If you want to know what all the different parts of a sword are, then you must first understand the terminology used to describe each part. Here are some examples: Quillon block, rat-tail tang, and Ricasso. These three parts make up the main structure of a sword.
Rat-tail tang
Rat-tail tang swords have a thin rod that passes through the grip of the blade. These swords are primarily made for decorative purposes and are not designed for swinging. If you want a sword you can swing, you should invest in a sword with a full tang.
Rat-tail tangs are more durable than push tangs and are used on most Indian swords. The tang is usually a 1/4″ steel rod welded to the blade’s shoulder. However, the rat-tail tang is still nearly useless. Even though it is a little more durable than push tangs, a rat-tail sword will inevitably bend at the shoulder after a few swings.
A sword with a full tang typically has no weak spot, but the rat-tail tang is narrower than a full tang. This is important because it can become weakened during vigorous swinging, and the blade can become wobbly or even break. If you notice a cracked or broken tang, stop swinging immediately!
Rat-tail tangs are the simplest and least expensive tang style. They are not designed for heavy use, but are often suitable for casual use. They are also commonly found on bushcraft knives. Another type of tang style is the tapered tang. This tang style is narrower, but can be made from thin or thicker steel. It helps reduce the amount of steel needed for the blade, which decreases the overall weight.
Ricasso
The ricasso is the un-sharpened blade part found on some swords. It is located just before the guard and provided a place for the second hand to grip. This was especially useful for swords that were heavy and had multiple users.
A typical ricasso is comprised of three parts: the blade, the ferrule, and the pommel. Each of these three parts works together to create a sharpened sword. In two-handed swords, the ferrule is past the ricasso, creating a secondary grip. This grip allows for better control of the point and reduces cutting power. The blade also features a finger guard, a crescent-shaped bar that extends from the guard. When used properly, the finger guard enhances control of the point while decreasing the cutting power of the blade.
The blade of a sword is the blade part, and it is often made of a simple alloy steel. This material is primarily iron and carbon, with a small amount of other elements. The blade is often designated with a four-digit number, with the last two digits indicating the percentage of carbon. The higher the carbon content, the harder the steel is. However, a sword with a high percentage of carbon may be difficult to use in a long blade.
Another part of a blade is the tang. This part is not visible when the blade is fully mounted. It is welded to the blade. Occasionally, a tang can have additional features.