For many people looking to study the longsword or swordplay, it is important to understand the parts of a sword. While there are variations in terms and parts used to describe the parts of a sword depending on the text from medieval, renaissance, French/Latin terms, etc.

In general, the following are the commonly used terms used for parts of a sword:

  • Pommel
  • Grip/Handle
  • Waisted-grip
  • Hilt
  • Annellet/Finger-Ring
  • Compound-Hilt/Complex-Guard
  • Quillons
  • Guard/Cross
  • Forte
  • Foible
  • Fuller
  • Shoulder
  • Ricasso
  • Lower End
  • Tang
  • Edge
  • Upper End
  • Point