A flame-bladed sword or wave-bladed sword has a characteristically undulating style of blade. The wave in the blade is often considered to contribute a flame-like quality to the appearance of a sword. While largely decorative, some attributes of the waved blade were useful in combat.
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The terms flambard and flammard both mean "flame blade" and reference a normal cutting blade that had been forged with undulating or wave-shaped edges. The German word Flammenschwert translates to "flame sword". This term encompasses the complete sword, not only the blade, as do flambard and flammard. These flame-bladed weapons most commonly took the form of the true two-handed sword or Zweihänder. These weapons featured an exceptionally long grip and blade, as well as a long ricasso protected by a set of "Parierhaken" or parrying hooks also known as flukes. This upper guard protected the wielder's hand when gripping the ricasso. Used during the 16th century by the Landsknechts, the Zweihänder found its place most commonly among pike squares. Here, the Zweihänder was used in defence of important leaders by well-trained and experienced swordsmen, called Doppelsöldner (double mercenary) because they received double pay. It may have been the case that the wave-shaped edges were more useful for attacking the wooden shaft of an opponent's pike, cutting off the tip and thus rendering the pike relatively harmless. It is not known if the undulating blades on these weapons imparts a significantly greater or lesser ability to cut, slice, or thrust against a human target. Similarly, they do not appear to especially weaken or strengthen the weapon. However, a sword with a flamed or scalloped blade has a serrated blade with an increased cutting surface and a reduced overall mass. It is likely that there was some practical reason for this blade shape which was difficult to forge, and many functional true two-handed swords were forged with at least part of the blade made in this undulating style.
When parrying with such a sword, unpleasant vibrations may be transmitted into the attacker’s blade. These vibrations caused the blades to slow contact with each other, as additional friction was encountered with each wave.
Its fashionable and eye-catching appearance, however, did lead to its use on larger, heavier ceremonial Paradeschwerter, or "parade swords".
The term flamberge, meaning "flame blade", is an undulating blade found on both long blades and rapiers. When parrying with such a sword, unpleasant vibrations may be transmitted into the attacker's blade. These vibrations caused the blades to slow contact with each other, as additional friction was encountered with each wave.
The term flamberge was misapplied by collectors and museums to blades that are historically named flambards and flammards. This misuse continues despite recognition of the error.
Flamberge was also the name of a sword borne by the fictional character Renaud de Montauban. It was forged by the smith Galas, and was one of nine blades shattered by Olivier's sword, Hauteclere. It is also vaguely mentioned by Brom in the book Eragon.