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.

Wallace Sword, Early Scottish Claymore

The Wallace Sword. William Wallace and his band of lowland scots routed an English force of 50,000 at Stirling Castle in 1297. This impressive sword with it's straight steel cross quard is ...

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Circle of the Sword

The Circle's Gallery The pictures in this gallery will be rotated on a frequent basis. The pictures are a visual representation of members and what they do in the group. If you like a ...

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claymore sword

This famous two handed battle sword was used by Scottish clansmen for hundreds of years. The Claymore as it was called, was feared because of its...

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SRobert the Bruce medieval Claymore Sword, reproduced from a 16th...

New from the Valiant Armoury collection, the all steel Claymore sword. With Free Shipping and Toll Free ordering.

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Claymore Sword Characteristics

Scottish Claymore swords are powerful swords very likely used by William Wallace, the man who inspired the movie <i>Braveheart</i>. ... Home > Sports > Medieval Weapons ...

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#100 Highland Claymore

Toll Free Order Line 1-800-745-7345. PHOTO GALLERY PAGE. #100 Highland Claymore. The claymore is one of the most recognizable swords in history. ... hand style of sword. Shorter and ...

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Claymores.com - Official Club Website of the Scottish Claymores

Official site of the Scottish Claymores...

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Identify sword or gun

pistol, rifle, revolver, antique gun, percussion musket, flintlock pistols, wheellock guns, colt, Japanese sword, samurai swords, pepperbox, pinfire, military weapons, arms & armour, German ...

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Great Claymore Sword - N2011

...This To A Friend.. Great Claymore Sword.. Claymore Blade: 2-1/4"W x 45"L. Overall.....Home> Swords> Functional Swords> Great Claymore Sword.. E-mail.....N2011, Claymore Blade ...

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Fireblood Arms - The William Wallace Claymore Sword.

... 288.00 The William Wallace Claymore Sword The earliest Scottish clansmen were strong and fearless. They wielded large swords with a simple yet powerful design. One of these legends was ...

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