There are three basic parts of a sword. These are the Crossguard, Pommel, and Guard. Each one serves a purpose. They help you maintain control of the sword while maneuvering it and serve to add beauty to the weapon. In the middle ages, knights painted their order symbol on the pommel.
Crossguard
The crossguard of the sword is one of the most offensive parts of the sword. It can be used to jab an opponent’s face and other un-armored parts of their body, or to thrust downward on his or her head or mail-clad shoulder. This part of the sword can also be used to protect oneself from an attack.
It is important to be skilled at the crossguard of the sword if you want to become a powerful warrior. Those with a higher level of skill will be able to use the blade in a variety of combat situations, such as in a duel.
Pommel
A sword pommel with a long, thin, gold layer is a very decorative item. It is usually composed of two parts, one for the upper guard and one for the lower. The upper guard is decorated with a variety of interlaced designs. These figures would have originally held small precious stones. The gold is then soldered to the surface of the pommel, forming a unique pattern. A sword with such an elaborate pommel must have belonged to someone of great importance, as it would have taken a long time to create. It would have been made of rare materials and was likely quite expensive. This sword pommel was found by a metal detectorist in 1997.
While pommels are decorative, they also have practical purposes. They keep the sword together and counterbalance the weight of the blade. A large pommel will help keep the sword in one’s hand while fighting. A large pommel may also be decorative.
Guard
Guarding the sword is an important part of samurai swordplay. Using a sword guard, you can protect yourself against any hand-held weapon. The key to using the sword guard effectively is to make quick movements into the centre of the sword. You can also use the guard to exchange thrust play and break thrusts. The guard also provides protection against all types of blows.
The guard of the sword has a variety of shapes and designs. A European sword can be made with a square or swept hilt design, or a single, double, or triple-bar loop guard. The sword may also be sleeved or cuffed in design.
Nakago
The parts of the Nakago sword are grouped according to their function. The blade, which is the nakago, is the basic part. It is usually unpolished, and has no edge. There are a number of other parts, including the mei, yasuri-me, and kashira. The sword is also equipped with the Ho, a handle made of bamboo. The handle has a slot for the kashira and a hole for the mekugi-ana.
The nakago is made up of different parts, which are arranged in a specific manner. The blade itself is long, and the end part bends strongly to create a thin end. This bend is the most common type of nakago, and later evolved into subtler versions as hacking styles evolved.
Knuckle guard
A knuckle guard is a protective feature that can prevent your hands from becoming injured. It is often mounted on the sword’s blade. Traditionally, it consists of a small, curving tang that wraps around your fingers. Some versions are removable. Others are permanently fixed.
The knuckle guard can be made of different materials, such as rings or rods. Some swords also have a knuckle bow, which is part of the guard. The bow can be a continuation of the guard arm or a separate bar that is anchored into the guard. It can extend from the block to the pommel or a space in front of the knuckles.
Ricosso
A ricasso is a piece of the sword that is used to hold the blade while it is being handled. It is usually made of wood, leather, or wire. The design of the ricasso affects the overall control of the sword. It can also provide additional leverage and thrust.
The ricasso is a distinctive feature of medieval and Renaissance swords. Historically, the ricasso was unsharpened and tended to be thicker than the sharpened portion of the blade. It was also used to allow the swordsman to choke up on the blade, which helped him to thrust against opponents. Some modern knives have a ricasso similar to the ricasso found on medieval and Renaissance swords.
