Segmentata vs. Falx

[Eleatic Guest]

The falx is probably third in line behind the katana and English longbow as the world's most overhyped weapon. It is just a modified pruning hook. No blade like that can cut through any kind of metal body armour. The only way the falx could penetrate Roman armour under battle conditions, regardless of whether it is mail, or scale, or plate, would be to somehow punch through with the point, not cut with the edge.

I read that there is archaeological evidence that Roman helmets were reinforced during the Dacian Wars, apparently as a response to the falx' cutting power.