Recommendations for Two-handed sword
By
Pietro Monte from his Collectanea
Who was Pietro Monte? Pietro Monte was one of many condottieri with a Spanish-Italian background who fought in the Italian Wars. Renowned as an exceptional infantry commander, scholar, military engineer, and master at arms, Monte's influence extended well beyond the battlefield. His military career began in 1478, at the age of 21, during which he led and fought alongside diverse, multilingual mercenary forces.
Monte's illustrious career came to an end at the Battle of Agnadello on the 14th of May 1509. After his death, his most important work, Exercitiorum Atque Artis Militaris Collectanea (Collected Martial Arts and Exercises), was published in Milan on July 27, 1509, by Giovanni Angelo Scinzenzler. This treatise stands as a testament to his profound knowledge of martial arts and military practices, cementing his legacy as a warrior and a scholar.
What is the two-handed sword? The Montante, also known as the Spadone in Italian or the Zweihänder in German, is a large two-handed sword recognized for its impressive size, long hilt, and crossguard. It features a double-edged blade with a sharp, pointed tip, making it a versatile weapon for both cutting and thrusting techniques.
This type of sword was widely used across Europe during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, with each region adapting it to its martial traditions and needs. Its design emphasizes reach, power, and control, enabling practitioners to dominate the battlefield or handle multiple opponents in combat scenarios. Despite its size, the Montante is surprisingly agile in the hands of a skilled swordsman, reflecting the mastery required to wield it effectively.
Let’s read the recommendation:
Length! A two-handed sword should ideally reach the wielder's nose or eyes, offering a good reach. It is better to be a little longer for offensive weapons, especially without defensive arms.
Weight! Offensive weapons should be lightweight to ensure they can be easily controlled and manipulated, allowing the wielder to adapt and respond effectively in combat.
Hilt and Pommel! A sword's hilt should be long to improve leverage, making the blade feel lighter and easier to handle. The pommel, however, should not be excessively heavy, as this could disrupt balance. This principle can be demonstrated using scales to show the distribution of weight.
Crossguard! Or quillon. The quillons of a Montante, Spadone, or Zweihänder should be long enough to provide substantial protection, covering almost the entire arm. However, they must not be overly thick to avoid adding unnecessary weight to the sword, which could hinder its balance and maneuverability. Ideally, the quillons can be heat-hardened for durability, except for the quillon block, which should remain moderately thick and soft. This ensures the block can absorb impacts without breaking, maintaining the sword's structural integrity during use.
Additional! Monte recommends adding a small disk to the quillons of the sword to enhance hand protection, particularly against thrusts aimed at the hand. He emphasizes that injuries to the hand are common in combat due to such thrusts. The disk acts as an additional barrier, reducing the likelihood of the hand being struck and improving the overall safety and functionality of the weapon.
Reference!
* Jeffrey L. Forgeng (2018) Pietro Monte’s Collectanea, 1st ed., Woodbridge, The Boydell Press
Page 134-135, 156, 176
*Pascal Brioist (2019), Acta Periodica Duellatorum, volume 7, issue 1, DOI 10.2478/apd-2019-0006
* https://wiktenauer.com/wiki/Pedro_Monte (10/12/2024)
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Monte (10/12/2024)
