The Grip - Parts of the European Sword
The swords grip can be made of many different types of material but leaning towards materials that have better gripping qualities. Authentic swords commonly used carved wood grips, horn, ivory or even different varieties of bone for the handle. Wooden handles would often be wrapped in a gripping material like a leather, fish, manta ray or shark skin. The type of material used would usually be influenced by the culture and resources that were readily available. Other wrappings included twine, rope and twisted metal wire. The grip as any of the other pieces of a sword could be very elaborate and ornate. Swords made for royalty may have had expert leather engravings, embossing or lavish decorative ornaments made of gold. The possibilities are almost limitless and you will find examples of many types of grips on the pieces throughout our site as well as museum pieces found throughout the world.
Examples of Various Sword Grips
These are some photo's of several different sword grips on the European swords that we offer.
This meticulously detailed sword, with an overall length of 42", features a solid metal guard and pommel with an antique steel finish and a genuine leather wrapped grip.
See more of the Sword Of Faramir
The grippy handle is heavily textured, black TPR and it has a cast 2Cr13 stainless steel pommel with a satin finish.
See more of the Honshu Single Handed Broadsword
With an overall length of 33 1/2", the oval American Hickory handle shaft features a genuine leather wrapped grip. Each axe is presented with a wood wall display and certificate of authenticity.
See more of the Rohan War Axe
The quillons end in curled tips which could help to retain an opponent’s blade, the asymmetrical grip is located towards the back edge, and the squat scent stopper pommel makes the short grip comfortable to hold.
See more of the Single Edged Arming Sword
Gripping the sword from the pommel (like with a “viking” sword) works best.
See more of the 14th Century Arming Sword
This type of sword was used in one or two hands, depending on circumstance, and in armored combat the blade could also be gripped in halfswording, to better drive the point into the gaps of an armored opponent, and also to use the crossguard and pommel for wrestling and striking.
See more of the 15th Century Longsword
The hilt replicates the originals, with a 5/8" wide knuckle guard, steel spine, and contoured, ribbed leather grip.
See more of the Windlass British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Saber
Special non-stretch sueded wrap (Tsuka-ito) for firm grip and wear resistance.
See more of the Raptor Wakizashi
The spear is attached to a glass-fiber-reinforced nylon handle with a reinforced aluminum shaft. The handle also features molded grooves to give you a completely secure grip. This incredible spear breaks down into two pieces for transport and storage.
See more of the M48 Magnum Spear
The fluting in the pommel extends seamlessly into the wood grip, and the guard is expertly spiral twisted and terminates in half-spheres.
See more of the Landsknecht Katzbalger Sword
The beautifully rendered grip would do any Landskecht proud.
See more of the Landsknecht Katzbalger Sword
The Venetian Schiavona Grip
See more of the The Venetian Schiavona