Xiphos

The xiphos (ξίφος; plural xiphe, ξίφη) is a double-edged, one-handed straight shortsword used by the Greeks. It is a secondary battlefield weapon for the Greek armies after the spear or javelin. The classic blade is generally about 45–60 cm (18–24 in) long, although the Spartans supposedly preferred to use blades as short as 30 cm (12 in) around the era of the Greco-Persian Wars. The xiphos sometimes has a midrib, and is diamond or lenticular in cross-section. It is a rather light weapon, with a weight around 450 to 900 grams or 1-2 lbs. It is generally hung from a baldric under the left arm. The xiphos is generally used only when the spear was broken, taken by the enemy, or discarded for close combat.
The xiphos' leaf-shaped design lends itself to both cutting and thrusting. The origin of the design goes back to the Bronze age, in fact, the blade of the xiphos looks almost identical to the blade of the Mycenean naue 2 sword, which itself transitioned from having a blade of bronze into a blade made of iron during the Archaic period. So it's very likely that the xiphos is the natural evolution of the iron version of the naue 2 but with a more sophisticated handle design.
The design of the xiphos has persisted up to the modern day, though most are now made of steel instead of iron.

Consturction

Most xiphe handles follow a two-piece construction (similar to a knife) using either native woods or for more exotic imports like ebony and animal bone. The two slabs are attached to the tang of the sword, secured via two or three pins and then made smooth via filing giving the characteristic oval shape of a xiphos grip. Hand guards usually follow a "bridge" shape and are either also of organic material or iron or a combination of both, also secured via pins on each point.

Item type

Weapon, Melee

Rarity

The xiphos is a very common secondary weapon amongst the armies of the western Medierran.

Weight

450 - 900 grams (1 - 2 pounds)

Dimensions

45 - 60 cm (18 - 24 in) long

Raw materials & Components

Blade: Steel (occasionally iron)
Grip: Wood or bone
Hand Guard: Organic material (wood or bone) and/or steel