According to TheMiddleAges.net, some primitive swords were no more than sharp obsidian shards attached to a wooden rod.

Shagreen was a type of fish skin used to cover sword grips. But what kind of fish did they use? An article by The Regency Redingote goes into it in depth. Fair warning, the article is more about fashion than swords, but it is a good history lesson.

Swordbuyersguide.com explains that the core of a sword grip was made of wood, bone, or ivory.

What's the difference between a sword grip and a sword hilt? Albion-swords.com says the grip is where you hold it, and the hilt includes the cross guard, grip, and pommel. (That's everything but the blade).

Why would a swordsman wear a frog on his belt? Check out the terms at SwordSwallow.com to find out. If that sounds like a web site created by people who swallow swords - that's because it is!

If you are writing about characters who use swords, you need to put historically correct swords in their hands. MyArmoury.com provides a cool chronological guide to sword hilts.

How can a sword with two equal sides have a short edge and a long edge? Hurstwic.org answers the question in its description of Viking swords.

When is a blacksmith not a blacksmith? TheArma.org says the answer is when he's a swordsmith!

Ever wonder how replica blades are made? Check out this YouTube video that shows each step.

Punching and upsetting a sword? Yes, that's a thing. Read how blacksmiths worked their metal in this Penn State article on blacksmithing. Thanks to ColoradoSpringsTutors.org for the steering me toward this one.