Sword Terminology

The Blade

Edge: self explanatory
false edge: the short edge on the back of a saber, extending back from the point.
Forte/foible: the strong/weak half of the blade, respectively.
Fuller: a groove meant to lighten and strengthen the blade, often misnamed a blood groove.
Point: once again, self explanatory.
Point of percussion: the point where the forte and foible meet, considered the best point to strike with.
Recess: the unsharpened part of the blade where it extends out from the handle. Maker's marks are usually put here.
Tang: the part of the blade extends through the handle, attaching to the pommel.

The Hilt

Back strap: a metal strap running down the back of the handle, resting in the palm of the hand.
Capstan rivet: a rivet holding the end of the tang to the pommel.
Ear: a small, semicircular extension of the back strap on either side of the grips.
Ferrule: a washer-like piece of metal between the grips and guard, holding the handle secure.
Grips: yup, the part you hold.
Knuckle bow: a single strap running from the quillon to the pommel that guards the front of the hand.
Languets: short extensions of the guard that run parallel to the blade and serve to hold the sword secure in the scabbard.
Pas d'ane: a finger ring between the quillon and a dish guard. Usually found on small swords and rapiers.
Pommel: the part of the handle that keeps your pinky from sliding off. Also holds the whole sword together.
Quillon: the cross piece on a sword.
Sword knot: a decoration that hangs from the guard, usually a symbol of rank for officers.

The Scabbard

Bands: rings around that scabbard that are attached to the carrying rings.
Drag: the tip of the scabbard, where it often hits the ground.
Rings: the parts that dangle from the scabbard, used to attach the sword to one's person.
Throat: the part of the scabbard that swallows the sword.

Sword Types

Backsword, Base Lard, Basket hilt,
Bearing sword, Broadsword, Cinquedea,
Cleadhemh-Mohr, Claymore, Cutlass,
Cuttoe, Dao, epee, falcate, falchion,
Ferengi, Faberge, Foil,
Gladius, Gunto, Hanger,
Katana, Kaskara, Khanda,

Khopesh, Macahuitl, Parings, Pata,
Presentation Sword, Riding Sword,
Rapier, Saber, Saber Bayonet,
Scimitar (shamshir), Shasqua,
Short sword, Small sword, Sword of Tenure,
Tachi, Talwar, Tuck,
Two-Handed Sword, Wakizashi, Yatagan,
Zweihender