22 Most Iconic Two-Handed Swords From History 

Two-handed swords have long grips made to be held with both hands. Unlike one-handed swords, which allowed quicker movement and let the other hand carry a shield or another weapon, two-handed swords were built for greater power, qualities that were highly useful in battle. Over the centuries, these swords took on many different forms as cultures and countries developed their own distinct styles. Let’s explore 22 historical types of two-handed swords from around the world.

European Two-Handed Swords

Medieval Longsword

The European longsword was one of the main weapons used from the late Middle Ages to the early Renaissance (1300s–1500s) and remained in use until the 17th century. It was a two-handed, double-edged sword featuring a straight or slightly curved crossguard and a pommel. Designed for both cutting and thrusting, the longsword proved versatile in many forms of combat and remains one of the most iconic two-handed swords in history.

Claymore

The claymore is a large two-handed sword that was used in Scotland during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. It is one of the most recognizable Scottish weapons, known for its broad blade, long grip, and distinctive cross-shaped guard. Unlike lighter one-handed swords, the claymore was built for powerful sweeping strikes and heavy blows, making it ideal for open battles. Its great size required strength and skill to handle, but in the hands of a trained warrior, it was both impressive and deadly.

Bastard Sword/ Hand and a half sword

The bastard sword, also known as the hand-and-a-half sword, appeared as a more flexible option that combined elements of both one-handed and two-handed swords. While it’s known for bridging the gap between the two, it was still primarily wielded with both hands, placing it in the two-handed sword category. These swords were easier to carry and offered more versatility in battle.

Zweihänder

The Zweihänder is a two-handed greatsword that evolved from the classic longswords of the late Middle Ages. It was an enormous weapon, often as tall as or taller than its wielder, requiring great strength and skill to handle effectively. The blade was straight and double-edged, built for powerful sweeping strikes capable of breaking pike formations. Its handle was long, almost half the length of the blade, and the crossguard was enlarged and often richly decorated.

Flammenschwert

Also known as the Flammard or flame-bladed sword, the Flammenschwert is a variant of the Zweihänder featuring a wavy, flame-like blade.

Schnepf (Swiss Saber)

Recognized for its slightly curved blade, the Schnepf, or Swiss saber, is a distinctive two-handed sword used in Switzerland during the 16th century. Unlike the straight-bladed swords common across Europe, the Schnepf’s curve made it ideal for both cutting and thrusting, combining elegance and efficiency in battle. Its single-edged blade and knuckle guard provided both offense and protection, giving soldiers versatility in close and mid-range combat.

Federschwert (training longswords)

Federschwerts are training longswords used exclusively to practice the art of fencing. They feature blunt, flexible blades without tips, making them easy to handle. The blades often have a widened section near the guard, similar to a ricasso, while the hilt resembles that of a traditional longsword.

Grosse Messer (two-handed versions) 

The Grosse Messer is the two-handed version of the Messer sword family. Used primarily for self-defense during the 15th and 16th centuries, it features a single-edged blade and a knife-like handle, with variations in length depending on the version.

Rhomphaia

Firstly mentioned by the Roman historian Titius Livius, the Rhomphaia was a highly effective two-handed sword used by Thracian tribes of Western Europe. It featured a single-edged blade with a slight forward curve, combining the reach of a polearm with the cutting power of a sword. Its length let the wielder strike from a distance, while the curved edge delivered devastating slashes in battle.

Montante

The montante is a large two‑handed sword originating from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal. It represented a blend of the German Zweihänder and earlier medieval longswords. Unlike some of the heavier greatswords of northern Europe, the montante was crafted to be relatively lightweight, allowing for swift, fluid movements and precise control. This balance made it especially effective in both duels and against multiple opponents.

Spadone

The Spadone is an Italian greatsword that emerged during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. It was known for its impressive length and elegant yet powerful design. The blade was long and straight, giving the wielder great reach in open combat. Its guard and handle were extended to allow two-handed use, providing both control and leverage. Some versions included a ricasso and extra quillons, short protective spikes set just above the crossguard, giving the fighter more options for defense and half-swording techniques.

