reactor1967
Quantum Scribe
Knowing more about the sword goes along with what your intentions are in using it. For use on a thief in the night, probably dont need to know much more than the blade will do what you want it too.
For those into re-enactment scenarios, and duel with others on a consistent basis, would certainly want to know what it is they are using in combat.
The U-Groove, is a Blood Channel, or Blood Groove, to ( in theory ) drain the blood from body thrust wounds and prevent the blade from sticking within the wound. Wouldn't want anything to slow down the movement of the blade, inside or outside the opponent.
I once had some friends who were big into SCA. That has been a long time ago. I use to go and watch them fight (Not to the point of causing harm). I even camped out with them a couple of times. They were big into stuff being what they called "Period". Meaning as real as possible to the time it came from. I never joined though I just watched for my own interest. I once brewed up some mead (made with honey) and a local chapter had sword fights and the victor got the mead. It was fun. I don,t know how to sword fight myself but I have read the basic concepts.