OF THE POINT.
The point again differs as much as the edge. The natural point would be the prolongation and gradual convergence of various lines of the solid body, conical, pyramidal, or polygonal, concurring in a common apex. In the Japanese blade the edge-line is bent upwards to meet the back-line. When more strength is wanted the end is bevelled, forming, like the edge, a compound angle between forty and ninety degrees: it is thus fitted to meet hard bodies, and the obtuser the angle the stronger the point.
When edge only is regarded, as in the Schläger and the glaive, the Sword of justice or the Scharfrichter’s (headman’s) weapon, the point of the very broad thin blade is rounded off. This, as will be seen, is the case with the early Kelto-Scandinavian Swords, miscalled Anglo-Saxon.
Fig. 139.—Executioner’s Sword.
Fig. 140.—Japanese Type.
Fig. 141.—Chinese Sabre-Knife.
