: The entire assembly excluding the blade, including the grip, guard, and pommel.
: The main body of the weapon, which can have one or two edges.
: The piece between the blade and hilt that protects the wielder's hands. : The entire assembly excluding the blade, including
Swords are often categorized by their primary combat function:
: The weighted end at the bottom of the hilt, used for balance and occasionally as a striking surface. Swords are often categorized by their primary combat
To understand or write about swords accurately, it is helpful to know their primary components:
: A longitudinal groove down the center of the blade designed to lighten the weight while maintaining strength. Scabbard : The protective sheath for carrying the blade. Common Types and Styles Common Types and Styles A sword is a
A sword is a bladed hand weapon intended for manual cutting or thrusting. It is historically distinguished from a dagger by its longer blade, which is typically fixed to a hilt. While precise definitions vary by era and region, a sword generally consists of a metal blade—straight or curved—attached to a handle. Anatomy of a Sword