Blade for Demonstration purposes
The Pommel: The end-piece at the end of the handle. The pommel counters the weight of the blade and prevents the hand from slipping down off the handle. (Amongst other, messier purposes.)
View of the pommel
View of the handle
The Handle: (Also called the grip.) The section between the quillion and the pommel.
View of quillion
The Quillion: (Also called the guard.) The cross-piece which divides the blade from the handle.
The Hilt: Encompasses the pommel, handle, and quillion, as well as any cups or hand-guards.
View of the hilt
The Ricasso: The flat spot on the blade right ahead of the quillion, usually where the blade is stamped with the makers-mark.
View of ricasso
Ridged blade for demonstration purposes purpose
grooved blade for domonstration purposes
Ridges vs. Blood-grooves: Ridges occur when a blade has hollow grinds on both sides, which meet in a ridge on the center-line of the flat of the blade. Blood-grooves are depressed into the blade leaving a curved groove down the flat of the blade. Looking at a blade from the point, ridges will present a “diamond” shape, while blood-grooves present a wasp-waisted look.

Blade Anatomy

Many people are unsure what the various parts of a blade are called, so…

Important Notice

Starfire Swords, Ltd. produces blades for costume, decoration, and staged combat. These blades are created without edges or points. If you or anyone else gets hurt, you are misusing our product. Starfire endorses the safety standards set by the Society of American Fight Directors.

This webpage is © Copyright 1999-2007 Starfire Swords, Ltd., all rights reserved. All artwork, and product designs are © Copyright 1999-2007 Starfire Swords, Ltd., all rights reserved. Nothing on this page may be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means without the express permission of Starfire Swords, Ltd.
All Starfire Swords, Ltd. products are created in Spencer, NY U.S.A.

Starfire Swords, Ltd.