Question

4) You have decided to make swords to sell to rich, spoiled yuppies who like to dress up in archaic clothing.   The swords need to be realistic in mechanical properties and performance. Describe the mechanical properties of a sword blade and how these properties would be achieved. ?

Please explain in clear words. Thanks

Answer 1

Modern swords are made by two different methods: forging and stock removal

Forging is recognized as the traditional method utilizing hammer and anvil. The hot blade is hammered to shape and then finished by grinding and polishing. While this is the traditional method it is more time consuming and, as a result, more expensive.

The blade gains its hardness by heat-treating. It is then tempered by being heated a final time and allowed to air cool. This allows it to remain hard enough to hold an edge yet tough enough .

In terms of performance there is no difference between forging and stock removal.

Blade geometry

a lozenge or apple seed type of design that lacks a strong central ridge in the middle of the blade. When coupled with a wide shallow fuller this resulted in a blade that was both light and flexible.

blades exhibiting a diamond cross-section became more common. This consists of four flat faces that are joined to form a diamond with the blade's central ridge forming the inner juncture and the edges forming the outer. The diamond cross-section could still be broad and flat when used in a cutting blade; however, this blade would exhibit more rigidity than the earlier lenticular design and as such would be more effective in thrusting techniques.

Taper

A sword blade tapers in two different areas: distally and in profile. Distal taper refers to the thickness of the blade. It will usually be observed that thickness lessens from the base out towards the tip. This is done in order to maintain handling and mechanical characteristics

Point of Balance
The PoB is simply the sword's center of gravity. This can easily be found by balancing the sword, lengthwise, upon your finger. The point of balance will vary widely from type to type

Center of Percussion
The CoP is the area along a blade's length that produces the least amount of vibration upon hitting a target and is the area able to deliver the most efficient, powerful blow