Talk:Ricasso

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Do the ricassos on modern knives better enable thrusts, just as their mideval counterparts on larger weapons did, or are they merely cosmetic? -Toptomcat 01:14, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

The use of half-swording applies because of the massive change in the physics of the weapon (with the hilt effectively becoming more than half of the weapon). Similarly, because of the length of longswords, even getting one or two fingers above the cross can make a large difference in the way the weapon handles (as can "thumbing" the blade). I cannot claim to understand the physics any better than that...it's above my head. While it is possible that shifting one or two fingers onto the blade of a knife would improve its handling during thrusting, it would be a small difference in comparison to the same action taken on a sword. Because a knife is already so short the effect would be rather minimal. (Side Note: Many people who use chef's knives put a thumb and one finger at least partially onto the blade, simulating the same effect of increased accuracy without a loss of blade length. Here's an image. Keep in mind this is done during precise kitchen work, not trying to stab someone in a knife fight.) Now, depending on the knife that you are talking about, you may actually be referring to the bolster (not a true ricasso), a part of the blade (which would be below or at the same level as the cross on a sword) that is unsharpened and provides support (and the above gripping capability) for the handle before becoming the tang. I hope that made sense and answered your question. -- Xiliquiern 21:53, 23 September 2006 (UTC)