
PERFECT FALCHION FOR BOHURT
A complex explanation of how falchion should work in bohurt
At GoHurt, we constantly strive to improve our products. Currently, the hilt of one-handed weapons give us sleepless nights. And you know what... It's very difficult, because you have to take into consideration a huge number of factors and then adjust the theoretical result to the specifications and historical shapes.
First point: the hilt
At the moment, our conclusions are that the hilt at the thickest point should have a maximum shaft circumference of 4 cm in diameter, it should be slightly flattened, similar in cross-section to the oval more than a circle. It is worth having a thickening in the middle of the handle due to the anatomy of the hand - no all fingers equally press with the same point on the hilt.
Each finger press on a hilt differently
Two possible types of hilts
We currently use an oval-shaped hilt that flares upwards as a base that suits most customers and what we meet in markets and sources. However, the placing of a more ergonomic shape seems to be promising in terms of improving functions of using the product in a fight.
Hilts we make at GoHurt
We ourselves use only this weapon substitute during our training and it turned out to be hitting a jackpot. That's why we decided to introduce this type of hilt as an option.
Not too thick
We often hear that a handle should be thick - and some manufacturers make handles this way. Unfortunately, despite the comfortable grip, thick handles make the forearm more tired, so in the end this solution leaves you with difficulties in the fight and a worse sports result. We do not know how much you are interested in strength sports, but the so-called "fat grip" is an overlay used to increase the thickness of the barbell or dumbbell - they are used to strengthen the grip and increase the pressure on the forearms, so they're more tired and therefore more trained. But we don't want that in a fight.
Fat grips are used in strength sports to increase the pressure on the foreams - but we don't want it in bohurt
Not too thin also
Historical handles are very thin. And in fact, when you take a sword modeled on relics with a shapely hilt, you get the impression that it is a well-fitted handle. Unfortunately, it does not work completely in the bohurt. The thin handles in combination with the gauntlet with a full thumb make the falchion twist in the hand and it often happens that the blows are not strong and well-aimed. It is impossible to make the glove in such a way that it does not interfere with the grip because it must have a full thumb and this means that we do not feel the full closure of the hand, such as in the a lack of the glove - If you are not able to accept this effect, there is one solution: glove padding without a leather glove. These gauntlets only have a system of straps and finger pockets - this significantly improves the grip. You can use this type of glove for one-handed weapons, but cuts, scratches, etc. will occur more than centrainly. The lack of the inside of the glove is simply less safe than full sewing.
So what to do when we feel that the handle of the falchion is uncomfortable?
- Wrap an extra layer of leather – there is a chance that the circumference of the handle is too small for you.
- Wrap an additional layer of leather in the center of the handle - there is a chance that the fingers in the glove do not fully close your hand - this may give you a feeling that it is uncomfortable.
Additional layer of leather in the middle of the handle
Earlier we wrote about the shape. Now let's consider what the handle should be covered with. Leather is normally used for this. It is glued with the grain (with slippery, smooth side) to the top. Meanwhile... It would be worth turning it over completely.
Firstly, the face is slippery - so it is worth keeping the flesh (the hairy side of the skin) on top. Flesh is more durable and is not as slippery as the grain.
Secondly - the handle wrap works, but it is not very durable. So it is better to stick and sew the handle with one larger piece of leather.
What was it like in the Middle Ages?
In the Middle Ages, while gloves were used, they did not have the same form as our bohurt inventories. Due to this, there is no need to compare and look for a exact and strictly accurate solution in the sources. It is only necessary to see if our modern, comfortable versions find ancestors in the finds. This solution we are talking about has a large amount of confirmations.
Ergonomic shape of a handle
Standardly used shape of a handle
Second point: technical specification
Weight
As we know, Power is the product of Force and Velocity (Power [W] = Force [N] * Speed [m/s])
And while it is easier to strike a heavy blow with a heavy falchion, this formula does not take into account the fact that a person gets tired. The formula, however, gives hope that you do not need to hit with great force if you are able to accelerate the weapon very quickly.
Our conclusions are as follows:
- If you are a beginner, choose the lightest weapon possible.
- If you are no longer a beginner, you are strong and relatively heavy (90 kg+) consider heavier falchions - it will give you a big advantage. However, it is not worth overdoing it. A balance will also be important here, which will be discussed in a moment.
Balance
The more a weapon is balanced towards the thrust, the harder it will hit and the less control you will have over it.
Length
The length of the blade affects the balance, but also the comfort of use. Short blades will be convenient for those who like a large amount of wrestling. However, most of such fighters should choose an even shorter solution - hatchets. Its full-length grip makes it an ideal grappling option. Long ones, due to their reach, will be a great solution for fighters who love fencing. The middle lengths will be the best for all other fighters.
Our conclusions are as follows:
- If you are a beginner choose a light falchion with balance close to the hilt.
- If you are not a beginner and you already know that you will be able to handle a heavier falchion, you can also manipulate the balance. When choosing a very heavy falchion with a tiny pommel, remember that you will use it slower than a lighter falchion or more balanced one. Adjust the weapon also to your fighting style - if, with your experience and weight, you also have rare blows - you can safely choose a heavy falchion balanced forward. If you are strong, heavier and use a falchion a lot - be sure to choose a very well-balanced one.
A lot of text came out! This is really just the beginning of the journey when it comes to adapting the falchion to your preferences and HMB/IMCF/ACS requirements. We hope we explained you the most important things about falchions and helped you with the hard task of choosing the perfect one.
Maybe you have some thoughts on falchions? Be sure to share with us your observations!
And remember - our Designer stands between the regulations, comfort, habits and historicity. You can create your dream cleaver with the appropriate parameters from a range of available options.