Sword Construction - iron tangs.

CutlassCollector · 11th April 2013, 02:09 PM

Apologies if this subject has been covered in previous threads but as a relative newcomer I find some aspects of sword construction confusing and not well covered in the books.
For example why are iron tangs hammer welded to steel blades - does this not create a weak point?

Sometimes a faint line offset on each side or a difference in corrosion or even on shiny blades occasionally a difference in shine can be noted which indicates a scarf/lap joint on the blade a few inches from the hilt. At first I wondered why the original bar was just not made a little longer to avoid a join.

Am I correct in assuming that this is often where the iron starts? Is this primarily a European method?
Any information appreciated. CC.

11th April 2013, 02:09 PM	#1
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 330	Sword Construction - iron tangs. Apologies if this subject has been covered in previous threads but as a relative newcomer I find some aspects of sword construction confusing and not well covered in the books. For example why are iron tangs hammer welded to steel blades - does this not create a weak point? Sometimes a faint line offset on each side or a difference in corrosion or even on shiny blades occasionally a difference in shine can be noted which indicates a scarf/lap joint on the blade a few inches from the hilt. At first I wondered why the original bar was just not made a little longer to avoid a join. Am I correct in assuming that this is often where the iron starts? Is this primarily a European method? Any information appreciated. CC.