A take on sword terminology

There has been debate online recently about what to call different types of swords. Some claim absolutes in that if a sword has a minimum of features and is from around a specific time period, then it can only be called one thing. Others still name swords based only on hilt type or only on blade type. These ideas are flawed as Obi-Wan put it, "only a Sith deals in absolutes". Instead of absolute statements, terms should be based on trends.

Typologies

Modern-made typologies should not always be taken strictly, but as generalities. Hilt typologies are better classified by culture than by the details. Applied to blades, they can be helpful when cataloging a historical arsenal/armoury, but as a sliding scale not as a strict divide. In other words, Oakeshott types X-XIIIb tend to be "cutty swords" and types XV-XVIIIc tend to be "stabby swords".

Features

Sometimes all it takes to classify a sword is a single feature. Generally, if a sword has a straight blade, annelets, and a shell or sweepings, it is safe to call it a rapier. If a sword has a curved blade, it is safe to call it a sabre.

Inaccurate terms

Several terms used today have been wrongly attributed, others are descriptors used only in hindsight. The claymore is the Scottish basket-hilt broadsword, not the two-handed sword; the term for the latter is "claidheamh da laimh". A prevalent hindsight term is that of "viking sword" in that it is better to attribute a sword to the culture or to use the modern typologies.

Modern terms

It is best to eliminate terms that were not used historically. "Sidesword" is the biggest offender. The closest use is that of some Italian sources using "spada da lato", which literally translates as "sword at the side". This is still quite vague.

Not just swords

This debate on weapon naming can also be applied to other weapons. What is the line between buckler and shield or between dagger and sword? When is a spear a spontoon or a partisan?

However one personally categorizes weapons, one should not force these terms upon others. In addition, language is fluid and a weapon could be called many things in the same conversation.