Hilt - the grip of the sword

Forte - the part of the sword closest to the hilt/user

Blade - the metal or wooden portion of the sword used for cutting

Fuller - the groove along the middle of the blade

Foible - section of the sword farthest from the hilt/user

Grip - the middle of the hilt held by the hand of the user

Knuckle/bow - the curved piece that fits around the hand of the user while holding the sword

Guard - the piece between the hilt and the forte or blade

Straightedge - the sword does not taper as it goes from forte to foible to tip

Older-handmade swords shimmer with color along the edge - that is indicative of hardened steel crystals. Metal or leather scabbards are newer and wood scabbards are older. Newer swords are uniformly smooth steel gray.