07-30-2016, 06:03 PM
Guys, come on! Damian made a very good sword, he does need some extra length to cut the tang down when he changes it and yes, it is logical to change replica's to fit modern day physical dimensions. But .... archeology answers only so many questions, the rest is learned in trying what works. Most grips are indeed oversized, as the persons making them do not understand the different needs in use. The smaller pommel in the earlier spatha allows for great rotation, a quality very usefull when swinging it downwards from horseback. I only fully understood the stricking power of a falcatta when I forged one to the correct dimensions and in a trail (forcefull) stroke actually split the piece of log I use to test structural integraty before moving on to the handle.
