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Made some minor grammatical adjustments. Removed the debate on curved vs straight blades as it doesn't have anything to do with the article itself and as such is off topic. Removed descriptions of 2 of the sword types as the article already links to their own articles.--Lepeu1999 18:03, 27 September 2006 (UTC)

Why keris included? Isn't it a dagger rather than sword?Aditthegrat 04:22, 11 April 2006 (UTC)

Contents 1 Crusaders 2 Main usage of term? 2.1 single edged swords 2.2 Curved blade statement 2.3 "Hanger" 2.4 Backsword

[edit] Crusaders

The Crusaders confronted the Islamic scimitar, but largely failed to adopt the weapon, also because of the symbolism contrasting the cruciform Christian sword with the "crooked" "heathen" weapon.

While it is true that the Crusaders didn't adopt curved swords, and that symbolism played a part in that decision, to say that they 'failed' to adopt it implies that the scimitar was superior to the Crusader's straight blades. Whether curved blades are superior is a matter of debate among swordsmen. I believe it could safely be said that each type of blade has its own advantages.

The scimitar is an excellent weapon - against unarmored opponents, such as you'd find in hot climates. Against opponents wearing armor, slashing and cutting are less effective. In fact, often a knight's blade would be blunt, with the intent to be less about shearing through armor and more about cracking limbs beneath it from the force of the blow. The Crusaders' weapons were superior - for their fighting style, in their climate. To adopt the scimitar would have required a great deal of retraining for their knights, in technique, tactics, and strategy, and just wasn't worth it, even if it would have provided them with a tactical advantage on the Crusade.

Perhaps instead of saying they failed to adopt it, it should just be noted that they merely didn't. --Crickel 05:45, 26 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Main usage of term?

In my experience (which Google seems to confirm) while the term backsword can be used for any single-edged sword, it primarily refers to early modern European swords, usually straight, and typically having a protective hilt such as a basket hilt. Also to the singlestick used as a practice weapon, and to the style(s) of use typical of this weapon. I could be wrong, of course. As it stands, though, people are likely to imagine Jacobean yeoman fencing with daos...

If anyone has an image of this kind of backsword (for instance a Scots basket-hilt claymore) it deserves to have the top-most place in this article, IMO. Megalophias 19:08, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

I agree with the above 100%. I've modified the article and removed the non-european references. Most of the list are not backswords. A backsword is more then just a single edged sword in the same way a rapier is more then a long sword optimised for thrusting.--Lepeu1999 19:52, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] single edged swords

since when are single edged swords no longer swords? many swords are single edged, if not most. who decided double edged to be a deffinition of the word sword?--Lygophile 21:26, 24 November 2006 (UTC)

Agreed. I removed the big about the definition of "sword" being only a double-edged weapon. - xiliquiern^Talk 21:39, 24 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Curved blade statement

Removed the statement re how a curve works to make a slashing wound worse. I know it was true, but I can't find a source for it anyplace so I removed it. If you can source it, feel free to add it back.--Lepeu1999 15:26, 31 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] "Hanger"

I want to amend this section of the Jack Sparrow article because it distinguishes between a cutlass and the longer hanger, which Jack uses. However, Hanger (weapon) redirects to Cutlass, which makes only passing reference to "short and broad backsword called hanger," linking here - and this article makes no mention of the "hanger" form. So... which article ought to describe the hanger, if it's related to the cutlass yet actually a backsword? -AndromedaRoach 11:50, 28 May 2007 (UTC)

Both are backswords so if you want to add them to the list and link feel free.--Lepeu1999 12:15, 29 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Backsword

What is the etymology for 'backsword'? Does anyone know where the terms come from? Seems very counter-intuitive to me. Theblindsage (talk) 10:05, 18 November 2007 (UTC)

Comes from the single edge and the thick 'back' of the sword.--Lepeu1999 (talk) 00:34, 19 November 2007 (UTC)