Estoc
Return to weapons index
Brief Description:
The estoc (also called a tuck or panzerstecher) is a rigid, specialized two-handed thrusting sword. Developed between the 14th and 17th centuries, its edgeless, stiff-tapered blade was specifically engineered to pierce chainmail and slip into the narrow joints or crevices of heavy plate armor.
Core Design & Anatomy:
The Blade: Unlike traditional swords, the estoc rarely possessed a sharp cutting edge. It was thick and rigid, designed solely for heavy thrusting. The blade typically measured 36 to 52 inches and featured a triangular, square, or diamond cross-section. This geometry provided immense structural integrity and prevented the blade from bending or snapping on impact.
The Hilt: It featured a cruciform hilt with a crossguard. The grip was extended, allowing for two-handed use, which granted the wielder leverage to drive the point through heavy steel.
Overall Length: The sword measured 3.5 to 5.5 feet overall, depending on the period and the user's size.