What does hand and a half mean?
What does hand and a half mean?
The term “hand-and-a-half sword” refers to a sword with a moderate-length blade that can be used with either one hand or two. A longsword typically features a blade with a length of approximately 33 to 41 inches (85 to 110 cm).
How big is a hand and a half sword?
Overview of Hand-and-a-Half Swords Most hand-and-a-half swords featured a cruciform hilt (see image above) and had a straight, double-edged blade spanning 33 to 43 inches (85 to 110 cm). In terms of weight, a typical hand-and-a-half sword weighed roughly 2.4 to 4 pounds (1.1 to 1.8 kg).
Who used the hand and a half sword?
German Executioner Sword The hand and a half blade is used for thrusting and the length of the blade is not any longer than the long sword. The grip of the hand and a half sword was long enough to accommodate one hand or two hands when used in combat. These swords appear around the 16thcentury.
Why is it called a hand and a half sword?
Hand-and-a-Half Sword 15th century. The name of this type of sword refers to the length of its hilt, which allows it to be wielded with one hand or two. Before being acquired by William H. Riggs, this sword was in the collection of Sir Samuel Rush Meyrick (1783–1848), founder of the modern study of arms and armor.
Do katanas require two hands?
While some swords can be wielded with either one hand or two hands, most are designed for use either a single hand or both hands. The traditional Japanese katana, for instance, was most effective when wielded with a single hand, while the Korean Ssangsudo was most effective with two hands.
Why is it called a hand-and-a-half sword?
Why are they called bastard swords?
It is uncertain whether the same term could still be used to other types of smaller swords, but antiquarian usage in the 19th century established the use of “bastard sword” as referring unambiguously to these large swords. This name was given because the balance of the sword made it usable in one hand, as well as two.