Executioner’s Sword

Differently from other two-handed blades, the Executioner’s Sword had only one purpose, decapitation. Widely used across 17th-century Europe, it had a straight, broad blade with a forward balance, making it poor for combat but ideal for delivering a single clean strike. Its most distinct feature was the blunt, pointless tip.

Bearing Sword

Unlike other swords, the bearing sword was not designed primarily for battle but for display and ceremony. This massive two-handed sword often reached lengths of five to six feet, making it far too large to be practical in close combat. Instead, it served as a symbol of power, prestige, and honor, carried before nobles or guards during parades and important events. The wide blade and ornate hilt were often beautifully decorated, showcasing fine craftsmanship.

Estoc

Recognized for its long, slender, and sharply pointed blade, the estoc was a two-handed longsword built for powerful thrusting. Unlike many swords of its time, the estoc had no sharpened edges; instead, the blade was designed to pierce through the gaps of plate armor. Its rigid construction gave it outstanding strength, allowing the wielder to deliver powerful, controlled strikes that could exploit an opponent’s weak points. It was carried slung over the shoulder or worn at the side.

Japanese / Chinese Two-Handed Swords

Katana

Known for its moderately long, curved, single-edged blade and long grip that allows two-handed use, the katana is the traditional sword of the Japanese samurai. It was designed for quick, powerful cuts and was valued for both its sharpness and balance.

Tachi

Tachi is a close-looking sword to the katana and the sword that was in use before it. Distinguished by its deeper curve and the way it was worn edge-down from the belt, the tachi served as the primary weapon of mounted samurai during Japan’s late Heian and Kamakura periods.

Nagamaki

The nagamaki is another Japanese sword type distinguished by its long handle, often nearly equal in length to its blade. Developed during the late Kamakura to Muromachi periods, it bridged the gap between the polearm-like naginata and the curved tachi sword carried by samurai. The weapon’s extended grip allowed for powerful sweeping cuts and precise control, making it effective against both cavalry and infantry.

Nodachi

The nodachi or odachi is a long, two-handed Japanese great sword distinguished by its extended blade and sweeping curve. It evolved from the earlier tachi, sharing its elegant profile but surpassing it in length and reach. Designed primarily for open-field combat, the nodachi demanded great strength and skill to wield effectively. Its formidable size made it ideal for cutting down cavalry and infantry alike, though its length rendered it less practical in confined spaces.

Zhanmadao

The zhanmadao is a massive two-handed Chinese great sword measuring nearly six feet in length. Developed during the Song dynasty, it was designed primarily for cutting down cavalry and slicing through armor.

MiaoDao

Influenced by the earlier zhanmadao, the miaodao was a lighter and more balanced sword designed for agile, modern combat styles. This long, two-handed Chinese saber featured a slender, curved blade optimized for cutting with speed and precision. Emerging in the late Ming and early Republican periods, it reflected a fusion of traditional martial design with the evolving needs of battlefield. 

Han Jian

Han Jian are two-handed straight swords named after the Han Era in China. They represent a period when craftsmanship and refinement in sword-making reached new heights. The blades were often longer than earlier versions, allowing for greater reach. Han Jian typically featured a round or oval guard and a grip long enough for both hands, giving the wielder better control and stability. Their fittings were usually ornamented with bronze or iron, sometimes inlaid with simple geometric patterns. 

Dadao

Dadaos are chinese sabers primarily used with both hands, though they can also be wielded with one. While the name dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the types commonly referred to today share key traits: a long grip (sometimes long relative to the blade), a relatively short yet wide blade, and often a ring-shaped pommel like the one shown above. The blade often flares toward the tip and may have a clipped end.

Last Words

There is a variety of two-handed swords, ranging from shorter types like bastard swords, medieval longswords, and katanas to larger battlefield weapons such as European greatswords and Japanese nodachi. These swords can be single- or double-edged, and while their lengths differ between types, they also vary within the same model. This is because most were custom-made to match the size and strength of the person who would wield them.

FAQ

Note: Some images in this article are sourced from The Met Museum and Wikimedia Commons for educational and historical reference.