Modern swordsmithing seems to make use of drilling and boring the Pommel and handle to fit the tang. But drill presses didn't exist in those days. How was a sword's handle (and pommel) attached to a tang, and made sturdy?
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3Hand drills were a thing before drilling presses.– Denis de BernardyCommented Dec 23, 2017 at 14:14
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2 Answers
One technique used to hold the assembly together is called 'peening'. The tang actually penetrates through the end of the pommel, and then is hammered and polished flush. The (commercial) website Albion Swords has some excellent diagrams displaying this and other methods. A google image search on 'sword peening pommel' will also give you some sample images of what this method looks like.
In some cases the grips were actually hollowed out to slide over the tang, then held in place by the (peened) pommel. Other grip styles often involved rings of material slid over the tang, or leather and wire wrapped around it. Again a search will show many samples of this online.
Concerning the actual hole through the pommel itself, it again depends on the material involved. If the material is forgeable, then punches or more specialized custom tools can be pushed through the red-hot pommel. Castable items might use molds with the penetration already included. A discussion here talks about some of these tools and techniques.
The processes are fascinating, and there are many youtube videos showing the forging/creation of medieval style weapons. A Discovery Channel 'How its Made' video can be seen here which shows some of these methods (peening and casting the pommel). A Nova special on Viking Ulfberht swords is also great for gaining an understanding of some of the procedures.
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Re the grip: modern grips seem to be made from two pieces of wood, hollowed out in the middle with a chisel, then attached with an adhesive (epoxy). Could you elaborate on what you said about the grip hollowing? Would it have been one piece? Commented Dec 23, 2017 at 20:36
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1I have watched a few of these videos(but its been several years), and I seem to recall one where a grip was hollowed out using the red-hot tang, burning out the inside. 'Fire-fit' essentially. I will see if I can find it, it seems like it may have been a follow up from the smith in the Viking sword video.– justCalCommented Dec 23, 2017 at 20:45
There is a very good reason why Tang Strip Fasteners are named as they are; the same as that bit of a sword blade that attaches to the hilt and handle.:
answered Dec 23, 2017 at 16:27
