Unusual sword

[fernando]

Hi Katana
The experts in the Forum should know a lot about this subject. I beleive the flaming blades have different reasons, depending on the purpose of the object. Probably only for symbolic and visual impact in non combat pieces. However those seen in action swords, the heavy stuff, are basicaly intended to offer a multiple cutting area. It should cut ( slash ) quicker and deeper. This looking to have some logic, is ( at least ) quoted in this nice book of the Portuguese arms evolution by Eduardo Nobre.
So far i find Congoblades piece a unique situtation, as i can not trace, neither in pictures nor in texts, a half waved blade. Certainly there is some material out there, waiting to be spoted. Till then, Rick's aproach on the halfswording hipothesis, prevails as best, i would say.
fernando