Dacian Falx

[diegis]

Hello,

On illustrations of warriors using this weapon I see that the slashing edge is on the inside of the curve (as opposed to the outside like on a samurai sword or a scimitar). Do the archeological finds prove this? It just seems to me that a slashing sword would be more effective with an edge on the outside and is less likely to get caught in an enemy's armor or helmet or body.

Jeff

There are few Falxes discovered, mostly in or close to Dacian capital Sarmisegetuza



It was not a main slashing weapon, but used to attack an oponent covered by a shield. So the curved form sharpened on inside was very good for cutting limbs, (schyte style), and the point of the blade was good for piercing helmets from above, over the shield, causing sever trauma.
I dont think was used often as in the picture provided by Matthew, but even if so, the soldier who keep that shield will be badly affected, haven either his helmet pierced either suffering a hard hit in his shoulder or other body part.
Other hits was against the legs, who was easily cut, or against the arms who can be departed from the body in one hit.

Anyway make a search on the forum, there are couple older threads regarding Falx and other Dacian swords