The Fuller - Parts of the European Sword
The fuller, a distinctive feature of many swords, has long been the subject of both fascination and misunderstanding. Commonly, and mistakenly, referred to as a “blood groove,” the fuller is often shrouded in myth and dramatic lore. Its true purpose, however, is rooted not in grim fantasy but in the principles of engineering and design.
Dispelling the Myths: Beyond the “Blood Groove”
One pervasive myth about the fuller is its designation as a “blood groove.” The tale goes that this groove allows blood to flow freely when a sword is thrust into an opponent, supposedly preventing suction and making it easier to withdraw the blade. This colorful but false narrative has been popularized in movies and literature, but it does a disservice to the real ingenuity behind the fuller's design.
The True Purpose of the Fuller
The primary function of the fuller is to reduce the weight of the sword without compromising its strength. This is achieved by carving a channel or groove along the flat of the blade. This design concept is akin to the modern I-beam used in construction. By removing material where it contributes least to the sword's structural integrity, the fuller lightens the blade while maintaining its resilience and balance.
Lightening the blade has multiple advantages. Firstly, it makes the sword faster and more manageable, allowing for greater agility and precision in combat. A lighter sword can be swung more quickly and controlled more easily, giving its wielder a tactical advantage. Secondly, for soldiers on long campaigns, carrying a lighter sword reduces fatigue, a crucial factor during prolonged periods of warfare.
Historical Perspectives: The Evolution of the Fuller
The use of fullers can be traced back through various historical periods and cultures. From the Roman spatha to the Viking longsword, and from the medieval arming sword to the Renaissance rapier, the fuller evolved in design and application. The shape, size, and number of fullers varied, reflecting both the technological advancements of the time and the specific needs of the sword's intended use. A beautiful example of a wide fuller can be found on Hanwei's Godfred Viking Sword. Forged from damascus steel with clever sword polishing, creates a breathtaking aesthetic on this hand forged sword.
Different cultures and sword-making traditions approached the fuller in unique ways. The Japanese katana, for example, often features a subtle fuller known as a "bohi" that contributes to its distinct profile. European swords, particularly during the Gothic and Renaissance periods, displayed a variety of fuller designs, some purely functional, others also decorative.
Understanding the true purpose of the fuller enriches our appreciation of historical weaponry and dispels the myths that have long surrounded this fascinating aspect of the sword. The fuller is a remarkable fusion of form and function, a design element that exemplifies the sophistication and practicality of historical arms. By appreciating its true nature, we pay homage to the art and science of ancient swordcraft.
Fuller Photos
These are some photo's of several different Fuller found on the European swords that we offer.
The distally tapered blade is over 1/4” thick at the hilt and is double-fullered like the originals.
See more of the French Napoleonic 1801 Cuirassier Sword
The blade features a double fuller and a full tang that is peened through the pommel, just like the real-steel hero filming props.
See more of the Herugrim Battle Forged Edition
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