7. The Flammard was more than just a fancy-looking sword, its undulating blade gave a warrior the upper hand in a one-on-one fight
In German, the name literally means “flame sword” in German. And it looks as good as it sounds. But the wavy metal blade was not designed for aesthetics alone. In the right hands, the flammard was a highly effective weapon. According to accounts of the time, the wave-bladed weapon could cause more damage than a traditional sword, both going into an enemy’s body and, more importantly, coming out of it. Furthermore, the sword’s design also had defensive advantages. The undulated blade would slow down an opponent’s blade; in later years, this has also ensured that it remains a popular fencing weapon.
The majority of flammard swords crafted during the European Renaissance were one-handed weapons. Most were lightweight rapiers that could be carried around at all times by normal infantrymen and bodyguards. At the same time, however, some double-handed flammards were also built. These much-larger versions, with their undulating blades, were terrifying, capable of killing several opponents with one mighty swing. But only specially trained, extra-strong soldiers could wield a double-handed flammard – and they were usually mercenaries who asked for double the money for their extra power.