Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Estoque (espada)" in Portuguese language version.
Many of these weapons [two-handed greatswords] have compound-hilts with side-rings and enlarged cross-guards of up to 12 inches. Most have small, pointed lugs or flanges protruding from their blades 4-8 inches below their guard. These parrierhaken or “parrying hooks” act almost as a secondary guard for the ricasso to catch and bind other weapons or prevent them from sliding down into the hands.
