Sword fuller info?

**DCS** · Posted On: 8/27/2004 11:00am

Some days ago, i had a discussion (friendly, of course) with Aikido instructor and some other training mates during the beer waza.

I was outnumbered and outranked, so i ask for your help me in my revenge.:)

The issue was the function of the fuller in swords, i sustained

Fullers/Grooves - When properly placed, a fuller/groove can serve to lightnen the blade's mass without sacrificing too much structural integrity. The result is that the spine of the sword is now like two functional spines (think of an "I" beam in building construction). While fullers do not add strength, they do seem to increase blade stiffness somewhat. Fullers/Grooves are sometimes incorrectly called "blood grooves." There are many weapons that have grooves, but because they are cutting weapons and not thrusting weapons so much, there is really no need for a "blood channel".
http://swordforum.com/sfu/primer/thebest.html

While the others sustained the "blood channel theory.

Anyone can give me references (reading all the results of a google search will take me months) about the subject.

Thanks.

**Ronin** · Posted On: 8/27/2004 11:40am

It has to do with the lightening of the weight and maintaing the strength, like you said, the blood groove thing id bullshit, specially considering that, on a curve blade for example, the top 6" are the cutting area and the fuller's never go all the way to the top.
One guy told me that the fuller allows for the blade to be removed from the body quicker...silly me, I thought that had to do with the sharpness of the blade and the skill of the swordsman, who knew?

**Ronin** · Posted On: 8/27/2004 11:41am

On a side note, I think fullers are for weak wristed pansy boys !!

**Matt W.** · Posted On: 8/27/2004 12:11pm

Your quote is correct. The "blood groove" is a myth. swordforum.com is a GREAT resource.

**Little Idea** · Posted On: 8/27/2004 12:30pm

Save the info for Ganja Waza

**DCS** · Posted On: 8/27/2004 5:11pm

Ganja waza?

**Miguksaram** · Posted On: 8/28/2004 8:00pm

Ganja waza is an ancient techniqu used to help the master's glacoma, widely practiced today, it is done mostly in secret and only legal in California. :)

**Meex** · Posted On: 8/29/2004 12:40pm

Originally posted by Little Idea
Save the info for Ganja Waza

Yeah, mon!
hahahahaha

**Joel Stave** · Posted On: 8/31/2004 11:50am

The other thing a fuller does (albeit unintended) is cause the sword to make a really nice "whoosh" sound as it cuts through the air -- actually somewhat useful as feedback for correct blade orientation during the cut. Also useful for sounding cool.

I'm pretty sure Bladeforums.com and Knifeforums.com will have mention of the structural aspect of a fuller in their FAQs.

In any case, unless the blade is left in the wound (bad idea in the middle of a fight), how would the "blood channel" have any effect?

**Meex** · Posted On: 8/31/2004 2:13pm

the " blood channel" effect is supposed to allow easier removal of the blade, as opposed to the suction created by the body on a flat blade thrust into the body. . .purpose of said grooves are still a debateable issue (unless we're talking about sushi knives, with their teflon surfaces and anti-suction dimples).

`~/