hilt
Sign in to savethumb|Silver pattern welding|pattern welded [[rapier guard, from between 1580 and 1600, with reproduction blade]] The hilt (rarely called a haft or shaft) is the handle of a knife, dagger, sword, or bayonet, consisting of a guard, grip, and pommel. The guard may contain a crossguard or quillons. A tassel or sword knot may be attached to the guard or pommel.
Article
5 sectionsContents
- Pommel
- Grip
- Guard
- Ricasso
- References
thumb|Silver pattern welding|pattern welded [[rapier guard, from between 1580 and 1600, with reproduction blade]] The hilt (rarely called a haft or shaft) is the handle of a knife, dagger, sword, or bayonet, consisting of a guard, grip, and pommel. The guard may contain a crossguard or quillons. A tassel or sword knot may be attached to the guard or pommel.
== Pommel == thumb|A Visayan tenegre horn hilt from the Philippines, depicting the moon-engulfing sea serpent deity, [[Bakunawa, a prominent figure in Philippine mythology.]] The pommel (Anglo-Norman "little apple") is an enlarged fitting at the top of the handle. They were originally developed to prevent the sword from slipping from the hand. From around the 11th century in Europe, they became heavy enough to be a counterweight to the blade. This gave the sword a point of balance not too far from the hilt, allowing a more fluid fighting style. Depending on sword design and swordsmanship style, the pommel may also be used to strike the opponent (e.g. using the Mordhau technique).