Greatsword

A greatsword is a two-handed sword characterized by a long blade and a long grip, designed for use with both hands to maximize leverage and reach. The term has been applied to several varieties of large European swords from roughly the 14th to the 17th century and is often used in modern discussions to describe any large two-handed sword rather than a single standardized type.

Design features typically include a long, straight blade, a cruciform or simple guard, and a relatively long handle that accommodates two hands. Blade lengths commonly range from about 90 to 120 centimeters, with weights roughly 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms, though individual examples vary. The weapon balances for cutting and thrusting, and many examples show a strong emphasis on powerful two-handed cuts.

Historically, greatswords appeared in various regional forms. In German-speaking lands they are associated with the zweihänder, while Italian examples are called montanti and Scottish swords are referred to as claymores; all are sometimes described as greatswords in English. The weapons were employed to counter armored troops, break pike formations, or deliver decisive blows in duels and battlefield encounters.

With the decline of full plate armor and changes in military tactics, the use of true greatswords waned by the early modern period. In martial arts, modern practitioners study greatsword techniques within historical European martial arts, emphasizing two-handed control, wide arcs, and precise targeting.

Today, surviving greatswords are valued by collectors and researchers, and replicas appear in historical fiction, films, and stage productions. In contemporary contexts the term also covers ceremonial or decorative large swords that resemble historical examples without being functional weapons.