History of the Sword

The evolution of the blade parallels humankind’s development of metallurgic technology. About 5000 years ago the Minoans developed metal-working technology, using primarily copper, gold and silver. The addition of tin to copper yielded a bronze alloy which was strong enough to make blades of reliable use.

By 4000 years ago, raiders of the Mediterranean, presumably from Russia, had developed double-edged weapons that could be used for cutting as well as stabbing. Because of the new stresses placed on blades used in this fashion, gradual advances were made in the shapes of the blade and tang to prevent the swords from essentially falling of their hilts during combat.

By about 2600 years ago the Assyrians controlled much of the middle-east, and their empire was founded on the ability to make blades of iron. European tribes at this time were also developing long iron swords, probably based on the Assyrian technology. By 2500 years ago, iron was used almost exclusively for edged weapons. The iron long sword ultimately proved to be too much even for the Roman Empire, and changed little from that time until the Middle Ages.

During the Middle Ages, swords became heavier and more ornamental. Because of the added weight of the sword, the quillon, or hand guard, was developed. This essentially prevented the hand from slipping off the handle and onto the blade itself. Through the Middle Ages, the quillon became more elaborate, sometimes forming a basket to protect the entire hand and making the sword nearly impossible to drop.

In the early Middle Ages, swords were the weapons of knights and nobility, to be used both from horseback and on foot. By the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, military tactics dictated the formation of large armies. Swords began to be issued to foot soldiers of all ranks to be used as their primary weapons. At this time, the traditional role of the knight began to evolve into the horsed cavalry, and their swords were used almost exclusively from horseback. Broadswords began to evolve into the modern saber.

The saber continued to be a weapon of use in warfare until World War I. Since that period, the new technologies developed in the American Civil War have advanced considerably, and the sword is now used primarily for decorative and formal purposes rather than combat.

Somewhat less is knows about the evolution of edged weapons in Asia prior to the Renaissance era, but beautifully ornamental swords and daggers from Asian regions have been dated back to the 1300’s. These include the Indian talwar, bhuj and bagh nakh; the more modern Indian Khanda; the Indonesian kris and mandau; and of course the daisho, haikuchi, hamidashi, kwaiken and nagamaki of Japan. The most historic of the swords of Japan is the tachi, the first samurai sword.

Japanese Swords - Samurai Swords

...To see specific categories of Japanese Samurai Swords of  selected by .. Japanese.....all of your questions about  Japanese Samurai Swords and any other oriental sword.....Authentic ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords and Armor

Collector offers a catalog of Japanese swords and military gear. Find a sword care guide.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai Armor, Swords and Weapons

Authentic reproduction of Japanese Armor (armour), Samurai Armor, Japanese Helmets (Kabuto with Mempo) as well as Swords and Weapons for display and/or re-enactment use. ... military class, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Extreme Swords For Sale;Japanese Swords:Cheap swords, swords online, d

Japanese Swords Many types of japanese swords like the Tachi, dating back hundreds of years, was the first sword to feature a long curved blade. Now they have become a symbol of status due ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords Arms & Armor Home

Sales and information regarding antique Japanese swords.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai

About the Japanese warriors: Samurai.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai swords

www.ejapaneseswords.com Your online source for the finest in Japanese swords and restoration services Welcome! After many years of collecting swords and living in Japan, I have decided to ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Chen Chao-Po Japanese Samurai Swords

Dealing in Japanese style swords made by Chen Chao-po.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Helpful information about Japanese Samurai swords

Helpful Information about Japanese Samurai Swords Many Japanese swords were brought to the United States during and after WWII (some estimate over 1 million). The majority of these swords ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords, Samurai Swords, Samurai Katana, Japanese Wakizashi, J

Search LINKS Home View Cart About Our Swords Forging Process Forum Contact Us Training Seminars Articles Show Schedule The Sword Samurai Swords Custom Samurai Swords Iaito Japanese Sword ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]