Talk: Greatsword

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Revision as of 07:38, 16 March 2013 by Charerg (talk | contribs)
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I am wondering about the "a greatsword is over 6 feet long" part. Is there an actual textual reference to this or is this just some random number?

Since if you try to search the internet for the lengths of actual medieval two-handers, 6 feet seems too long. Something like 5-5.5 feet would be far more reasonable in my view.

There's a pretty well documented essay here about the lengths and weights of renaissance greatswords: http://www.thearma.org/essays/2HGS.html

Also, wikipedia about Claymores, a medieval type of 2-handed sword: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claymore

Wiki mentions that: "The average claymore ran about 140 cm (55 in) in overall length, with a 33 cm (13 in) grip, 107 cm (42 in) blade, and a weight of approximately 5.5 lb (2.5 kg)."

Although no source is offered for the above, so it's hard to say how accurate it is. In any case, it seems pretty far fetched that greatswords are above 6 feet long (unless the books explicitly state that this is the case).