User blog comment:Laquearius/Harpalyce vs Penthesilea/@comment-422690-20170826152050

So...

Short Range: Tie. Both swords are useful, and both swords will find their way around shields. The Pelte is made more for deflection than a full block, and a skilled warrior can find their way around that style; further, is Harpalyce tries to go for a full block, the shield is like as not to get broken. The Xiphos, on the other hand, is made to get around shields like the Aspis; Harpalyce will be able to strike from angles Penthesilea wouldn't expect. The Aspis - as one would actually have been made, not the one Deadliest Warrior used - covered from the shoulder to the knee; this leaves a lot of space for a forward-curving sword to strike around it. Edge: Even.

Mid Range: Romphaia wins. Based on the shape of the blade - and historical illustrations - the Romphaia would be used more like an axe that can stab than a sword. Sweeping, powerful blows are the name of the game here, and if we go by the later example of zweihanders, this is an effective tactic for breaking spears and rendering them useless. This is a bigger deal than normal, as spears were typically the main weapon of the Greek and Trojan armies; bows, swords, and the like were typically used only as backup weapons. What this means is that Harpalyce can wreck Penthesilea's best armament. Edge: Harpalyce.

TBC