of them made for their use. It was said, in the hands of a skilled user - that the Zweihander could behead two persons at one time!