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On a sword or some knives, the crossguard (or cross-guard), also known as quillons, is a bar of metal at right angles to the blade, placed between the blade and the hilt. The crossguard stops the wielder from punching shields while swinging the weapon, thereby protecting the user's hand. It also prevents other blades from sliding down onto the hand of the weapon wielder during combat.
The bar crossguard is the simplest form of guard. Swords evolved into lighter, faster duelling weapons whilst the gauntlet of armour became obsolete, so the crossguard became more elaborate, forming first quillons and then, through the addition of guard branches, the basket hilt, which offered more protection to the swordbearer's hand.
Crossguards sometimes contained openings through which the swordbearer could insert his fingers to improve his grip while fighting.
See also
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