Imagine a sword without a hilt. You can have the sharpest, deadliest katana but you’ll be mortified to wield it because you might end up on the receiving end. It won’t be the legendary moment you were hoping for.
Surprisingly, we think more about blades (sharp, curved, shiny, and deadly!) than handles (or hilts) when discussing swords. A sword hilt is one of the most underrated parts of a bladed weapon.
So, join us in diving into the different parts of a sword hilt, including the coolest pommels and the serious ways warriors have held their trusty blades throughout history.
What is a Sword Hilt? (And Why It’s More than a Fancy Handle!)
A sword without a hilt is unimaginable. Even the most famous Japanese Samurai would be like amateurs. After all, the hilt is a sword’s handle – that part you hold – so you can balance the blade and move it however you wish (slash an enemy or cut a tatami omote when performing tameshigiri).
So, what is a sword hilt? The simplest definition is that of a sword handle. However, we must reiterate that the hilt is more than that. It’s the backbone of your blade-wielding skills, allowing you to slash your opponents without slicing off your fingers. The hilt helps you maintain a firm grip on your sword in the heat of battle (you don’t want it flying off).
On the lighter side, a hilt can also make your sword look cool by adding an extra bit of flair. After all, no samurai, knight, Viking, or even a Caribbean pirate should be caught dead with a bad hilt!
The Coolest Parts of a Sword Hilt (Because Every Hero Needs to Know)
Parts of a sword hilt by Eric Hart on Prop Agenda.
The sword hilt keeps the bladed weapon firmly in your hands and out of your opponent’s spleen unless that’s your intention. A sword handle is more than just a random chunk of metal and leather. It’s a thoughtfully and carefully designed masterpiece built for protection, balance, and looking incredibly cool. So, what are the parts of a sword hilt you should know?
Pommel – The Knob
If you look at the hilt of a sword, you’ll notice a heavy (almost always circular) piece at its end opposite the blade. We call this part the pommel. Some folks think it’s there for decorations only (being the attachment point for colorful tassels).
The sword hilt pommel is a counterweight, balancing your blade so you won’t feel like you’re swinging around a lead pipe. It also doubles as a handy skull-cracker!
Grip – Your Sword’s Handshake
This part is where the magic of swordsmanship happens; it’s that section you hold onto. So, if you’re discovering the basic techniques of holding a katana (or any sword), you’ll focus on the grip or handle.
Sword grips are often wrapped in leather, ray skin, wire, and other materials to ensure a firm hold of the sword. After all, you don’t want the bladed weapon to fly across the room after a swing.
Guard – Your Hand’s Personal Bodyguard
Ever wonder how knights and samurai warriors keep their fingers attached while deflecting blows? That’s the duty of the sword guard (also called a quillon or crossguard).
Sword guards can come in different shapes, styles, and sizes, but they all share one function—protect your fingers and hands from incoming attacks.
Other Sword Hilt Parts (Not All Swords Have)
Not all swords have a ricasso or a knuckle bow. The former is an unsharpened section of the blade just above the sword guard. Some medieval warriors love resting their thumbs and forefingers on the ricasso for more precise swings.
On the other hand, the knuckle bow is a curved metal bar wrapping around the fingers. You might have seen this part of a sword hilt on a cavalry’s saber or a pirate’s cutlass. It’s perfect for deflecting attacks or (like Captain Jack Sparrow) straight-up punching an opponent in the face with your sword.
Pommel Power: The Many Shapes of this Mighty Counterweight
From crescents, wheels, and disks to oblate spheroids, animal heads, and bird heads, the pommel is as much a work of art as it is a sword-balancing contraption. While Ewart Oakeshott developed a pommel classification system in his Medieval Sword Typology, you can take your pick at some of the more common types of sword pommel.
Disc Pommel
A disc pommel by Therion Arms.
This pommel design is a timeless classic, often found in many medieval European swords (like longswords and knightly arming swords), especially between the 12th and 15th centuries. It features a flat, circular shape (hence, the name), perfectly counter-balancing the blade and ensuring a more secure grip stop.
Scent Stopper Pommel
A scent stopper pommel on Swordier.
Don’t be fooled by its name. The scent stopper pommel features a bottle-like shape found mostly on European longswords between the 14th and 16th centuries. It has a ridged design, which gives the swordsman exceptional maneuverability in combat (guarantees optimal rotational control for precision strikes) while aiding in grip security.
Brazil Nut Pommel
A Brazil nut pommel by Swordmaker on Facebook.
It does look like the Brazil nut! This almond-shaped pommel was popular during the early medieval period between the 11th and 12th centuries. It was common in Norman-style swords, allowing users to execute powerful cutting strikes without losing their sword balance. The Brazil Nut pommel was also historically significant in Crusader-era swords.
Pear-Shaped Pommel
A pear-shaped pommel on Fakesteel.
This pommel shape was common in 17th-century Western European rapiers and other Renaissance-era cut-and-thrust swords. It has an ergonomic shape that guarantees precise, quick movements. Unsurprisingly, this pommel type is a favorite of duelists and fencers.
