Can You Use a Single-Handed Sword with TWO Hands?

Some weapons in history are clearly 1H or 2H designs, others fall somewhere in the middle and can be used with either one or two hands. What if someone has a single-handed sword (or saber or other blade type) and wants to double paw it? Perhaps a character in a realistic fantasy or historical fiction setting in a novel, movie, or video game?

Let's delve into a few practical options, beyond awkwardly wrapping the off-hand around the main hand. Both for striking and blocking / parrying. This is assuming a one-on-one duel or small melee by the way (if you don't have a shield or two-handed weapon plus good armor coverage on a historical battlefield, you're kind of screwed).

The reproductions shown in this video:

Practice arming sword (Oakeshott Type 14)

The Flying Phoenix Han jian by LK Chen

Adorian messer by Landsknecht Emporium

*** Music credits ***

Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
Used with artist's permission

*** Merch ***

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[DiseasedMoss]

Shout-out to Skall's silent assistant. Stares patiently at the camera the whole time and waits for his own execution. GOATed enough to wear mail. Boss chap

[reaperwithnoname]

Between Cara on the desk and Bob losing a googly eye, this was much more hilarious than it had any right to be.

[feryth]

The squeaky gloves is a very interesting audio flavor

[Pariah]

Just wanna say, Skal, videos like this are fantastic. This type of super in-depth nitty gritty breakdown and discussion of practical applications of various aspects of armed martial arts is great stuff. Fairly exploring the pros and cons to see what the reality of these things is like, rather than saying something is "good" or "bad". The nuance is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work. And thanks for getting me into HEMA, btw.

[char]

It seems to me that using a two handed grip on a single handed sword is more of an option to supplement specific attacks/parries/blocks instead of something you want to maintain for the entire fight

[zayn]

1:02 & 1:11
I may have started watching Skall's videos for his content, but my favorite part of this channel and the reason I watch these videos over and over and over again are these two right here.

[aleksyssubmaker]

In Gothic 1 there's an interesting moment with handling a one-handed weapon with both hands. By default the protagonist uses clubs and one-handed swords with both hands, but after buying a combat lesson from one of the trainer NPCs, he starts using them with one hand only. And the NPC himself tell the player that that's a common newbie's mistake - to hold a one-handed weapon with two hands.

[tpockett]

That hand on the wrist technique also looks like it would be nice for dagger fighting. I feel like it would add more power to your thrusts and your hand is in a very convenient place for grappling.

[wealthybone]

I always had thought but never knew what it would be like or what would the best way to hold a one handed sword, thank you Skall.

[MxPower]

Weird feedback, but that was a really fun ad integration, Skal. Lots of creativity and there was even some fun with visual effects. On youtube in general, I can't skip them fast enough, but this one was fun.

[jimbob]

Another possible advantage, or reason to do this, is if your training is in two-handed weapons. You can feel more comfortable holding something like you're used to rather than how the thing is designed.

[SirCowdog]

I actually found this to be super interesting. I didn't even think of the finger above the guard being a possibility. Or reinforcing the grip with the hand on the wrist. Good stuff!

[SneakyBadAssOG]

The other thing that you are loosing with two-handed grip is grapple. Sometimes a good tug or punch is more effective than a proper cut.

[portipay]

Commend for the algorithm. Your Videos are very helpful for writing fights that are not as stupid as they would be if I don't watch your videos. Also they are overall very entertaining. You do really appreciated work here. Thank you.

[repyukJC]

That was SUCH a good ad for the desk wow.
Also I've never seen such a thing before.
Yes this was a comment specifically about the desk ad.
It was an awesome ad way to go

[benjaminabbott]

The Anonimo Bolognese mentions taking a primarily one-handed sword in both hands for certain actions & in the event of being wounded or tired. It's not clear exactly what type of single-handed sword it is; it may have a grip long enough for this to work easily or there may be some special technique used. Also, for swords with long grips, thrusting single is a way to gain more reach. You see this technique from Giacomo di Grassi: letting go of the front hand using a thrust. It was also key in George Silver's system for the two-handed sword, which was modeled of his staff system which does the same thing for some thrusts.

[r.matthews]

This is the kind of content I love, detailed, technical, gives me something to really consider as I'm integrating new things into my training. Excellent video.

[kethtemplar]

Loved the ad. The whole thing had me chuckling xD

[FoardenotFord]

Great topic - I’ve found that wheel pommels in particular lend themselves to an extra half a hand to speed up cuts.

[michaeldrinkard]

Excellent video, as per usual. And your advertisement for the AnthroDesk was amazing! Looks like you had a blast making it. Keep having fun, and sharing great videos!