I post a lot about swords on Twitter in order to help authors up their worldbuilding. Thanks to a recent thread on there, I'm going to post ten sword facts a day until... I don't know. Two weeks or so.
Here we go!
#1
The wider a blade, generally the better at cutting it is. That's because it can slowly go from it's thickest point to it's thinnest (the edge). This means material is gradually moved out of the way.
#2
Thinner blades cut better. Less material has to be moved.
But then the blade could be too flexible.
#3
A fuller isn't to let blood flow or whatever. It's like a "cheat" way to get a thicker blade without adding more material and making it heavier. Also adds some stability, because arches.
#4
"Scimitar" is a European term used to Other non-European swords before Europeans realized how useful sabers are.
#5
To paraphrase/draw conclusions from an unknown Chinese source. It took a week-a month to learn how to competently fight as an armored unit. It took a year to learn how to defend yourself unarmored and alone with just a blade.
#6
The sharpened bit on the back is called the "false edge."
#7
The false edge helped with thrusting, and could be used to deliver a few unique cuts.
#8
Curved swords can get around shields, among other things.
#9
The samurai carried two swords because originally their swords broke so often that it justified carrying two.
#10
Other swords broke. Swords were often seen as disposable by nearly every culture who used them.