Two-handed sword
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A two-handed sword, used as a general term, is any large sword that requires two hands to use, in particular:
- the European longsword, popular in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
- the Zweihänder sword favored by the Landsknechts of 16th century Germany.
- the Scottish claymore.
- Asian two-handed swords include the Japanese Uchigatana or Odachi, and the Chinese Wodao.
Note that some of these swords, such as the Scottish claymore, are actually intermediate in size between a true two handed sword such as the Zweihänder and a one handed sword. For a user of sufficient strength, the sword could be used one handed, although many users would wield it with two hands. Refer to the Bastard Swords under the Longsword reference.