Greatswords are the largest member of the sword family requiring two hands to wield. The hilt is elongated to accommodate the extra grip and the blade was doubled-edged. Some versions had parrying hooks (Parierhaken) on their blade about 4‒8 in (0.1‒0.2 m) away from the guard. The blades were typically dull between their parrying hooks and guard so that they could be gripped there.