Flambards

[Guest]

Way are flambards built the way the are. Is it only style or…

[Joachim Nilsson]

If you are referring to the wavy blade then some scholars claim it enhanced the cutting ability of the weapon due to an increase in edge-surface that hits the target. Other scholars claim it's only for show. I'm with the former part though. I mean it must, in all probability, serve some "higher" purpose. This because of two things: 1) Medieval and renaissance swordsmith very often had a good reason for changing the appearance of certain blades, hilts or whatever. It seems to always be some practical thought behind it. 2) Take a look at some of our modern kitchen knives. Some of them have wavy blades. And who in their right mind would be interested in buying -let alone make- a kitchen implement just because it looks cool ? <img src="/forum/images/icons/confused.gif" alt="" />

My two cents anyway.

[Derek Wassom]

I heard that when you wind against a wavy blade, it causes an unpleasant vibration. I don't know if this is true or not, I have never done it.

[Scott Anderson]

*raises hand slightly embarrased* i'll admit to buying one set of kitchen knives instead of another because they looked better. but on topic, I'd have to say the first thoughts that jump to mind would be extra cutting area, better cutting area (curves tend to cut better on a draw i've noticed while cooking), and more middle blade thickness for strength and rigidity. but those are just guesses on my part.

SPA

[Jeffrey Hull]

I should guess that a flammardic blade might make for a worse draw-cut (Schnitt) than a straight-edged blade, though such an attack would be bad enough from either kind, in any case. JH

[John_Clements]

I know Hank R. use to say this, but I think it's trivial and unimportant in terms of fighting.

[Guest]

Hi all. New to the webforum. Soon to apply for membership, I think.

In regards to the wavy or "flame" blades I believe I had heard somewhere the the design was to assist in cutting
the pike shafts the Flambard were originally used to counter. Something to do with a mixture of practical
application and symbolism.

The practical application could derive from the saw like shape of the blade to assist in cutting the wooden pike staff while still keeping the blade relatively able to do signifigant damage to any persons in their path.

The symbology comes from a certain alchemical bent in regards to fire consuming (defeating) wood.

Just some of the things I have heard that feel may be pertinent.

[Joachim Nilsson]

Perhaps a definite study on the cutting effects of flambardic blades has yet to be done. I'm especially curious about the differences (if any!) in cutting ability and blade charachteristics between slightly wavy blades such as this one: http://www.lutel.cz/16002.htm and the more distinctly wavy variant of this one: http://www.varmouries.com/vpics/lan_12b.jpg