A sword has several parts that determine its effectiveness. The strongest part is the blade itself, which is found just above the hilt and has a central ridge running across it until it reaches the point. The weakest part of the sword is the area between the blade and the point. This is best for thrusting, but not so great for cutting and slashing. The tip, which is usually rounded, is the point of the sword.
Cross-guard
A cross-guard is the next step in sword control after the basic guard. It protects the hand and is also effective at catching an opponent’s blade. This type of guard is a very useful addition for any swordsman’s arsenal. It can be seen on a number of modern swords.
European swords have a variety of guard styles. Some swords have a fuller or quillon. A fuller is an enlarged version of the cross-guard. In medieval times, the term “full” meant “full,” “tread,” or “beat cloth.” The word “full” came from the Middle English word “fullre” (foul). Today, the word “fuller” means a half-round hammer used for spreading iron.
In later times, the cross-guard may extend past the base of the blade. This extension helps the scabbard mouth slip in between the blade and the cross-guard. The cross-guard may also be adorned with a decorative underlay.
Grip
The primary grip starts with the thumb slipping below the inside quillon. The thumb and Middle and Ring fingers then curl and apply pressure to the quillons to rotate the grip. The quillons should return to horizontal alignment when the grip is fully rotated. The grip is then rotated from Thenar Crease to Palmer Crease.
The cutting grip is the preferred grip when the blade is held at a right angle to the forearm. This grip gives you greater force. In this grip, your thumb and little finger are directed upward and downward from your palm. The tip of your sword is held horizontally away from your hand. This grip makes it easy to switch points quickly.
There are a variety of grips available. For example, the icepick grip is often referred to as the “saber” grip. This grip essentially means that you are holding the sword so that the business end is opposite your thumb.
Pommel
A sword’s pommel is a very important part of the weapon, acting as a counterweight to the blade. A heavy pommel will prevent the sword from bending or snapping during cutting motions. A lighter pommel will prevent the blade from swinging in an uncontrolled manner. In general, the pommel is usually not weighted, but it is possible to find swords with a heavy pommel.
A sword’s blade is made up of two parts, the blade proper, which is the visible part, and the tang, which is the lower, narrower part. The tang and pommel are both connected to the hilt, and they are crucial to the stability and balance of a sword. A sword’s pommel is fixed to the tang either by rivets or bolts. Riveted pommels are more durable than bolted ones, but they can be difficult to replace when they break.
The pommels are made in a variety of shapes, including spherical, round, or faceted. The spherical and round forms are more common in the early medieval period and the 16th century, while the “scent stopper” style is rarer but more common. These are often painted, gilded, and contain coins. A few pommels even serve as reliquaries for religious relics.
Scabbard
The scabbard is the part of the sword that encloses the sword. The scabbard can be made from a variety of materials. One common material is leather. Other materials include metal. The scabbard’s interior is typically lined with leather.
There are four main types of scabbards. While the scabbard’s basic shape is the same, each one has unique details and features. For example, some scabbards feature belts and straps. Generally, a scabbard will be long and flat, and it will have a loop or shoulder strap. There are also more elaborate designs.
In early medieval times, leather was widely used for scabbards. Early craftsmen preferred calf leather. Later, sheepskin and goatskin were used for the outer sheath. The leather sheaths were often coated with oils or grease. Some scabbards were made of black leather. Leather sheaths were also commonly found on knives and daggers.