I have a question: Historically, the cutting swords (X - XI - XII - XIII) were sharp?
Some say only the weak, others were not sharp.
Is there any source that tells us how the historical reality?
Thanks in advance.

Hi Maurizio

Here is a link to a passage in an Osprey book on Anglo-Saxon Thegns. It quotes a passage about the killing of Ealderman Byrhtnoth cut down by Vikings and unable to wield the sharp sword again, This happened in 1066.
http://books.google.com/books?id=fXrOd03NWykC...mp;f=false

And this link speaks of Knights Templar sharpening their swords on a stone:
http://cornishevangelist.wordpress.com/the-kn...ord-stone/

And the final post at this thread is from Peter Johnsson who states that most swords were sharp.
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?p=146265#146265

Hope this helps.

Ciao
RD

I'm happy I could help. Nathan had to edit my post to link direct to Peter Johnsson's post, so together, we got it done.
I used sword and sharpening to find the thread I linked to.

Lo schermo d'Angelo Viggiani 1575, page 53v 54r:

Quote:

CON: It was possible to do so in the form of many swords that I have seen, in which the dull edge extends through the entire forte of the sword, which is the half adjacent to [54R] the hilt, while the debole of it, which is the half adjacent to the point, has a false and a true edge. ROD: It was certainly possible to do it, but the modern usage has rediscovered the most offensive way to be having the entire length of both sides to be sharp edges; because when one comes to the half sword in combat, the false edge of the forte of the sword is quite opportune; think of it, Conte: it is very modern to have two edges from the hilt to the point; I would rule that in the time of David they were of this fashion. He says in the Psalms these words: “The highness of God in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hand, to inflict vengeance on the nations;f” and I discussed with a Hebrew friend of mine in Mantua, that they are understood in the Hebrew language to be written thus as I have said. CON: I have indeed seen that swords have had dull edges for but few days. ROD: It is not a long time that those of that style were being used for the most part; also the rediscovery of this sort in these times was but recent; it is the manner in our days that little do we spy of the dull edge.

I have examined a type X with my friend Cesare Paganini, after some eleven centuries it is still mostly sharp ... not as sharp as a razor but still capable of cutting wherever it is not nicked.

Thanks guys with you, I never feel alone. :cool: :D ;)