Below is a small glossary of some terminology that is often used by sword collector. If you are new to this amazing passion, the following information is going to be more than helpful to you.

  • Edge: This is the edge of the blade
  • False Edge: This is the short edge located on the back of the sword.
  • Forte/foible: These are the strong/weak half of the blade respectively
  • Fuller: The fuller is a grooves that is deigned to lighten and strengthen the blade, it is often misnamed a blood groove.
  • Point: Pretty self explanatory
  • Point of percussion: this is the exact point where the “forte” and the “foible” meet. This is by far the best point to strike with.
  • Ricasso: this is the unsharpened part of the blade that is located near the handle. It is where the makers usually put there mark.
  • Tang: This is where the part of the blade extends through the handle, attaching to the pommel.
  • Pommel: The pommel is designed to prevent your pinkie to from sliding off but it is also what keeps the whole sword together.

These simple terms are often used when talking about sword, so being familiar with them is going to help you better understand what is talked about.