A Fine Saxon Two Hand Processional Flamberg Sword, ca. 1590

Jim McDougall · 23rd July 2011, 05:17 PM

Thank you Michael and Gio, nicely explained. It seems that most of the references I found pertaining to the wavy edges do not consider any notable advantage to the presumed increased cutting surface of this feature. It is noted that the forging and maintainance of these blades would be more involved, thus it does seem a feature 'for effect' in dramatic presence rather than use. It is interesting that artistic license seems to place these wavy blade types with Landsknechts in many instances. It is also interesting that the vestigial parrying hooks remain present on these non combative bearing swords.

The use of the heavy two handers in combat as noted to destroy long pikes seems understandably effective but I am unsure how the equally large claymores in Scotland were used in thier type of warfare.

All the best,
Jim

23rd July 2011, 05:17 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Thank you Michael and Gio, nicely explained. It seems that most of the references I found pertaining to the wavy edges do not consider any notable advantage to the presumed increased cutting surface of this feature. It is noted that the forging and maintainance of these blades would be more involved, thus it does seem a feature 'for effect' in dramatic presence rather than use. It is interesting that artistic license seems to place these wavy blade types with Landsknechts in many instances. It is also interesting that the vestigial parrying hooks remain present on these non combative bearing swords. The use of the heavy two handers in combat as noted to destroy long pikes seems understandably effective but I am unsure how the equally large claymores in Scotland were used in thier type of warfare. All the best, Jim