The Great Sword

The GreatSword or War Sword is an exclusively two handed sword which is was a development of the earlier Long Sword and Bastard Sword types. Not as long as the giant 'true' two handers which appeared later in the Rennaisance period, these weapons were incrementally larger than most long swords, in the range of 45 - 55 inches. As advances in Plate Armor increasingly obviated the need for a shield, longer swords could be used. Great swords had a vast reach advantage over earlier sword types, and also caused more damage, allowing them to hack through heavier armor.

Side Rings were invented to help protect the hand. They were among the early modifications which eventually led to complex hilts. The large ricasso on many Great Swords was included to help allow the wielder to 'choke up' on the blade and use Half Sword techniques which involved grasping the blade beyond the guard. This enabled the very long Great Swords to be wielded effectively even at close range.