Ricasso

A modern hand-and-a-half sword with a short ricasso

A ricasso is an unsharpened length of blade just above the guard or handle on a knife, dagger, sword, or bayonet. Blades designed this way appear at many periods in history in many parts of the world and date back to at least the Bronze Age—essentially, as long as humans have shaped cutting tools from metals.[1]

There were many reasons to make a blade with a ricasso, and in Europe, later longswords, claymores, rapiers, and other lengthy swords often had this feature. One very simple influence presently and historically is fashion,[2] which often answers this question for blades where the presence or lack of a ricasso has no effect on how it is used.[dubious – discuss] Leaving a ricasso can also save the blade maker's time—a section of blade that would not be used given the purpose of the piece does not have to be shaped and sharpened. In many cases, however, they are quite functional.

A painting of Saint Paul by Bernardo Daddi, 1333. Paul is depicted with his index finger placed above the crossguard

Historically, ricassos were commonly present on medieval and early Renaissance swords. The basic function was to allow the wielder to place their index finger above the crossguard, which potentially allowed for greater grip strength and torque. This technique was a factor in the evolution of compound hilts, which are iconic of rapiers and other Renaissance swords, as the compound hilt allows a ricasso grip while still protecting the hand.[2]

An enclosed ricasso protected by an extended guard is demonstrated on a modern side-sword, providing cover for the index finger

Some of the best-known historic examples of ricassos are on large European swords used with two hands. When used aggressively with adequate space to build up swinging momentum, the weapon would be held at the end of the grip for the best reach and power. Some experts on historical combat believe that this technique of sustained blade swinging was used as a tactic for swordsmen to penetrate pike formations. However, once the pike line was broken, the swordsman then used the ricasso on his sword to shorten his grip, allowing the sword to be more effectively manoeuvred in the tight press within the enemy ranks as well as offering more leverage and ability to thrust. The ricassos of two-handed swords often have a second, smaller set of quillons past the ricasso, effectively creating a secondary grip. This technique is very similar to the half-sword technique, which involves gripping the sharpened midsection of the blade to turn the blade into a sort of lever weapon. It is possible even without gauntlets to hold a sharpened blade relatively safely, with proper technique.

Today, many knives seen outside of the kitchen include a bevel section, though the term is seldom used. These ricassos may serve purely decorative purposes; may offer greater blade strength at a high-stress point, or may be intended to be gripped to provide greater control when performing precise cutting.[3]

A sub-hilt (an additional section of guard located along the length of the grip of a blade, rather than up the blade as with a fluke), is a related feature sometimes found on knives instead of a ricasso. Depending on design, it can offer many of the same advantages in versatility but makes the choked up grip more comfortable. Some blades may have both a sub-hilt and a ricasso, thus offering two possible forward grip positions.

See also

References

  1. ^ "What on earth is a ricasso?". National Museum of Ireland. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  2. ^ a b Oakeshott, Ewart (1996). The archaeology of weapons: arms and armour from prehistory to the age of chivalry (Repr ed.). Mineola: Dover Publications. pp. 315–336. ISBN 978-0-486-29288-5.
  3. ^ Dyachkov, Victor (2023-08-18). "Parts of a knife". TSPROF. Retrieved 2023-12-21.

Read other articles:

Umingan, Pangasinan

Peta menunjukkan lokasi Umingan Data sensus penduduk di Umingan Tahun Populasi Persentase 199551.693—200058.6032.73%200762.4970.89% Umingan adalah munisipalitas yang terletak di provinsi Pangasinan, Filipina. Pada tahun 2010, munisipalitas ini memiliki populasi sebesar 65.712 jiwa dan 13.640 rumah tangga. Pembagian wilayah Secara administratif Umingan terbagi menjadi 58 barangay, yaitu: Abot Molina Alo-o Amaronan Annam Bantug Baracbac Barat Buenavista Cabalitian Cabangaran Cabaruan Cabatuan...

