Various parts of a sword are named after their shapes and functions. These include the Tang, Pommel, Fuller, and Chappe. Let’s take a look at their names and see how they relate to the shape and function of a sword. Once you have an idea of what each part of a sword is used for, you’ll be able to identify it quickly and accurately.
Fuller
A fuller is the groove in a sword’s blade that helps to lighten its weight and provide balance to the sword’s blade. It is not, however, used as a blood channel. It is padded with flax or linen and is sometimes studded for added strength. It was most often worn with mail chausses during the Middle Ages.
Tang
The tang of a sword is the part of the blade that extends to the pommel. In medieval times, the tang was softer than the blade, which made it less likely to break. However, it was still important to keep the cross section of the tang strong enough to prevent it from bending or breaking. Medieval swords also had thicker tangs than modern reproductions, with most being six or seven millimeters thick at the base of the blade.
A Japanese sword is usually made with a full tang. A full tang is the best quality sword for a Japanese ninja. This type of sword has a steel core inside, which prevents it from breaking. It also keeps the sword’s overall line consistent.
Pommel
The pommel is the main part of a sword, and there are several different types. During the Middle Ages, there was a huge variety of pommels. Oakeshott grouped them into 25 basic categories, and some even had subtypes. The subtypes are generally denoted by a letter or a number.
A wheel pommel is a traditional type of pommel, which is shaped like a flat disc. Some have added features, such as wire-wrapping, which encircles the pommel and makes it easier to hold. Wire-wrapping is considered to be a sign of wealth, as it adds to the gripping power of the blade. Many factors go into creating a truly functional sword, including the pommel.
Chappe
The chappe of a sword is an important part of the weapon, which often served as the protective cover for the blade. The term is derived from French, and it means fitting. Historically, the chappe is the piece of leather which fit at the top of a sword’s blade below the crossguard on the hilt. In the late medieval period, the chappe became an important part of a sword’s design, and was often used to protect the sword.
There are no original examples of the Chappe of a sword from the late medieval period, so research has been based on representations in paintings and etchings. One such example is an effigy of Lionel de Welles, 6th Baron Welles, who died in 1461.
Shinogi
The parts of a sword are usually named for their characteristics and are important to the sword’s construction. There are three main parts of a sword: the tang, the hamon, and the guard. The tang is the part of the blade that fits into the handle. Other parts of the sword include the O-CHOJI Hamon, which is a series of irregular choji patterns, and the O-MIDARE, which is a very long sword.
The scabbard is another part of the sword, with several different names. It can be made of wood, although traditionally it is made of buffalo horn. It is attached to the sword with a cord.
Ricasso
A sword’s ricasso is the section of the blade near the guard that is often unsharpened. Its purpose is to give a sword wielder greater control over the tip. This part of the blade is often large and can be gripped with the whole hand for maximum leverage and control. Some medieval swords feature large ricassos.
Another part of the sword is the fuller, which reinforces the blade and serves as a striking implement. The tang of the sword passes through the ricasso, pommel, grip, and quillon block. Some swords also have a rat-tail tang, which is a small rod welded onto the normal tang.
Basket-hilt
A basket-hilt is a distinctive style of hilt for a sword. Basket-hilt swords have distinctive designs and are usually made of high-quality materials. They are limited in supply and should be purchased from a reputable sword dealer or auction house. Swords with this style of hilt cannot be reproduced without the consent of the sword’s maker.
A sword with a basket-hilt is referred to as a broadsword and is usually longer and thicker than other swords. The shape of its hilt protects the user’s hand from the sharp edge. The basket-hilt has been a distinctive style for centuries, and its history dates back to the 1600s.