Editing Xiphos (section)

== Construction ==
Most ''xiphe'' handles followed a two-piece construction (similar to a knife) using either native woods or, for more exotic imports, ebony and animal bone. The two slabs were 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 followed a "bridge" shape and were either also of organic material or iron or a combination of both, also secured via pins on each point. Some swords found in Italy or Macedonia tended to have an iron extension/reinforcement running along the handle (see picture of modern reconstruction of a ''xiphos'' made by Manning Imperial above).

There have been finds of ''xiphe'' with hilts decorated with gold foil. These swords were most likely ceremonial since they are always found in burial sites.

Surviving ''xiphe'' are relatively rare, but appear alongside iron weapons in burial sites, indicating both a household status and continued use into the Iron Age.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bachrach, Bernard S.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/961307661|title=Warfare in medieval Europe, c.400-c.1453|others=Bachrach, David S., 1971-|year=2017|isbn=978-1-138-88765-7|location=London|oclc=961307661}}</ref>