 

Hewlett Johnson

Patung dada perunggu Johnson karya Jacob Epstein, 1942 Hewlett Johnson (25 Januari 1874 – 22 Oktober 1966) adalah seorang pendeta Inggris dari Gereja Inggris. Ia menjadi Dekan Manchester dan kemudian Dekan Canterbury, dimana ia dijuluki Dekan Merah dari Canterbury karena dukungannya terhadap Uni Soviet dan sekutu-sekutunya. Pranala luar Hewlett Johnson archive at marxists.org Kliping surat kabar tentang Hewlett Johnson di Arsip Pers Abad ke-20 dari Perpustakaan Ekonomi Nasiona...

 

مركبة استعراض تقنية فرط صوتية

HSTDV HSTDV model displayed at the معرض برلين الدولي للطيران ILA 2012 الوظيفة {{{type}}} مركبة استعراض تقنية فرط صوتية HSTDV هي طائرة استعراضية بمحرك سكرامجت بدون طيار للتحليق بسرعة تفوق سرعة الصوت . يتم تطويرها كمركبة حاملة لصواريخ كروز التي تفوق سرعتها سرعة الصوت وبعيدة المدى ، ومن المرجح أن سيكو...

Daftar Bupati Kepulauan Mentawai

Bupati Kabupaten Kepulauan MentawaiLambang Kabupaten Kepulauan MentawaiPetahanaFernando Jongguran SimanjuntakPejabatsejak 24 Mei 2023KediamanRumah Dinas Bupati Kepulauan MentawaiMasa jabatan1 tahunDibentuk1999Pejabat pertamaBadril BakarSitus webwww.mentawaikab.go.id Berikut ini adalah Daftar Bupati Kepulauan Mentawai dari masa ke masa. No Bupati Mulai Jabatan Akhir Jabatan Prd. Ket. Wakil Bupati - Drs.Badril Bakar[1] 12 Oktober 1999 Februari 2001 1 [Ket. 1][2] - A...

 

Daftar Wakil Bupati Solok Selatan

Wakil Bupati Solok SelatanPetahanaIr. H. Yulian Efi, M.M.sejak 26 April 2021Masa jabatan5 tahunDibentuk20 Agustus 2005Pejabat pertamaDrs. H. Nurfirmanwansyah, Apt, MMSitus websolselkab.go.id Berikut ini adalah daftar Wakil Bupati Solok Selatan dari masa ke masa. No Wakil Bupati Mulai Jabatan Akhir Jabatan Prd. Ket. Bupati 1 Drs. H.NurfirmanwansyahApt., M.M. 20 Agustus 2005 20 Agustus 2010 1   Drs.Syafrizal J.M.Si. 2 Drs. H.Abdul Rahman 20 Agustus 2010 20 Agustus 2015 2   Ir. H....

 

Gina Rippon

Professor of cognitive neuroimaging Gina RipponRippon in 2016BornGeorgina Mary Jane Rippon1950 (age 73–74)NationalityBritishScientific careerFieldsCognitive neuroimagingInstitutionsAston University, BirminghamThesisThe orienting reflex in normal and in schizophrenic subjects (1982) WebsiteOfficial website Gina Rippon (born 1950)[1] is a British neurobiologist and feminist. She is a professor emeritus of cognitive neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Aston University...

Îles Féroé

Îles Féroé Føroyar (fo)Færøerne (da) Armoiries Drapeau Carte de localisation des Îles Féroé. Administration Pays Danemark Statut politique Pays constitutif du royaume de Danemark autonome depuis 1948 Capitale Tórshavn62° 01′ N, 6° 46′ O Gouvernement Monarchie constitutionnelle parlementaire Chef de l'État Mandat Frédéric X Depuis 2024 Premier ministre Aksel V. Johannesen Démographie Gentilé Féroïen Population 54 175 hab.[1] (2023...

