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 fully tempered, high carbon steel blade has a distal taper, with fullers on both sides along the spine, and is light and quick. See more of the Revolutionary War HangerThe blade is solid, with no bo-hi or fuller to provide a slightly higher weight and forward balance. See more of the Lotus Citadel KatanaAngus Trim developed this style of HEMA training sword (he coined it I-Beam after the profile design) a while back to solve two problems - Tapered blunts with thin edges that were quickly chewed up and thick blunts that handled like crow bars. The massive central fuller allows for more metal at the edge while keeping the sword lively in the hand. See more of the I-Beam Longsword TrainerIt 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 EomerHighlight on the blade fuller where the blade meets the guard See more of the Ribbed Shell Swept Hilt RapierThe acre sword tip and end of the fuller See more of the Acre Crusader BroadswordThe double fuller or two grooves relieve some weight also make the blade a little more rigid See more of the Russian KindjalThe tip is great for piercing on this fullered, forged and tempered dagger See more of the Crecy War Dagger5160 spring steel with a wide single fuller See more of the Sword of CourageDeep fuller on the Oakeshott Type XIV. See more of the Oakeshott Type XIV SwordThe blade has a fuller reducing weight but remaining strong See more of the Tourney Knightly SwordThe armourers of Windlass Steelcrafts have forged the Ashdown Sword from high carbon steel. The full, extra-wide fuller makes the blade light and deadly. See more of the Ashdown Viking Sword