06-30-2016, 07:45 AM
Bryan Wrote:Waisted blades give more mass toward the weak/point end of the sword, pushing the point of balance, and changing the center of percussion, making for more powerful cuts, and giving more surface area for cuts. Early gladii were equally suited as cut and thrust swords. The Pompeii type gladii were not waisted, either parallel or slightly tapered and overall shorter blades, likely the sword smiths were not envisioning powerful cuts emphasized (though obviously still possible). More than anything, waisted blades were a cultural affectation, as many old bronze age swords of the Mediterranean area were waisted, as were the early iron swords favored by the Romans, specifically the xiphos sword, many of the early Gladius Hispaniensis, and the Mainz/Fulham type.
many thanks - cheers for the help.
