Blade cross cut shape description

[Hotspur]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thanks very much for the backup Glen on the 'hollow' term, which seems to be somewhat esoteric as to its history and application. Your access to these kinds of resources is as always extremely impressive!!!

I understand what Manuel is going for here, a bit more descriptive term for what seems to be a rather unusual geometric shape in cross section, and eludes the standard terms such as 'triangular' or three edged 'trefoil' .
The hollow term seems defeated in degree as an accurate term as it is more applicable toward the noted German process for fullering to lighten and strengthen blades, and may refer to various cross sections.

The term 'foliate' seems better applied to decorative style than to geometric shape, and Im not sure 'keeled' will work either as it is a structural term which brings to mind instantly the boat cross section in which the arcs are convex rather than concave. Excellent word there Fearn!! Mellifluous!! and well placed suggestion.......Manolo, your sense of humor is as always, priceless! on the keeling term.

While we may still be at 'square' one trying to find a better geometrically based term for the section on these blades, I really admire the excellent interaction here in working toward ideas.

All the best,
Jim

There is an old Scott Bubar thread somewhere when the cross-section was being dissected in terminology.

The hollow term seems defeated in degree as an accurate term as it is more applicable toward the noted German process for fullering to lighten and strengthen blades, and may refer to various cross sections.

I would somewhat disagree with that logic. Fullering was regarded in texts long before the Hollow Swords Company came along in the economy of the late 17th century. Fullering sword blades was certainly nothing new, pretty much world wide.

I do agree with my thoughts that perhaps a cutler's term makes more sense than making something up to suit a passing fancy.

Cheers

GC

PS

Ah, here is the thread I was remembering
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=18347

E.B. writes there

Hi Scott,

I do see what you mean. I guess it depends on how Hope was using the term "Konigsmark". In the late 1700s was this term used as we use it, to define a hollowground (usually), triangular blade with an expanded forte for parrying? I wonder because by the time of Hope's writing, the colichemarde was way out of fashion, although I imagine you could still see them on the street. Is he possibly using "Konigsmark" as a catchall term for smallsword blades? I don't have a copy of Hope, so I'll defer to your judgement on how he uses the term!

By the way, last night after I posted, I came across a photo of a narrow 3 cornered blade in the current Wallis and Wallis auction. This one is only 28" long, is stamped with a crown and IR, and is unfullered. From the photo, it may be a bit wider than the ones I mentioned yesterday. The hilt is of the sideloop variety, although this one has an additional scrolled sidebranch coming off the
knucklebow. Here's a photo!

--ElJay

Simply to put forth that period descriptions may be a better fit for describing just about anything. In that case an individual associated with a blade type.