Sidearm
Sidearms, in addition to the dagger, consist of the rapier, the broadsword, the hunting knife, and the infantry sabre. Their components are the blade, the hilt, and the scabbard. The blade must be forged from good iron and steel so that, while being of the required hardness, it is strong enough not to shatter when struck against other objects. Of all the blades, the Spanish still claim the advantage. There are diamond-shaped, raised, and hollow or reed blades; Damascus blades are made of mechanically joined steel and iron, for which the tangs are twisted together, if possible with pliers, before joining, creating the wavy appearance. The hilt of the rapier and broadsword consists of the pommel, the disc, the langets, sometimes the guard, the basket, and the stirrup-type knucklebow.
When examining blades, one must ensure that there are no scabs, veins, blisters, cracks, etc., which often cause them to break. If the blade is too soft, it will remain crooked when bent. If this happens in the first and second thirds, where the blade should be at its strongest, it must be rejected. In the final third, however, even a very good sword can remain crooked, but it must not retain its full original curve. If the blade, bent to the other side, remains uncropped, this is evidence of the uneven distribution of the steel, and it will break easily. A good blade must be able to be bent from the tip to the tang without showing any cracks, breaks, etc.; it must not remain crooked on either side. By bending it in an arc over the knee and grasping it with the left hand over the first third so that the blade forms an S, it must then return to its straight position. When striking a helmet of hardened iron, the edge must not bend; if the blade is bent again after this blow, no crack or the like should be visible.
Source: Rumpf, H. F.: Allgemeine Real-Encyclopädie der gesammten Kriegskunst (Berl. 1827)
Sidearm, a bladed weapon carried at the side, such as a sword or saber, especially the bladed weapon of infantry that can also be used as a bayonet (see rifle). It consists of a blade, a handle or hilt, and between the two is the crossguard (Figs. 1 and 2). The scabbard is made of steel (e.g., for mounted weapons in the German army) or leather (for infantry). The bayonet is carried on a belt (sabre belt), and recently, mounted soldiers often attach it to their saddles.
Source: Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon, 6. Auflage 1905–1909