Pugio grips - why so thin?

[Tarbicus]

"Clutching at straws" is not impolite. Nor was my other comment, which simply suggested that if you're going to use the pugio as a throwing knife there's no point in spending all that money on an exquisitely decorated piece, as most are, if you're going to lose it at the first sign of trouble. Arrows and plumbatae are cheap, pugiones are not. These are not guns that, once the bullets are gone, you may as well throw it at the enemy because it's useless.

To base the use of the pugio on a rare circumstance that probably rarely happened at all is not really the best approach to decide on its use, IMHO. The often seen central rib and blood grooves are a better indicator of how it was used, coupled with the ergonomics of the grip which seem (in my opinion) to be more suited for holding than throwing, stabbing in particular.

The forward weight in the blade is little different in principal to the gladius which, according to primary sources and most modern theory, has a primary use of thrusting.

If using a shorter sword than your opponent, best get within his reach. I was taught this as a teenager by members of the Viking Society, and I see no reason why I should doubt their very practiced opinion. In personal practice it also worked.

Really? You are a very good observant, indeed! Twisted Evil

Do you know the English phrase about the pot calling the kettle black?