I love experimental archeology so much. Like the recent theory that viking shields were un-rimmed so an enemy's sword would bite in to it, then you could use the shield as a lever to twist the sword out of their hands or out of position? Gorgeous!
I got to handle a "real", as in poured in bronze in the proper manner, Xiphos that an archeology grad student made and omg it gave me so much respect for the xiphos as a weapon. It was so handy, it pointed exactly where i wanted with no effort. People say " such and such was an extension of their arm" but that's how this little sword felt the moment i held it.
Love that you find all this stuff for us @Tervell@hexbear.net