hilt

The hilt is the handle of a bladed weapon, most often a sword or dagger. In general usage it can denote the entire handle assembly—the grip, the guard that protects the hand, and the pommel at the blade’s end—or, more narrowly, the grip itself. The term emphasizes the portion of the weapon designed to be held and manipulated during use.

Grip: the part held by the hand, typically shaped to fit the user’s grip and often wrapped in leather, cord, or wire for texture and security. Guard: a projection or barrier that protects the hand, ranging from a simple crossguard to elaborate forms such as a basket or knuckle guard. Pommel: a counterweight at the end of the tang that helps balance the weapon and can aid in grip security.

Construction and balance: The hilt is mounted to the blade’s tang, and its proportions influence handling, control, and balance. The pommel’s weight can shift the center of gravity toward the hand, while grip material and texture affect grip confidence and fatigue. Hilts may also be decorated to reflect craft traditions or status.

Variants: European swords display a spectrum of hilt styles, including cruciform and basket hilts, among others. In East Asia, handles such as the katana’s tsuka combine with metal fittings and wrapping. In modern practice blades, hilts are optimized for fast, safe handling and modular replacement.

See also: sword, dagger, blade, guard, pommel. Etymology: from Old English hilt, meaning handle, with Germanic roots; used in English since the Middle Ages.