[urbanspaceman]

A brilliant thread.
If you ignore the arrival of the rapier, which was of extremely questionable use on a battlefield and absolutely useless for cavalry, here in the UK during our civil war battles we had broadswords and backswords (generally with a variation on the 'basket' themed hilt). Cut by one or thrust by the other if exemplary performance was demanded. Previously we had the Arming sword which, to my inexperienced eye, appears to have both facilities in plenty. It had certainly proved its worth for a long time in a vast variety of campaigns. Why did we not retain it?
ps. It was realised that French wounded often survived being cut but British died of a thrust; this according to British surgeons.