What is the meaning in a sword being worn curve up v. curve over?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:27:31 -0500

Can anyone tell me the difference in a sword being worn curve up or curve down?

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jan 6 at 2016 2:34 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:34:13 -0500

Without taking the time to research it I would assume that when the sword is drawn from the curve up or front that its ready for action as opposed to the curve down or back I would think would cause an awkward draw. I honestly don't know just taking a stab at it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 6 at 2016 2:39 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:39:41 -0500

The sharp edge is worn facing upward so that the cutting edge doesn't wear on the scabbard during normal wear/use. Additionally, wearing it face up prevents the cutting edge from digging into the scabbard during a draw and during sheathing...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 2:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:44:41 -0500

If you are referring to the katana sword(s):

From the start of Japan’s Heian period through most of the Muromachi period (roughly the ninth to 15th centuries), a sword was a commonly and frequently used instrument of warfare. The samurai who carried them were often dressed in a full suit of armor, with the sword hanging from a cord attached to the waist.

As you may have guessed, that armor wasn’t made from papier-mâché. Anything that was going to protect a samurai on the battlefield needed to be crafted from sturdy, heavy metal. The plating along the upper arm and shoulder made it difficult for the wearer to raise his arm very high, but by keeping the cutting edge pointing down, the sword could be drawn simply by extending the arm forward.

Once Japan’s government was stabilized, though, open warfare became less common. With the end of centuries of civil war, most samurai in the 16th century and later were going about their business dressed not in armor, but in kimono, with their sword tucked into the sash holding the robe closed.

Having the sword’s edge facing the ground would put the sword’s hilt especially high, level with the ribcage. Unless the samurai had disproportionately long limbs, extending an arm upward to draw the sword would have been at best difficult, and at worst impossible, so instead swordsmen started wearing their weapons blade-up, making them easier to unsheathe.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 4:03 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:03:53 -0500

I'm assuming you mean the regulation sword? If so, then the sword belt and associated hook answers the question (I believe the Army's blade is a "saber"?). The Navy's most recent incarnation of this useless but cool uniform accessory has a straight blade, and follows the same pattern as it has since the Civil War. When walking, or in formation, the sword hangs from the hook with the "D" of the guard facing to aft, and the tip of the scabbard facing forward. I am not certain why...but I assume this is to keep from bumping people behind your line of sight. When 'mounted'...which never happens anymore, the sword hangs freely on the two straps at about mid-thigh, with the scabbard trailing to rear. I know our scabbard is designed for the sword to only go in one way...you simply cannot put it in "upside down" without much, obviously incorrect effort.

I've only had the pleasure and honor of wearing my service blade twice...once for my friend's wedding, and the second time, at my own :)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 6 at 2016 6:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 18:59:11 -0500

I know this post is devoid of any help.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 6 at 2016 7:04 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 19:04:58 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member - I only have experience with the Mameluke. I used it twice in my career: First on the grinder in Quantico; the other time to cut my wedding cake. But, I did have a SgtMaj once tell me: "Business end toward the bad guys." Although there was some merit in that, here's my recollection: Speaking only to the cutlass (curved sword) - When one presents the sharpened edge of the cutlass, you're admitting that you're out of ammo but, it's still "on." To present the back-side of the cutlass indicated that your intent is to either disengage or surrender. Of course, presenting the broad-side was a form of salute.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jan 7 at 2016 9:29 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 09:29:44 -0500

The way it is drawn is different. curve up is drawn harder than curve down(cutting edge). Not only that but curve up(cutting edge) the sharp edge of the sword would be pointed away from the enemy and would be striking with the blunt edge unless you turn it, after being drawn! The photo is straight out of TC 3-21.5 Drill and Ceremony manual.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jan 12 at 2016 11:50 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:50:52 -0500

I'm going to take a wild guess here. I notice that dress uniform swords and such are worn "edge down" but Samurai swords are carried with the edge up (or so I'm told). The reason being to keep the edge from being dulled by the scabbard. Would that relate to what you're asking?