Crossguard: Difference between revisions

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'''Crossguards''' are a section of material, usually but not always, [[metal]] that crosses the [[blade]] near the [[hilt]] form a guard. Each projection from either side of the sword is known as a quillion.
'''Crossguards''' are a section of material, usually but not always, [[metal]] that crosses the [[blade]] near the [[hilt]] form a [[guard]]. Each projection from either side of the sword is known as a [[quillion]].


It acts as a defensive structure against [[blade]]s runing the length of a [[weapon]] and also may be used in an offensive manner.
It acts as a defensive structure against [[blade]]s runing the length of a [[weapon]] and also may be used in an offensive manner.


The individual quillions may exhibit a mirror symmetry through the axes of the blade or they may have very different shapes. These shapes including the drop and bat wing.
The individual quillions may exhibit a mirror symmetry through the axes of the blade or they may have very different shapes. These shapes include the drop and bat wing.


A cruciform sword describes a [[sword]] with a straight crossguard that forms a cross when viewed point down. This is believed to be symbolic.
A cruciform sword describes a [[sword]] with a straight crossguard that forms a cross when viewed point down. This is believed to be symbolic.

Latest revision as of 21:49, 1 March 2007

Crossguards are a section of material, usually but not always, metal that crosses the blade near the hilt form a guard. Each projection from either side of the sword is known as a quillion.

It acts as a defensive structure against blades runing the length of a weapon and also may be used in an offensive manner.

The individual quillions may exhibit a mirror symmetry through the axes of the blade or they may have very different shapes. These shapes include the drop and bat wing.

A cruciform sword describes a sword with a straight crossguard that forms a cross when viewed point down. This is believed to be symbolic.

Other forms of guard include the basket hilt, and the rondel the latter being used on a variety of weapons.

In the SCA the crossguard is generally referred to as quillions.