Falcata and other early swords with pistol grips vs. Gladius

[Thersites]

A single-edged sword has a grip that can be held only one way to prevent you from swinging the blunt back edge at someone! Not sure I'd call even a falcata grip a "pistol grip"

But remember the falcata IS DOUBLE EDGED, as against Greek and Italica kopides. It was used as a thrusting AND cutting weapon. Its grip is very secure and strong, and protects the hand fairly well. However, it is much more difficult to fashion, and really a normal hilt makes the same job as well as it does, and is more flexible to handle.

Adn, yes, I wouldn't call it a 'pistol grip'. Not at all