A sword is made up of many different parts. These parts are called the crossguard, pommel, shoulder, and ricasso. Each part is vital for a properly functioning sword. Understanding the parts of a sword will give you a better understanding of how to care for and maintain it.
Crossguard
The crossguard is the part of the sword that separates the blade from the grip. There are several different styles, including those with a straight style and those with a curved style. The main difference between these two is the crossguard’s shape. The straight style, as its name suggests, is more elaborate than its curved counterpart. In addition, the straight style’s arms taper towards the sword, creating a more pronounced cusson. Its long, straight shape made it a popular style during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The shape of a crossguard can vary from one to another, but there are three main types. A crossguard may be flat or curved, or it can be a basket. The shape of a crossguard is often determined by how it fits with the rest of the sword.
Pommel
The pommel of a sword is the rounded end of the handle that helps keep the hand steady and secure while striking a blow at the adversary. In medieval times, the pommel was often decorated with a seal or armorial bearings. The pommel can also be found on a saddle-bow.
Historically, there were several types of pommels. The most common were the spherical, rounded, and faceted types. The spherical pommel is a more unusual shape than the other types. It is usually shaped like a key, and is considered rare. However, this type of pommel was popular during the early 15th century in England.
Shoulder
The shoulder of a sword is at the intersection of the blade and the pommel. The pommel is a large disc of steel that rests on the blade and acts as a counterbalance. The blade’s stem is called the tang and the site where the tang and blade meet is called the shoulder.
The shoulder is a convenient area to rest a weapon during combat. Large weapons usually lack a ricasso, but some do have a leather covering that surrounds the blade’s edge. It’s important to watch out for swords that have an edge facing your neck or head.
ricasso
The ricasso of a European sword is a decorative section that surrounds the blade. It serves decorative purposes and can also give the sword more strength in a high-stress area. It can also give the user more control while performing precise cutting. This section is also commonly seen on knives outside of the kitchen.
The blade itself has four main parts, the tang, the pommel, the cross-guard, and the ricasso. The cross-guard protects the hands and can be made of wood, leather, or wire. The pommel connects the grip to the blade and the ricasso protects the hands. The ricasso is the smooth area below the cross-guard, and is often made of wood. It also provides a grip for two-handed techniques.
Fuller
A sword’s fuller helps make it lighter while retaining its strength. This repackaging of crystaline structure into a flexible spine helps make the sword lighter without compromising its strength. This structure also makes it easier to wield and avoids fatigue. In combat, fullers are particularly beneficial because they make the blade easier to draw back after a stabbing attack.
The blade’s fuller also helps in preventing the blade from dislodging from the opponent’s body when thrusting. Fullers are also known as blood grooves, and are sometimes found on swords that do not function for thrusting.
Scabbard
A scabbard is a leather piece that protects the sword while it is stored. It may be made of a variety of materials. Leather is one of the most popular materials for scabbards. The basic shape of a scabbard is a horseshoe. This shape was used from the Migration period until the 13th century. The leather scabbard can be either simple or decorated. A scabbard may have a curved or triangular shape.
Some people wear scabbards over their shoulders, which makes them ideal for use on horses. A scabbard can be either a leather or brass piece. Leather scabbards are the most common type of scabbard.