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Sword grooves & tips
#1
Can someone explain the use of the tip of the sword shown below. I have seen a few references for thi sbut have noticed it was not common amongst all swords.

Also, I read soem swords had grooves that ran teh entire length of blade and teh reasoning put forward was that these grooves allowed blood to drain off more freely and allowing the removal of the sword from the body to be easier?

Is this true or another poor attempt at am hostorical explanation?
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"let the die be cast "

(Stefano Rinaldo)
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#2
Fullers also called "blood-geooves" are for making the blade lighter, and stronger. The point on this gladius has been dicussed on this forum many times. I believe it was to reinforce the tip since these swords were more for thrusting.
"...quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est."


a.k.a. Paul M.
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#3
I´ve seen this tip in another thread on the forum I belive, but I can´t find it now!
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#4
Allegations are made that the reinforcement was to help the sword open the links of maille. I don't know, but it might work that way.

The blood groove idea is an urban legend, most agree. It does not decrease the surface area of the blade, but actually increases it, which necessarily increases friction. Fluted columns are fluted for the very same reason: the incised curves add to the strength and decrease the weight.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)

Saepe veritas est dura.
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#5
I agree, the point looks like it’s designed for reinforcement
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#6
Yes, the point is reinforced, but simply to keep it from bending if it hits flesh or bone or wood, or is just rested on a bench while cleaning it. I've seen thin, narrow points on swords bend quite easily--probably pretty common with typical crappy Roman iron. It is NOT meant to got THROUGH armor of any sort. Swords didn't do that, and the men wielding them knew it. You go AROUND armor, not through it. Period.

Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
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