[Michael S. Gooden]

Hello all. I'm planning on doing some smithing to put a new guard on my longsword soon. In design and preparation, I've been batting around a question some of you might know the answer to. On longswords made between the 15th and 16th centuries, were crossguards made with a partial recess to fit the blade, or were they fitted flush? The answer I receive will likely influence how I decide to make the guard. Thank you everyone.

[Johannes Zenker]

It's actually a topic that is sometimes hotly debated. (e.g. https://myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=36059&highlight= )

As far as I know both techniques would be appropriate for late 15th and 16th Century swords, although what would be more typical kinda depends on what exact type of sword you're making.