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.
Originating in the 16th century, this mighty weapon features a unique hand-and-a-half length design, boasting a lengthy, broad blade with a diamond shaped cross section and partial fuller.
See more of the Two Handed Scottish Claymore
The sword has a double fuller running nearly to the point, and has very beautiful symbol inscriptions on one side, running right across both fullers, and an interesting series of Lombardic letters +NDXOXCHWDNCHDXORVI+ on the other.
See more of the River Witham Sword
Classic in its design, with distinctive sloping quillons terminating in quatrefoils and a high-collared quillon block with langets following the blade fuller.
See more of the Scottish Great Sword
Classic in its design, with distinctive sloping quillons terminating in quatrefoils and a high-collared quillon block with langets following the blade fuller.
See more of the Highland Scottish Claymore
Distinct sloping quillons terminating in quatrefoils and a high-collared quillon block with langets following the blade fuller.
See more of the Highland Scottish Claymore
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