twinblade

Twinblade is a term used to describe a blade-based weapon featuring two blades associated with a single grip or central mechanism. It is descriptive rather than a reference to a single historic design, and it occurs chiefly in fantasy fiction, role-playing games, and other speculative media.

Design variants range from two blades extending from a single hilt in parallel, to a single weapon with two distinct blades connected at the handle, to dual blades mounted on a frame that is used as one weapon. Some depictions show blades that can be used in sequence or rotated to switch attack modes. Handling a twinblade typically requires specialized training, since balance and weight distribution are more complex than for a single blade.

In fiction and games, twinblades are usually portrayed as offering rapid, multi-directional strikes, the possibility of greater cutting surface, or dual-wielding aesthetics. They may grant gameplay bonuses such as increased attack speed or dual-wielding proficiency, though mechanics vary by work.

In popular culture, the term appears across fantasy settings as a weapon type that embodies agility and dual-oriented fighting. While often featured in storytelling and design concepts, twinblade remains a general design idea rather than a standardized historical weapon, and real-world examples are rare and typically ceremonial or decorative.