Gothic two-handed sword Talhofer, Class B

Gothic two-handed sword Talhofer

Sword class B

Appearance and construction: This is a two-handed sword, known as a ‘Bidenhänder’ in German, which is typical of the late Gothic and Renaissance periods, especially for the German lancers of the 16th century.

• Blade: The long, straight, double-edged blade is made of high-quality spring steel ČSN 14260, which has been hardened in an oil bath to a hardness of approximately 47 HRC. The blade is not corrosion resistant and therefore requires regular maintenance. At the base of the blade, above the cross guard, there is a pronounced ricasso (the unground part) with a width of about 5.2 cm, which allows for more advanced grip techniques. (Note: the version with the flame blade is not available in a sharpened version).
• Cross guard: The exceptionally wide (approx. 39 cm) and complex cross guard is the sword's most dominant feature. It consists of a main guard, the arms of which are gracefully curved into spirals. Perpendicular to this are prominent guard rings, which are also decorated with spirals. Above the cross guard are two smaller parrying hooks designed to intercept the opponent's blade and protect the hand holding the cross guard. The cross guard is forged from steel and has a black finish.
• The long hilt is designed for a firm, two-handed grip. It is made of wooden spatulas that enclose the blade tang and are carefully wrapped in durable leather with twisted wire. The whole thing is topped by a massive pear-shaped pommel made of steel with five decorative notches and a black finish, which is soldered to the blade tang according to the specification and helps to balance the long blade.

Historical classification:

The sword corresponds in its design, especially the complex cross guard with rings and parrying hooks, and the overall proportions of the two-handed type of the 16th century. Although it bears the name ‘Talhofer’, which probably refers to the German fencing master Hans Talhoffer from the 15th century, its design is more likely to be assigned to a later period. It is not a direct copy of any particular historical piece, but it successfully evokes the spirit of these fearsome weapons.

Variants and uses:

This sword can be ordered in two variants:

1. Sharp variant: suitable for cutting test (tameshigiri), as a collector's item or as an appealing decoration.
2. Dull version (class B). The blade is 2-3 mm thick and the tip is rounded so that it can be used for class B fencing.

This sword is ideal for:

• Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and stage fencing: in the blunt version, it is suitable for training and demonstrating combat with a two-handed sword.
• Reenactment: It perfectly complements the costume of a Landsknecht or any other character from the late Gothic or Renaissance period.
• Collecting and decorating: Its imposing appearance makes it an unmissable exhibit in your collection or a dominant element of your interior design with a historical touch.

Safety in use and care:

Remember that even the blunt version of the sword is a weapon and requires responsible handling:

• exercise extreme caution with every use. All activities with the sword are at your own risk.
• Keep the sword out of the reach of children.
• Try to cover blows with the flat of the blade, not the edge, to avoid damage. Perform the art of fencing in a technically correct manner, without unnecessary use of force.
• Check the sword before each use. File any nicks in the edge of the blunt blade (caused by normal wear and tear) so that they are not sharp.
• Regularly check the durability of the cross guard and pommel. Fix any looseness by repairing the soldering.
• Since the blade is not stainless, treat it regularly with preservative oil to prevent corrosion.

This Gothic two-handed ‘Talhofer’ sword is a quality Czech product that will give you the authentic feeling of holding a truly monumental historical weapon. Whether you choose the sharp or blunt version, you will receive a piece that will inspire respect and admiration.

Please read these Directions for the use of bladed weapons.