The Geometric Logic of Bronze Sword Hilts

Hello scholars of archaeology and practitioners of historical swordsmanship,

The way technical requirements and socio-cultural influences have shaped the sword throughout history continues to fascinate me, and it remains a central focus of my research.

For my book, I am now exploring the origins of ergonomic design. Fellow researcher Holger Heid recently pointed me towards surviving Bronze Age sickle handles carved from wood.

Their shape is absolutely remarkable—strikingly reminiscent of modern sports pistol grips. If ever there was doubt that tools were crafted to fit human anatomy millennia before the term ergonomics was even coined, this is compelling evidence.

But there is more to Bronze Age design. Jewellery and weapons from this period are adorned with refined geometric ornamentation, and over the years, scholars have proposed various interpretations of their meaning. However, I am not aware of any study that has examined the geometric correlations in the overall shape of Bronze Age swords.

So, following the example of Peter Johnsson, I decided to investigate.

My initial findings were striking: two randomly selected hilts from the most comprehensive catalogue of Nordic Bronze Age swords, compiled by Jan-Heinrich Bunnefeld, revealed intriguing correlations between the size of the distinct circular cavity at the base of the hilt and the sword’s overall dimensions. But that was just the beginning.

Fellow swordsman and researcher Mikkel Mønsted, who is also an engineer, noted that the semicircular arrangement of rivets securing the hilt to the separately cast blade distributes shear stress far more effectively than a linear formation, where the outermost rivets would bear a much greater load—especially when cutting.

This suggests that the characteristic round widening of the blade shoulders and the rivet arrangement were the result of technical considerations rather than aesthetic ones.

Any subsequent aesthetic principles would have had to integrate this structural necessity and build upon it. And indeed, even within this tiny random sample, the diameter of the hilt shoulders in combination with handle width appears to serve as a base unit, with all other measurements derived from it. This is a prime example of form following function and culture—something Jan-Heinrich Bunnefeld and I are eager to investigate further.

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Berlin Buckler Bouts 23

The next BBB are scheduled for the weekend of 24–25 May 2025. You are warmly invited to join us for an action-packed weekend of sword & buckler fencing alongside practitioners from around the world.

This time of year is particularly popular with Berlin tourists, and affordable accommodation may book out quickly. We recommend securing your lodging as soon as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the sword arts and international friendship with you at the Berlin Buckler Bouts. Find full event details and registration in my dedicated post.

New I.33 Online Course Coming Soon!

Polish your shields and save your pennies! Only a few more days until the release of our new I.33 sword & buckler online course, covering the plays of schutzen against second & third ward.

If you haven’t yet joined the community, now is the perfect time: take advantage of a special 35% discount on Course 1, which covers the plays of half-shield against first ward!

So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed. Thank you for your time and your interest.

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