Figured I'd stop hijacking the other sword thread ;)
So here's a question I have about their construction. And specifically THIS type of construction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze..._Schwerter.jpg
(As a side note, in case anyone didn't already know: those aren't big swords, it's just that the grips are tiny. With a typical 21st century hand, your index finger would already be over the semicircular "cross" and your pinkie would be over the pommel.)
The sword blade and the handle are separate pieces, and are rivetted to the hilt. There is some thin-ish sheet metal cupping the base of the blade on both sides, and literally rivets were hammered through it and the blade.
Thing is, that's not a very robust joining. You can stab with it very well, since the force goes along the axis of the blade and handle, and basically is transferred 100% into pushing the hilt. But if you try to hack too hard with it, chances are the rivets will shear right through that thin sheet metal, and the blade breaks off. We actually have archaeological finds showing that mode of failure.
So here's my question, for you folks with more historical or metallurgical knowledge: WHY fix them like that? I'm guessing it wouldn't have been much harder to just weld the bronze blade to the bronze hilt. I mean, it's not like you even need too high temperatures for that.
Or was there some reason to WANT to discourage slashing with those?
So here's a question I have about their construction. And specifically THIS type of construction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze..._Schwerter.jpg
(As a side note, in case anyone didn't already know: those aren't big swords, it's just that the grips are tiny. With a typical 21st century hand, your index finger would already be over the semicircular "cross" and your pinkie would be over the pommel.)
The sword blade and the handle are separate pieces, and are rivetted to the hilt. There is some thin-ish sheet metal cupping the base of the blade on both sides, and literally rivets were hammered through it and the blade.
Thing is, that's not a very robust joining. You can stab with it very well, since the force goes along the axis of the blade and handle, and basically is transferred 100% into pushing the hilt. But if you try to hack too hard with it, chances are the rivets will shear right through that thin sheet metal, and the blade breaks off. We actually have archaeological finds showing that mode of failure.
So here's my question, for you folks with more historical or metallurgical knowledge: WHY fix them like that? I'm guessing it wouldn't have been much harder to just weld the bronze blade to the bronze hilt. I mean, it's not like you even need too high temperatures for that.
Or was there some reason to WANT to discourage slashing with those?
via International Skeptics Forum https://ift.tt/2yavqMd
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