L-shaped Pommel
An L-shaped pommel on The Met Museum.
Unique form, practical function. The L-shaped pommel might be uncommon (although it’s popular in some Asian and Middle Eastern sword designs). However, its hook-like projection or extended arm is perfect for reinforcing grip stability and locking an opponent’s blade.
Ornate Pommel
Ornate pommel on Epic Artifacts.
You won’t see this pommel in battle or combat swords. Why? As the name suggests, ornate pommels have elaborate detailing. They could have intricate engravings (with religious symbols, royal insignias, or coats of arms), set with gemstones, or even gilded. That’s why only royal, ceremonial, or high-status swords have these pommels, and they serve to showcase wealth, power, and prestige.
Gripping the Action: Different Types of Sword Handles
A sword’s prowess is directly proportional to its wielder’s skills, and the handle or grip plays a crucial role in ensuring exceptional sword control and precision (and of course, comfort!).
A well-designed sword handle allows you to swing, thrust, and parry with confidence. Meanwhile, a poorly crafted one can lead to loss of control, fatigue, and even disaster in combat. Here are some of the different types of sword handles based on grip style you should know.
One-handed Grip
One-handed grip on Darksword Armory.
You can find this type of sword grip on sabers, smallswords, rapiers, and arming swords. It’s short but long enough to accommodate one hand. One-handed swords are a perfect pair for daggers or shields for extra defense. They are maneuverable and ideal for quick, precise strikes.
Hand-and-a-Half Grip
A hand and a half grip on Kult of Athena.
This grip got its name from the number of hands it can accommodate (as if there’s a “half-hand”). Experts call it the “bastard sword grip” because it’s too long for one-handed use but too short for a two-handed carry. The good news? If your hands are just the right size, the hand-and-a-half grip is versatile enough for one- and two-handed use. It balances speed and power, giving its wielder extra leverage for powerful swings while maintaining the ability to fight with one hand if necessary.
Longsword Grip
Longsword grip on Jesse Belsky Stageswords.
This grip type combines precision and power, like the mighty European longswords (by the way, is the longsword a better weapon than the katana?). It’s perfect for two-handed use and has sufficient space for some hand adjustments to generate greater cutting force and precision thrusting. The longsword grip allows users to execute medieval sword fighting techniques while increasing their reach without the burden of added weight.
Two-handed Grip
Two-handed grip on Ronin Katana.
You will find this grip type in many heavy battlefield weapons, like greatswords, zweihanders, tachis, odachis, and katanas. It’s perfect for delivering superior power, control, and stability. Not all warriors can handle these weapons, only well-trained. The two-handed grip reduces hand and forearm strain by spreading weight across both hands, allowing its wielder to deliver devastatingly powerful strikes.
Pistol-style Grip
Pistol-style grip by dmcdc3 on eBay.
Many fencing weapons, smallswords, and rapiers feature a pistol-like, contoured grip that fits the hand’s natural positioning. The design allows for better write alignment and improves thrusting accuracy for quick, controlled thrusts.
We can also classify sword grips according to their materials, like leather, ray skin, wire, and more.
Leather Grip
Leather grip by Harry Marinakis on MyArmoury.
Wrapping a sword grip with leather is like adding natural skin over it for a more natural feel. This grip material is quintessential in medieval European swords, like longswords and arming swords, and is highly regarded for its exceptional comfort, firm grip, improved handling, and shock absorption from strikes.
Wire-wrapped Grip
Wire-wrapped grip on Project Forlog.
Wrapping a sword grip with wires doesn’t sound comfortable, but it works! It’s perfect for smallswords and rapiers, improving their appearance while ensuring a secure hold without excessive friction. This grip material allows for precise movements while resisting wear and tear. Some noble swords even have silver or gold wire to accentuate the design.
Cord-wrapped Grip
Cord-wrapped grip on Reliks.
You will only find this sword handle-wrapping in Japanese swords, like katanas, wakizashis, and tachis. Japanese swordsmiths use only the finest materials for their tsuka, limke ray skin, which they cover with tightly woven silk or cotton. This grip enhances handling precision and moisture absorption. It also boosts sword control and precision in fluid, fast-paced combat.
Metal Handle
Metal handle on Epic Armoury.
Ceremonial swords, parade swords, and military sabers often feature an all-metal handle to resist warping and damage. Some even feature intricate designs and engravings. Unfortunately, bare metal handles tend to be slippery and uncomfortable.
Bone Handle
Bone handle on Masqueespadas.
Like ornate pommels, bone handles (ivory or antler) are exquisitely beautiful and unique. Craftspeople can carve intricate details and reinforce the handle with metal fittings. However, these aren’t battle swords (nobody would want to part with such an expensive and rare sword). Hence, they’re more for ceremonial and decorative swords.
