Falchion

A falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European origin. In some cases reminiscent of a scimitar or saber, falchions historically varied widely in design aside from its basic principles.

Description
The single-edged type of sword known as the falchion is in some respects analogous to a European variant of the scimitar. The edge of its blade tends to curve slightly towards the tip, but unlike the scimitar, in some versions, the back could be entirely straight. Falchions as a rule are diverse in their construction and designs, ranging widely in blade size, width, and length although all bears the common characteristic of being single-edged and suited for slashing.

In some models such as the Dented Falchion, the falchion is akin to a machete with a broad, heavy blade optimized for hacking more than cutting. In others like the Venetian Falchion, the blade is lighter with the result being that the sword appears to be more of a precursor to the later saber. However, whereas the Venetian Falchion still possesses a straight back, its Florentine counterpart exhibits a greater curvature.

History
Falchions were commonly utilized by soldiers and guards during the 15th century at the height of the Italian Renaissance. Two models in particular, the Venetian and the Florentine Falchion, were popular throughout the Italian city-states. As a sword of European origin, they were less prevalent in the Ottoman Empire, which already had their own effective, single-edged swords known as kilij.

The emergence of the saber which became standard service for European militaries led to the phasing out of falchions. Armies deployed to the colonies in the Americas did not regularly use falchions, but in spite of this, falchions were still being forged and sold back in France as late as the time of the French Revolution.

Appearances

 * Assassin's Creed II
 * Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
 * Assassin's Creed: Revelations
 * Assassin's Creed: Unity