Renaissance Greatsword "Doppelsoeldner" – The Formation Breaker

Unleash the might of the Renaissance battlefield with this faithful historical replica of the colossal two-handed swords once wielded by the elite Landsknecht mercenaries. Standing at an impressive 1.8 meters (70.8"), this Zweihänder is not merely a display piece but a fully functional weapon engineered for the experienced swordsman, collector, or reenactor. It captures the distinctive profile and commanding presence of the German greatswords used to dominate 16th-century warfare. Further product information ...

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Renaissance Greatsword "Doppelsoeldner" – The Formation Breaker

Design and Handling

Despite its formidable size, this giant is surprisingly controllable. The blade is forged from 60Si2Mn high-carbon spring steel, expertly combining resilience and flexibility to withstand powerful cuts. The extensive 48 cm (18.9") hilt allows for widely spaced hand placement, giving you the leverage needed to maneuver the 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs) mass with fluidity.

Key historical features include a 21 cm (8.3") leather-wrapped ricasso protected by parrying hooks (Parierhaken). These hooks act as a secondary guard, allowing you to shorten your grip ("half-swording") for better point control and leverage in close quarters. The heat-treated stainless steel fittings, 8 mm thick, ensure rugged durability, while the ringed crossguard offers excellent hand protection.

Specifications

Parameter Value
Blade Material 60Si2Mn Spring Steel (Sharpened)
Fittings Material Heat-treated Stainless Steel (8 mm / 0.31" thick)
Overall Length 180 cm / 70.8"
Blade Length 130 cm / 51.2"
Hilt Length 48 cm / 18.9"
Ricasso Length 21 cm / 8.3"
Weight 3.8 kg / 8.4 lbs
Point of Balance (PoB) 20 cm / 7.9" from crossguard

Historical Context

The Zweihänder was the signature weapon of the "Doppelsöldner" (double-pay soldiers) within the German Landsknecht regiments. These fearless veterans were tasked with the most dangerous job on the battlefield: breaking the deadlock of pike squares. By swinging these massive swords, they could knock aside or shear through the shafts of enemy pikes, creating breaches for their comrades to exploit. This replica perfectly embodies that era of military engineering, where size and skill met to devastating effect.

Maintenance and Care

To keep this masterpiece in peak condition:

  • Always clean and oil the blade after handling. High-carbon steel is susceptible to rust if neglected. Use a quality mineral oil or synthetic gun oil.
  • Store in a dry environment. If you live in a humid area, check the blade regularly.
  • Inspect the grip and fittings periodically to ensure everything remains tight and secure.

Safety Warning

CAUTION: Sharp Blade!

This sword is a functional replica with a sharpened edge, suitable for test cutting (tameshigiri) on appropriate soft targets or for solo drills and forms. It is NOT intended for stage combat, reenactment fighting, or HEMA sparring against a partner. The combination of a sharp edge, high mass, and leverage can cause catastrophic injury or damage to armor and other weapons. Always handle with extreme care and respect.

Consider adding a sword maintenance kit and a heavy gambeson to your order to complete your equipment setup.

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