Zweihänder Description
The German Zweihänder derived from the longsword in the 14th century. It was originally popular with German and Swiss mercenaries. This sword marked the finale of the trend of increasing sword sizes of the late Middle Ages. When completed, this sword more closely resembled a thrusting polearm (a spear-like weapon such as the Svärdstav) than a longsword. In fact, solders carrying the sword fought in a pike formation, commonly used with polearms. The Zweihänder weighed more than 4.5 pounds and were a minimum of 4.5 feet long. Some longer Zweihänder, primarily used for ceremonial purposes, were up to ten pounds and seven feet long. Due to its size, the Zweihänder was worn around the shoulder rather than in a sheath. Soldiers who excelled in its use gained the title “Master of the Long Sword”, or “Meister des langen Schwertes” in German. The sword fell out of favor in the end of the 16th century but continued to be used in ceremonial use throughout the 17th century.
Blade Materials
The sword is made from Pattern welded Damascus steel. Pattern welded Damascus steel is a hard heat treated, folded carbon steel. There are 11 pieces of steel, folded five times, making 352 layers. The steel is the perfect combination of hardness and durability with a Rockwell hardness rating between 55 and 56 HRC. High carbon damascus steel must contain layers of high carbon steel. The high carbon steel we use is 1095 steel which is the highest content carbon steel used in swords. The combination of the steel layers creates a sword that is strong enough to hold a powerful edge while having the strength and flexibility to withstand powerful collisions. This makes the perfect steel for swords. The handle is wood with brass bolsters. It comes with a leather sheath.
Sword Details
Handle Material: Metal and Leather
Overall Length: 45"
Rockwell Hardness: 55-56 HRC
Number of layers: 352
Sheath: Leather sheath
Blade Material: Damascus steel
6 Pieces of Carbon Steel #43 and #40
5 Pieces of High Carbon Steel 1095
1st Fold- 11x2=22 Layers
2nd Fold- 22*2=44 Layers
3rd Fold- 44*2=88 Layers
4th Fold- 88*2=176 Layers
5th Fold- 176*2=352 Layers
Zweihänder Sword- Two Handed Longsword - High Carbon Damascus Steel - 45"
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