Swords Terminology
A Sword can be broken down into two major pieces, the Blade and the hilt. You may also hear the term scabbard use but this only applies to the cover of the blade when not in use.
The Blade:
- The Fueller the groove that can be found on most medieval swords. This groove is designed to lighten the blade while allowing it to retain its strengh and stiffness.
- Weak (foible): This is a simple term used to describe the point between the tip of the sword and the center of the blade.
- Strong (forte): Term used to describe the point between the center of the blade and the hilt.
- Rain guard (chappe): Term used to describe the flap of leather attached at the base of the blade or crossguard. The “Chappe” helps to prevent the water from entering the scabbard.
The Hilt: The hilt can be separated in three simple part, the grip, the guard and the pommel.
- The grip is the part where you hold the sword.
- The guard: This part of the hilt serves two purposes. First it prevents the wielder from punching shields while swinging the weapon and it also protect the hands by preventing other blade from sliding down on the hand of the weapon wielder.
- The Pommel helps to improve the sword balance but can also be used as a weapon in close combat.
The Scabbard: This is simply the cover of the blade when it is not used. Over the ages different materials were used in its confection. Materials like
- leather
- wood
- brass
- steel
For more information about sword terminology you can visit wikipedia.