Memoir on swords, etc., tr. by H.H. Maxwell. To which are added notes - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 Excerpt: ...these three considerations, the position of the point should be, it would appear, in the line of the centre in the straight sword. The apex should form an angle of forty degrees, as is usually the case, and this angle should be bisected by the line of impulse, taking as such a line starting from the point and abutting at one third way, across the origin of the grip, measuring from the edge side thereof; thus, this line will be situated between the two directions of impulse which lie very close to each other. With this sword in a thrust, the point will open a passage for itself, its edges cutting under an angle of twenty degrees on each side of the line of impulse of the centre of gravity and of the hilt. In the straight sword having the points at the back, the line of impulse passes through the angle at the apex, but does not bisect it; there is consequently less force and greater difficulty of penetration. In the yataghan there are two directions of stroke to be considered (Fig. 34.), and the point may vary in position from the middle to the back according to the curvature of the blade. The curve thrust is more certain in its effect with the point in the centre, and in the straight thrust in having it at the back. Generally speaking, it is well placed at one third of the breadth from the back. In our light-cavalry sword (Fig. 45.), the line of impulse is exterior to the angle of the point and make with the angle of the back, an angle of about ten degrees. Its point forms an angle of forty degrees; it penetrates consequently, as though that angle amounted to fifty degrees. Besides, the velocity of the blade transmitted to the point is decomposed "to loss." The point would penetrate much better if it were situated in the medial line of the blade, h...