Quote Originally Posted by Kurien View Post
(4) What blades fit the bill of a medium sized sword with versatile attack options; suitable for both cutting and thrusting; a guard that can protect the hand; and a pommel that acts as a counterweight?
In the 16 century, there were swords that I believe were referred to in contemporary sources as "cut-and-thrust" swords -- I assume to distinguish them from rapiers. They were popular military weapons, as some authorities didn't consider rapiers suitable for soldiers. I think they were also known as broad swords (again, probably to distinguish them from rapiers, or later small swords), but I'm not sure when that term was in use.

At reenactments (circa 1600), I encourage my comrades to simply call their weapons "swords", or "espadas", when talking the public, and simply point out the features. Otherwise there's too much confusion. Although I do see the need for creating categories when studying swords.