Belegarth

I've been looking into foam smithing a few weapons and one major thing hasn't really come up: pommels. Sure, they are mentioned as they count for overall length and they are what you specify weapon class on, but I have a super important question:

Do you actually need a pommel on your weapon? I understand the benefits and such, but are they actually required on weapons.

For safety, yes. In close quarters fighting, the pommel prevents what could be some nasty injuries.

1.3.4. The Weapon pommel must not readily pass more than 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) through a 2 inch (5 cm) diameter hole.

Weapons need pommels to protect the bottom end of the core. It is a matter of safety, as Muffin said.

To add some anecdote to the conversation: I was fighting with a guy about 6" taller than I am, and as I moved up next to him as he was bring his arm around following a strike (we were on the same team) I caught the pommel of his sword square in the eye. Due to the size of the pommel, it was unable to enter the socket. I ended up with a great shiner from it, but I didn't end up with a fiberglass rod in my eye.

Thanks. I kind of figured I would need one, but just wanted to know for sure.