Editing Szczerbiec (section)

=== Blade ===
The blade is {{convert|82|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, up to {{convert|5|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} wide (about 5&nbsp;cm from the crossguard) and {{convert|3|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} thick. The [[Fuller (weapon)|fuller]] is about {{convert|74|cm|in|abbr=on}} long and, on average, {{convert|2|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide.{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|p=111}} [[Metallography|Metallographic]] analysis has shown that the blade was forged from unevenly [[Carburizing|carburized]] semi-hard [[bloomery]] steel. Apart from [[iron]], the material contains, by weight, 0.6 percent of [[carbon]], 0.153 percent of [[silicon]], 0.092 percent of [[phosphorus]], and other elements. Numerous [[slag]] inclusions found in the steel are typical for medieval iron smelting technology. Part of the blade was hardened by [[quenching]]. Unlike the hilt, the blade would have been fully functional as a weapon of war.{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|pp=102–105}} The surface of the blade is covered with deep scratches along its length, a result of intensive cleaning from rust before every coronation, probably with sand or brick powder. Inactive spots of corrosion may be also found on the entire surface.{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|pp=105–106}}

Just below the hilt, there are three perforations in the fuller of the blade. The largest is a rectangular slot that is {{convert|64|mm|in|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|8.5|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide. This opening, known in Polish as ''szczyrba'' or ''szczerba'', was originally caused by rust and, in the 19th century, polished into a regular shape.{{sfnp|Lileyko|1987|ps=|p=70}}{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|p=106}} A small heraldic shield colored with oil paint{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|p=140}} is fastened to the slot.{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|p=113}}{{sfnp|Lileyko|1987|ps=|p=70}} It is roughly triangular in shape, with the sides measuring from {{convert|4|to|4.5|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|p=111}} The shield, bearing the [[coat of arms of Poland|White Eagle]] of Poland, was originally attached to the [[scabbard]], or sheath. The Gothic scabbard, with a golden or silver locket and chape, was probably created in 1320 and lost between 1819 and 1874. The shield is the only preserved element of the sheath. It was tilted to the left – from the onlooker's point of view – while it was fastened to the scabbard's locket, but today it is aligned with the blade. The eagle on the red field of the shield is white, with a golden crown, bands across the wings, ring on the tail, and talons.{{sfnp|Lileyko|1987|ps=|pp=70–72}} The two other perforations are round holes, {{convert|24|mm|in|abbr=on}} apart. The upper one, just below the slot, is {{convert|28|mm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter, while the other measures only {{convert|1.4|mm|in|abbr=on}}. They were probably punched in the 19th century to fasten the heraldic shield to the blade.{{sfnp|Biborski|Stępiński|Żabiński|2011|ps=|p=106}}