Is a double-edged sword deadlier?

golok

golok

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Oct 20, 2000
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I tend to consider a double-edged sword as having a bigger advantage in a match between two duelists.

Based on the simple thinking that whether it is a downstroke or a swift upper cut, the sword cuts either way without the swordman repositioning his arm or his body.

Because speed is also of great importance, wouldn't a double-edged sword saves a swordman that precious half-second and score a hit?

As a dual-edged sword cuts both ways, so can the perception of this issue. What do you think?
 
I wouldn't disagree, I prefer short- or bastard-swords myself, double edged of course with a substantial pommel and guard. One thing though,

Based on the simple thinking that whether it is a downstroke or a swift upper cut, the sword cuts either way without the swordman repositioning his arm or his body.
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A swordsman with a single-edged blade need not reposition himself or his body to align the edge, simply roll the handle in hand(s) One of the reasons the F-S knife is so well designed is that is has a rounded "foil" grip, and so is easy to roll. I also prefer swords with more rounded handles than oblong or oval, although a faceted handle is superior IMO to all three (it being round with many "sides", octagonal or whatever, offers all the advantages of the round grip but with slightly better grip)
 
It depends on your technique and philosophy. Personally, I do believe in the advantages of having a sharp top edge and my Hayes is double edged.
 
When you have a single edge, you can still follow up a downward cut with an upper thurst.

I would agree two edges give some more options in an unarmored dueling scenario, but is uneccessary in others, calvary swords comes to mind. Also, certain sword cut extremely well with a wide blade and a single edge, I wouldn't say these are less deadly, but they are used differently. Obviously if you are a fan of thrusts and backcuts, two edges is a must.
 
Hi Guys,

Interesting what you say about round handles shortgoth. I definitely prefer them to be eliptical in shape. Having them this shape helps you keep your edge aligned. If the handle is rounded, you either need to finger the cross or look at the blade to keep the edge aligned. Even so, unless you finger the cross in this situation, the blade could turn in the hands and a cut could be ineffective.

It is interesting to note that many English backswords did historically have a false edge that ran a few inches back from the tip.
Cheers
Stu.
 
Stuart, that's exactly why I prefer rounded handles. Eliptical really only allow two blade alignments in your hand (not counting rotating your wrist), primary (or only) edge up or down. Rounded blades allow rotation which for me makes quicker and easier flat-to-edge parrying and edge alignment, more "riolling" of the fingers and less "rolling" of the wrist. I know it's all down to personal preferance, I'd just rather be able to spin the handle in hand rather than turning my wrists to re-align the edge.

But you do bring up a good point about the edge turning in the hand. not a huge problem for me personally (my impacts aren't hard enough to make it a problem ;) ), but it's just different strokes etc etc.
 
Having played with both (1-edge in Aikibudo-Kobudo, 2 in European fecht-school fashion), I'd agree with much that has already been said in this thread, with these additions:

1. The "wrap" shot - A 2-edger has the ability to cut withthe back edge, and the wrap shot facilitates this back edge strike which is used to get around/over/under a guard or a shield. This shot is impossible with a single edge sword, unless you consier a strike with the spine a good idea or an effective bonk.

2.Backup edge - In some instances (hypothetically - only hard battle), one the cutting edge of a sword could see bad damage or serious dulling. If you've only got one cutting edge, you're left with a club at best. With a 2edger, you may flip it around and use the back edge as the new primary edge.

3. 2edge differential geometry - with a two edger, you could probably have differing edge geometry for each edge, making one edge into an acutely profled slicer, and leave the other edge more obtuse for harder target mediums. The obtuse beveled edge would be for harder targets, and would withstand them better. The thinner edge would be useful against light or no armor.

After about 5 years of both styles, I like the versatility of the two edge, sepecially fallingin love withthe traditional viking blade type with rounded tip. Still delivers a goood thrust, and never snags on the slash.

Keith
En Ferro Veritas
 
The First Marine Raider Battalion chose a knife based on the F-S. They changed it so it had a more oval shaped handle, but still wasp shaped. Apparantly the round shaped handle caused one to lose their grip of the knife if it were say, covered in blood from some poor bastards renal artery. The switch to the oval shape stopped this problem.
 
I don't like the round handles as much, but that's just me. Getting a better grip on it is harder for me, as I don't have the greatest of grip in my right hand after slicing up some tendons in my right pinky :)
 
I like oval, for blade alignment purposes, but have used many round handled implements as well. Sai, for example, mno slippage probs, but as a parrying weapon, you get used to the impacts, and they have no edges to align. I at least like a tactile ridge or someting aligned w/ the blade side, but a thrusting weapon may not need more than the thumb placed on the forte of the blade for stabilty (F-S dagger, main gauche, stlettto, etc).

Keith
En Ferro Veritas
 
I tend to agree in liking the elliptical cross section handle opposed to circular. Aiding alignment and offering a means of consistently gripping a sword seem to promote better accuracy and precision.

Of course, everyone's different and if what they find most comfortable is something that I don't, more power to them. That's one of the glorious things about there being so many different types of sword in the world.
 
3. 2edge differential geometry - with a two edger, you could probably have differing edge geometry for each edge, making one edge into an acutely profled slicer, and leave the other edge more obtuse for harder target mediums. The obtuse beveled edge would be for harder targets, and would withstand them better. The thinner edge would be useful against light or no armor.
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Were there any historical swords ever made with two different edge profiles? pictures would help. :)
 
"you could probably have differing edge geometry for each edge"

Hi, Captlid: Th operable words here are "could probably." I know of no historical basis for such a thing, unless you count the numerous heavy knives and short swords that have a secondary "false edge".

The false egde is not much more than an obtuse egde bevel, but they are useful for smashing, chopping. Jobs you would not expect from the primary edge.

Also, Cold Steel makes an Outdoorsman model that has a chopping area on the spine, which is not a historical but a modern example of what I speak.

THanks!

Keith
 
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