 

Harry Golombek

Hoogovens 1949: Golombek vs. Alberic O'Kelly de Galway Harry Golombek (1 Maret 1911 – 7 Januari 1995) adalah seorang pecatur berkebangsaan Britania Raya. Pada pecahnya Perang Dunia II di bulan September 1939, Golombek sedang berada di Buenos Aires, Argentina, berkompetisi dalam Olimpiade Catur untuk Britania Raya bersama dengan C.H.O'D. Alexander dan Philip Stuart Milner-Barry. Mereka segera kembali ke Britania Raya, dan segera direkrut ke Bletchley Park, pusat pemecahan kode ...

 

Nabila Fitriana

Nabila FitrianaLahirNabila Yussi Fitriana29 Desember 2000 (umur 23)Bandar Lampung, LampungNama lainLala, KalalaAlmamaterSMA Fransiskus Bandar LampungPekerjaanModel, Penyanyi, PenariOrang tuaYusrizal SusiKarier musikGenrePopInstrumenVokalTahun aktif2018 - SekarangLabelDentsu (Sebagai Anggota JKT48) 2018 - 2021 RENZ Record 2021 - SekarangArtis terkaitJKT48Mantan anggotaJKT48 (2018 - 2021) Nabila Yussi Fitriana (lahir 29 Desember 2000) atau akrab dipanggil Lala atau Kalala (juga diken...

Basilika Santo Ludgerus di Biara Werden, Essen

Basilika Santo Ludgerus di Biara WerdenBasilika Minor Santo Ludgerus di Biara WerdenJerman: St.-Ludgerus-Kirchecode: de is deprecated Basilika Santo Ludgerus di Biara WerdenLokasiEssenNegara JermanDenominasiGereja Katolik RomaArsitekturStatusBasilika minorStatus fungsionalAktifAdministrasiKeuskupanKeuskupan Essen Basilika Santo Ludgerus di Biara Werden (Jerman: St.-Ludgerus-Kirchecode: de is deprecated ) adalah sebuah gereja basilika minor Katolik yang terletak di kompleks Biara Werden, ...

 

Today Is Another Day

1996 studio album by ZardToday Is Another DayStudio album by ZardReleasedJuly 8, 1996 (1996-07-08)Genre Pop rock J-pop Length57:33LabelB-GramProducerIzumi SakaiZard chronology Forever You(1995) Today Is Another Day(1996) Eien(1999) Singles from Today is Another Day Ai ga MienaiReleased: 5 June 1995 Sayonara wa Ima mo Kono Mune ni ImasuReleased: 28 August 1995 My FriendReleased: 8 January 1996 Kokoro wo HiraiteReleased: 6 May 1996 Today Is Another Day is the seventh albu...

 

コルク

この記事は検証可能な参考文献や出典が全く示されていないか、不十分です。出典を追加して記事の信頼性向上にご協力ください。（このテンプレートの使い方）出典検索?: コルク – ニュース · 書籍 · スカラー · CiNii · J-STAGE · NDL · dlib.jp · ジャパンサーチ · TWL（2017年4月） コルクを打ち抜いて作った瓶の栓 コルク（木栓、�...

Jardres

JardrescomuneJardres – Veduta LocalizzazioneStato Francia Regione Nuova Aquitania Dipartimento Vienne ArrondissementPoitiers CantoneChasseneuil-du-Poitou TerritorioCoordinate46°34′N 0°34′E / 46.566667°N 0.566667°E46.566667; 0.566667 (Jardres)Coordinate: 46°34′N 0°34′E / 46.566667°N 0.566667°E46.566667; 0.566667 (Jardres) Superficie20,78 km² Abitanti1 172[1] (2009) Densità56,4 ab./km² Altre informazioniCod...

