The Fuller - Parts of the European Sword
The fuller is one of the most miss understood part of the blade and has fascinated many people who have developed some interesting theories of it's purpose. One of our favorites is the use of the term “blood groove”. Admit it, we have all heard it or possibly even used it. This comes from a theory that when the blade is thrust into an opponent it will stick with some sort of friction and that this “blood letter” allows the blood to flow down the channel and release the suction so the blade can be removed. Though it is an interesting theory it is completely false.
The fuller does however have a very important purpose. The channeling is cut into the flat of the blade to reduce the weight of the sword without reducing its strength. The less steel, less weight. The blade retains it strength using the same principles as the modern i-beam. The weight reduction makes a blade faster and easier to wield. It also lightens the load carried by a soldier who could be months on campaign, reducing their fatigue for when they are needed for battle.
Fuller Photos
These are some photo's of several different Fuller found on the European swords that we offer.
The blade features a single length fuller and is moderately curved along its length, terminating in an upswept point, making it ideal for cutting and slashing without giving up its thrusting potential.
See more of the Chinese Saber
Hand forged, expertly heat treated and beautifully polished with triple fullers, our blade is capable of passing the stringent British Proof test.
See more of the Scottish Broadsword
The Legionary Dagger has a satin-finished blade with double fullers and a penetrating point.
See more of the Honshu Legionary Dagger
The hilt sits very comfortably in the hand. The broad leaf-like straight blade is of a flattened-diamond cross-section, double-edged, with a narrow fuller to reduce mass.
See more of the 14th Century Arming Sword
This example features a deceptively complex and challenging single edge blade, with subtle transitions of cross-section and clever hollow grinding and a fuller to make it lighter.
See more of the 15th Century Falchion
Gammelt Jern Sword Fuller
See more of the Gammelt Jern Sword
It features brass-finished, cast metal hilt parts, a genuine leather-wrapped grip, and a 27” stainless steel blade with engraved fuller grooves.
See more of the Guthwine - Sword Of Eomer
It has a keenly sharp, 18 1/4” 7Cr13 stainless steel blade with a fuller and weight-reducing thru-holes.
See more of the Honshu Gladiator Sword
The 19 3/8” blade has a rock-solid, full-tang 7Cr13 stainless steel construction and it features weight-reducing thru-holes and a fuller.
See more of the Honshu Seax
5160 spring steel with a wide single fuller
See more of the Sword of Courage
Each blade is hand polished using traditional stones and powders to produce an authentic look. This tanto features a full length bo-hi or fuller to lighten and balance the blade.
See more of the Ocean Tanto
Our Steel Training Saber is deeply curved and fullered, blunted for training and with a forgiving spring temper for practice and sparring.
See more of the Training Saber