Gripping the Sword in Joachim Meyer’s Longsword (1570)
In his Gründtliche Beschreibung der Kunst des Fechtens (1570), Joachim Meyer frequently refers to holding the sword with “verschränkten Händen” (crossed or opposed hands), a standard grip where the palms face in opposing directions for optimal leverage, control, and blade alignment. The hands are typically held close together on the handle, with the lead hand near the crossguard and the rear hand on or just above the pommel. Grip pressure remains supple until the moment of impact or binding, allowing fluid motion while firming for security. Meyer emphasises natural wrist alignment without sharp bends, as excessive flexion weakens structure and invites disarms.
Descriptions below draw primarily from Meyer’s text via the draft translation by Rebecca Garber (2022), available on Wiktenauer and in the full draft translation PDF, aligned with consistent interpretations in other modern HEMA analyses.
Standard Grip (Orthodox Grip / Verschränkte Hände)
The primary grip used for most guards, straight cuts, and general techniques.
How to hold: Lead hand (typically right for right-handers) grips just below the crossguard, thumb lightly touching or overlapping the ricasso or guard for stability. Rear hand grips either directly on the pommel (for enhanced winding and levering) or just above it on the handle (for faster, more aligned large cuts). Grip strongly with the last three fingers of each hand; keep index finger and thumb relaxed. Maintain supple pressure until impact, then firm the grip. Wrists align naturally in extension with the forearms, rolling inward during cuts to push from behind and preserve edge control.
Uses: Foundation for major cuts (Oberhau, Zornhau), where the lead hand acts as a moving fulcrum and the rear hand draws the pommel to impart force. Pommel grip aids windings; handle grip improves pendulum-like cutting speed and trueness.
Thumb Grip (Daumengrip)
A specialised grip for rotational or off-line actions, common in reversed cuts and bindings.
How to hold: Lead hand grips as in the standard position, but the thumb presses firmly against the flat or forte of the blade (usually inward toward the body) for rigid rotational structure. Rear hand typically on the pommel (or handle if preferred). Maintain supple overall grip, tightening at contact.
Uses: Primarily for “crooked” or crossing actions (e.g., Krumphau, certain Zwerchhau), enabling angled attacks, strong windings, and leverage against the opponent’s blade without losing alignment.
Ball and Socket Grip
A loose rear-hand variation for maximum pommel freedom in advanced windings.
How to hold: Lead hand in standard position near the crossguard. Rear hand cups loosely over the pommel, forming a flexible “ball-and-socket” joint rather than a firm grip, allowing free pivoting.
Uses: Seen in complex winding plays and manoeuvres requiring rapid pommel redirection (e.g., advanced handwork or transitions from binds). Provides exceptional dexterity but weaker structure for direct cuts.
Crossed Hands Grip (Gekreuzte Hände)
A variation of the standard or thumb grip with wrists crossed for inverted or reversed actions.
How to hold: Perform the standard or thumb grip, but cross the wrists (arms overlapping) while keeping hands close on the handle. Rear hand may hold the pommel loosely at extremes to avoid sharp wrist angles.
Uses: Essential for reversed cuts (verkehrte Hiebe) like Zwerchhau, Schielhau, or high windings in Ochs/Pflug, enabling short-edge leverage and simultaneous displacement/counter.
Glossary of Terms Used
- Verschränkte Hände / Crossed hands: Standard opposing palm grip for leverage and control.
- Daumengrip / Thumb grip: Thumb pressed on the blade flat for rotational strength.
- Forte / Starke: Strong section of the blade near the hilt.
- Ricasso: Unsharpened section just beyond the crossguard.
- Pommel (Knauf): Weighted end cap, gripped for windings or levering.
- Impact / Aufschlag: Moment of blade contact, when grip firms for security.