When the spear broke during fighting, the Greek hoplites utilized the kopis to deliver a blow with the same power as the ax. The Greek term xiphos is just a generic term for a sword, but it became associated with the ancestral sword the Romans used before the gladius. The hoplites used it for thrusting in close combat, hung in a sheath under the left arm. The xiphos usually had a blade length of around 50 to 60 centimeters, though some examples were as short as 30 centimeters. Made of bronze or Chalcidian steel, the sword blade featured a central ridge to strengthen its structure. Most recognized for its double-edged leaf-shaped blade, the xiphos served as a secondary weapon to the Greek hoplites’ spear. The xiphos was a cut and thrust sword that existed before the hoplite era. Xiphos (Greece) Hoplite Xiphos – 5th Century B.C. Here are the most popular short swords, from ancient Greece to medieval times and the Renaissance period. Some short swords were more efficient in thrusting, while others were for cutting. Let us explore the most popular short swords from different cultures, their history, metallurgy, and unique characteristics. In the 19th century, collectors began to use the term short sword to refer to shorter one-handed swords or the arming swords of the medieval knights. This is the unseen section of the blade that the hilt is attached to.Almost every culture has its own version of a short sword, which served as a sidearm and backup weapon for the long sword and was more efficient in close-quarters combat. The wielder is able to loop a finger over the guard to increase control. ![]() The section of sword's blade which remains unsharpened just above the guard. This method is not safe on a functional sword as it will likely break upon use which could result in serious injury. This method is used on decorative swords to lower the cost and should not be used on "functional swords". Found on the medieval sword as well as rapierĪ modern method of manufacturing involving a threaded rod being welded onto a normal tang. Also has been used as a striking implement hence the expression "I'm going to pommel you" It's purpose is to counter-weight the blade to balance the sword. The pommel is located at the end of a sword's hilt. Tip of the sword blade used for thrusting and stabbing Portion of the hilt that protected the knuckles seen on many sabres and also sometimes formed into a full basket This is the guard, grip and pommel section of the sword. The guard can be in many forms such as a Cross Guard, Basket, Disc etc. The guard is the section usually between the grip and the blade that protects the wielders hand. Is the handle section of the blade where it is held by the wielder. Often believed to channel blood from your slain opponent and commonly called a "Blood Groove." The fuller "groove" is to lighten the blade of a sword. The blade tang passes straight through the swords handle (grip) to the end of the pommel. Also the section that would be sharpened.Ī decorative metal banding used at either ends of the grip to secure the handle wrap. ![]() This acts like an umbrella that prevents water from entering the mouth of the scabbard. The section of the sword extending from the hiltĪlso known as a "rain gard" is a piece of leather attached to the sword hilt. ![]() These are most commonly found on Scottish basket-hilted swords, and European rapiers. The cage around the grip protecting the wielder's hand. The tips of the swords came to a sharp point to make it easier to thrust into the weakest areas of the armour. With the introduction of plate armour the sword blade became longer and thinner. The one handed sword was less effective in the later years with the evolution of armour and the discovery of iron. These swords were constructed with a very thin blade which were very light and had the ability to hold a very sharp edge. This was important for the fighting style of the era where a soldiers main defence was a shield. The blades were close to 3 ft in length while still designed to be wielded with one hand. The mixture of copper and tin produced a sword that was stronger while being more flexible than copper.ĭuring the approach of the middle ages the sword grew into a more sophisticated cutting weapon. Later on, swords were made of bronze because of its definite advantages over copper. A common material of this time was copper, which produced very soft swords that dulled quickly. The evolution of the medieval sword began earlier than 1500 BC with the traditional one-handed sword carried by the celts.
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