hilt

This term specifically describes the grip and protective elements of a bladed weapon. It encompasses not just the handle, but often the crossguard and pommel, creating a distinct structural unit that separates the user's hand from the blade. When used in the phrase "to the hilt," the word shifts from a physical object to a measure of depth or intensity. This expression indicates that something has been pushed to its absolute limit or completed fully, mirroring the action of plunging a blade entirely into a target.