 

هنود

هنودمعلومات عامةنسبة التسمية الهند التعداد الكليالتعداد قرابة 1.21 مليار[1][2]تعداد الهند عام 2011ق. 1.32 مليار[3]تقديرات عام 2017ق. 30.8 مليون[4]مناطق الوجود المميزةبلد الأصل الهند البلد الهند  الهند نيبال 4,000,000[5] الولايات المتحدة 3,982,398[6] الإمار...

 

Janserik Maratkhan

Questa voce è orfana, ovvero priva di collegamenti in entrata da altre voci. Inseriscine almeno uno pertinente e utile e rimuovi l'avviso. Segui i suggerimenti del progetto di riferimento. Questa voce sull'argomento calciatori mongoli è solo un abbozzo. Contribuisci a migliorarla secondo le convenzioni di Wikipedia. Janserik Maratkhan Nazionalità  Mongolia Altezza 174 cm Calcio Ruolo Attaccante Squadra  Falcons CarrieraSquadre di club1 2008-2019 Deren? (?)2020- Fa...

Alan Keyes

Alan Keyes Asisten Sekretaris Negara untuk Urusan Organisasi Internasional ke-16Masa jabatan13 November 1985 – 17 November 1987PresidenRonald ReaganPendahuluGregory NewellPenggantiRichard Williamson Informasi pribadiLahirAlan Lee Keyes7 Agustus 1950 (umur 73)New York City, New York, U.S.Partai politikPartai Republik (Sebelum 2008; 2012–sekarang)Afiliasi politiklainnyaConstitution (2008)America's (2008–2012)Suami/istriJocelyn Marcel ​(m. 1979)​A...

 

Ratu Atut Chosiyah

Ini adalah sebuah nama Indonesia yang tidak menggunakan nama keluarga. Nama Chasan adalah sebuah patronimik, dan tokoh ini dipanggil dengan nama depannya, Atut Chosiyah. Atut Chosiyah Gubernur Banten ke-2Masa jabatan11 Januari 2007 – 29 Juli 2015Pelaksana Tugas: 20 Oktober 2005 – 11 Januari 2007WakilMasduki(2007–2012)Rano Karno(2012–2015)PendahuluDjoko MunandarPenggantiRano KarnoWakil Gubernur Banten ke-1Masa jabatan11 Januari 2002 – 20 Oktober 2005Gubernur...

 

Bubbiano

Questa voce sull'argomento centri abitati della città metropolitana di Milano è solo un abbozzo. Contribuisci a migliorarla secondo le convenzioni di Wikipedia. Bubbianocomune LocalizzazioneStato Italia Regione Lombardia Città metropolitana Milano AmministrazioneSindacoPatrizia Gentile (lista civica Bubbiano per voi) dal 26-5-2019 TerritorioCoordinate45°19′38.13″N 9°00′54.35″E45°19′38.13″N, 9°00′54.35″E (Bubbiano) Altitudine106 m&#...

Promozione 1984-1985

Promozione 1984-1985 Competizione Promozione Sport Calcio Edizione 18ª Organizzatore L.N.D.Comitati Regionali Luogo  Italia Formula 26 gironi all'italiana Cronologia della competizione 1983-1984 1985-1986 Manuale Nella stagione 1984-1985, la Promozione era il sesto livello del calcio italiano (il primo livello regionale). Il campionato è strutturato in vari gironi all'italiana su base regionale, gestiti dai Comitati Regionali di competenza. Promozioni alla categoria superiore e retroc...

 

Patrick Borg

Pour les articles homonymes, voir Borg. Patrick Borg Patrick Borg à la Japan Con Brussels Manga, en février 2023. Données clés Naissance 6 août 1957 (66 ans)Paris (France) Nationalité Française Profession Acteur Séries notables (Doublage ) Dragon Ball ZDragon Ball Z KaiDragon Ball SuperScooby-Doo : Mystères associés Buffy contre les vampires modifier Patrick Borg, né le 6 août 1957 à Paris, est un comédien français. Spécialisé dans le doublage, il est connu pour ê...