Guard Up! Exploring the Best Sword Guards for Battle and Style
Sword guards play a crucial role in deflecting attacks and securing grip stability while adding flair to the sword’s overall design. A well-thought-out guard can also offer extra offensive capabilities. So, which hilt guards are the most effective and stylish?
S-shaped Quillons
S-shaped quillon on Finarte.
As the name suggests, S-shaped guards are like a straight crossguard but with outwardly curving arms that resemble the letter “S.” This quillon can redirect attacks away from the wielder’s hand while providing an aggressive yet stylish look. In the hands of a skilled warrior, the S-shaped guard can trap an opponent’s blade for extra tactical advantages. You can find this quillon type in many medieval and Renaissance swords, like arming swords, falchions, and longswords.
Side Rings
Side rings on MyArmoury.
Some Renaissance-era rapiers and cut-and-thrust swords have crossguards with small, circular extensions on either side. We call these extensions “side rings” protecting the wielder’s fingers. It’s useful in enhancing dueling (like fencing) precision and defense while adding balance and structural reinforcement to the guard. Side rings often feature highly ornate, decorative designs.
Finger Guard
Finger guard on Kult of Athena.
Master duelists love this type of sword guard because it gives them exceptional precision in manipulating the blade and controlling the point. It’s perfect for dueling weapons (like fencing swords) where finesse is key. If you’re into thrust-focused combat styles, a finger guard empowers you to grip the blade’s ricasso for better defensive maneuvers and precision thrusts.
Knuckle Guard
Knuckle guard on Reliks.
A warrior’s built-in hand armor! That’s how we describe a knuckle guard. It’s a curved metal bar that extends from the crossguard down to the pommel to protect the fingers from incoming strikes. You can find it on sabers, some rapiers, military swords, and other weapons involving close-quarters engagements. A knuckle guard reinforces grip stability, too.
Basket Guard
Basket guard on PBuySites.
While the knuckle guard protects the fingers during CQB, it leaves the hand, wrist, and part of the forearm vulnerable to attacks. You’ll need a basket guard (like those we see in cavalry sabers, backswords, and Scottish claymores). The great thing about these sword guards is their ability to protect the hand (and up to the lower half of the forearm) without sacrificing striking power.
Mortuary-style Guard
Mortuary style guard on Jesse Belsky Stageswords.
This guard is like the basket hilt, although more refined and ornate. It features a skeletal-like metalwork that extends around the grip. Such a guard is popular in 17th-century English and Scottish cavalry swords and broadswords. Most wielders are high-ranking officers and elite warriors.
Swept-hilt Guard
Swept-hilt guard on CAS Iberia.
The masterpiece of fencing swords, the swept-hilt guard (with interwoven metal bars curving around the grip) ensures lightweight agility while shielding the hand from attacks. It’s ideal for fast, technical combat styles and graceful, quick swordplay. This guard type is the go-to design of many noble fencers, rapier duelists, and wielders of transitional swords.
A Word about Japanese Sword Hilts: The Art of the Tsuka
A Japanese sword hilt on Unique Japan.
Japanese swords are something else. Although they also have a hilt (called tsuka), it’s more than a handle. The Japanese tsuka is a testament to masterful craftsmanship, battlefield efficiency, and an age-old tradition. Every part of the tsuka is designed with function and beauty in mind, making it one of the most revered and intricate sword grips in history.
The tsuka starts with solid hardwood for a lightweight bet strong base for the grip. An artisan then wraps the hardwood in ray or shark skin (samegawa) to create natural friction and improve grip. Next, sword artisans crisscross silk or cotton woven wrapping (ito) to guarantee a secure, non-slip grip while ensuring better control in combat.
It doesn’t end there, though. Artisans add menuki – small decorative metal fittings (often symbols of honor, strength, or family heritage) – under the ito to accentuate the tsuka’s aesthetic appeal and boost its grip. Sword artisans secure the fuchi (sword collar) and kashira (pommel cap) to reinforce the hilt’s structure and add durability and balance.
Lastly, artisans add the tsuba (hand guard), which can be a simple iron disc or an intricately carved, gold-inlaid masterpiece.
The Japanese sword hilt stands out for its exceptional design focused on fluid, controlled, and precise strikes (otherwise, the Samurai cannot deliver fast, deadly cuts). It also blends art and warfare, highlighting an artisan’s dedication to designing the tsuka as a reflection of the samurai’s status, beliefs, and clan loyalty.
More importantly, creating a Japanese sword hilt underscores the samurai’s, swordsmith’s, and sword artisan’s spiritual connection to the warrior’s path.
Final Thoughts: The Hilt – Where Power Meets Precision
While it’s true the blade gets all the glory, the hilt is undoubtedly the unsung hero of every sword. Think about it. How can a sword be a deadly, history-altering tool if warriors cannot wield (hold) it properly and securely?
The hilt determines how warriors (from medieval knights to loyal samurais) control, defend, and connect with their swords. It’s where craftsmanship meets combat, where style meets function, and where history leaves its mark, one grip at a time.
So, next time you admire a blade, take a closer look at the handle. It just might be the real masterpiece!
