Political Crossfire Forums

after they were thoroughly bludgeoned by a sword or hammer, of course.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Agincourt

good times

No responses about how iron contracts when cooled (as does every other substance, except water), thereby debunking the "swords getting stuck in a metal sheath" position?

Also, why would a knight NOT sharpen his sword? Sure, you may not need the sharp edge when parrying (it'll notch), or when bashing against a breastplate (it'll chip or dull). But, when stabbing for a chink in the armor or a joint, usually protected only by leather and possibly chain mail, a sharp sword will stand a better chance of cutting through those.

I simply see no reason to NOT sharpen a sword, of any kind.

i don't think they would have used a bastard sword to poke for the tiny holes in another knights armor. as non already mentioned, the mercygiver served that purpose.

also, i'm not saying they went into battle with lead pipes, but i really don't see why they would spend time before battle honing the edge on a sword that's going to be dulled or chipped in the first half hour.