How Would People Carry Zweihanders?

The Zweihander, a massive two-handed sword used primarily by German Landsknechte during the 16th century, presented a significant logistical challenge: how do you effectively transport and wield such a large weapon? The answer isn’t singular. Zweihanders were typically carried slung over the shoulder, either using a purpose-made baldric or integrated into the soldier’s kit. This allowed for relatively free movement and kept the weapon readily accessible for battle. The exact method depended on the situation, the soldier’s personal preference, and the specific design of the sword and their equipment. Some specialized carriers, like those with hooks, might have also been employed.

Carrying Techniques and Equipment

Understanding how Zweihanders were carried requires examining the equipment and techniques available at the time. We can break down the common methods used.

The Baldric Method

The most frequently depicted and practical method was using a baldric. A baldric is essentially a wide belt worn diagonally across the torso, supporting the sword. For Zweihanders, the baldric would need to be exceptionally strong and wide to distribute the weight effectively.

• Attachment Points: The Zweihander would attach to the baldric via strong leather straps or metal loops. These loops could be directly riveted to the scabbard (if one was used – many Zweihanders weren’t scabbarded due to their size) or attached to a specific carrying frog or harness.
• Positioning: The sword was typically positioned with the blade angled slightly backward, allowing the user to draw it with a sweeping motion. The pommel would often rest near the hip or lower back.
• Advantages: The baldric offered a balance of mobility and accessibility. The wearer could move relatively freely without the sword getting in the way, and it could be quickly drawn when needed.

Over-the-Shoulder Carry

An alternative method involved simply slinging the Zweihander over the shoulder without a dedicated baldric. This often meant using part of the existing soldier’s equipment, like a belt or a loop on their armor, to secure the sword.

• Improvised Solutions: Soldiers were resourceful and likely adapted their existing gear to accommodate the Zweihander. A loop attached to the gorget or even a sturdy strap across the back could serve as a makeshift carrying point.
• Limitations: This method could be less comfortable and secure than using a dedicated baldric. The sword might shift and sway more, potentially hindering movement.
• When Used: This method might have been more common during marching or periods of less immediate threat, prioritizing ease of carrying over quick access.

Specific Carrier Designs

While less commonly documented, it is probable that specialized carriers existed, potentially including hook-based systems or harnesses designed specifically for the Zweihander.

• Hooks and Loops: Carriers could utilize hooks that attached to the ricasso (the unsharpened portion of the blade near the hilt). The hooks would then be connected to a belt or harness.
• Harness Systems: A full harness system could distribute the weight more evenly across the shoulders and back. This might be more comfortable for prolonged marching with the heavy sword.
• Lack of Evidence: Concrete evidence of these specialized systems is limited, but the ingenuity of historical weapon design suggests their possibility. The specific configurations would have varied based on individual preference, manufacturer and regional patterns.

Other Considerations

• Weight Distribution: Regardless of the method, weight distribution was crucial. The Zweihander was a heavy weapon, and carrying it improperly could lead to fatigue and injury.
• Accessibility: Quick access to the weapon was paramount. The carrying method had to allow the soldier to draw the sword swiftly and efficiently in battle.
• Context is Key: The precise method of carrying a Zweihander depended heavily on the context, including the type of terrain, the soldier’s role, and the specific tactical situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zweihander Carrying

1. Did Zweihanders have scabbards?

Generally, no, Zweihanders rarely had full-length scabbards. Their immense size made creating and carrying a scabbard impractical. Instead, they were often carried using the methods described above.

2. How heavy was a typical Zweihander?

Zweihanders typically weighed between 4 and 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kilograms). Some exceptional examples might have exceeded this weight.

3. How long was a Zweihander?

The total length of a Zweihander usually ranged from 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters).

4. Who typically used Zweihanders?

Landsknechte, German mercenary soldiers renowned for their pike formations and use of the Zweihander, were the primary users. Specifically, Doppelsöldner (“double pay men”) were known to use the Zweihander, often for breaking enemy pike formations.

5. Why were Zweihanders used to break pike formations?

Zweihanders were used to cut through the dense ranks of enemy pikes, creating gaps for other soldiers to exploit. The immense reach and cutting power made them effective against the long pikes.

6. How were Zweihanders sharpened?

Zweihanders were sharpened using whetstones and files, similar to other swords of the period. Given their size, the sharpening process was likely more laborious.

7. What was the “Ricasso” on a Zweihander?

The ricasso is the unsharpened portion of the blade just above the hilt. It allowed the user to grip the blade for greater control during certain techniques, especially when facing a dense formation.

8. Did all Landsknechte carry Zweihanders?

No, only a select group of Landsknechte, the Doppelsöldner, were trained and equipped with Zweihanders. Their skills were highly valued, hence the double pay.

9. How much did it cost to maintain a Zweihander?

Maintaining a Zweihander would have been relatively expensive due to the materials and labor required for repairs and sharpening. The cost would depend on the specific damage and the skill of the armorer.

10. Were Zweihanders used in other parts of Europe?

While primarily associated with German Landsknechte, Zweihanders may have seen limited use in other parts of Europe, particularly among mercenaries and specialized soldiers who adopted German fighting styles.

11. How effective were Zweihanders against armor?

Zweihanders were reasonably effective against plate armor, especially at weak points or gaps. Their weight and cutting power could deliver concussive blows even if they didn’t penetrate the armor directly.

12. What was the “Schilt” on a Zweihander?

The Schilt refers to the protective side rings or lugs projecting from the blade near the hilt. These helped protect the wielder’s hands when gripping the blade during close-quarters combat.

13. Were Zweihanders used in tournaments?

There’s limited evidence of Zweihanders being used in traditional tournaments. Their primary purpose was on the battlefield. However, specialized forms of combat training and demonstrations may have incorporated them.

14. What materials were used to make Zweihanders?

Zweihanders were made from high-quality steel, carefully forged and tempered to achieve the necessary strength and flexibility. The hilt components would have included steel, leather, and wood.

15. Are there any surviving examples of Zweihander carrying equipment?

Surviving examples of dedicated Zweihander carrying equipment are rare. Most evidence comes from period illustrations and textual descriptions, leading to some conjecture. The focus for preservation often fell on the weapon itself.