Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Center of gravitiy of 17th century swords

Timo Nieminen · 10th June 2015, 01:45 AM

I think the location of the centre of gravity (centre of mass, point of balance) is secondary to the location of the centre of percussion (forward pivot point, centre of oscillation), which should be close to the tip. So the centre of mass should be placed to put the centre of percussion near the tip.

CoP near the tip is common for many types of cut-and-thrust swords.

I don't see many antiques with locations of the centre of mass given, but if I was to pick a typical number, I'd say 4", with 3" to 6" being the typical range. Replicas that are supposed to be good replicas often fall in this range, but often balance in a bit closer.

10th June 2015, 01:45 AM	#2
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	I think the location of the centre of gravity (centre of mass, point of balance) is secondary to the location of the centre of percussion (forward pivot point, centre of oscillation), which should be close to the tip. So the centre of mass should be placed to put the centre of percussion near the tip. CoP near the tip is common for many types of cut-and-thrust swords. I don't see many antiques with locations of the centre of mass given, but if I was to pick a typical number, I'd say 4", with 3" to 6" being the typical range. Replicas that are supposed to be good replicas often fall in this range, but often balance in a bit closer.