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.

Samurai, Medieval Swords, and Military Sabers.

Historical Swords: Ancient, Medieval Swords & Military Sabers. Swords, Fencing Foils and Military Sabers From Around the World. Swords on Sale Functional Swords Ancient Swords Medieval ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords Samurai Katana Swords and Weapons

Orchid Folded Samurai Swords Steel in the Blades is ASSAB K-120 Powdered Steel from Sweden. ... Functional Cannons Arms and Armor Bookstore...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

handmade japanese swords for sale - collectible-swords.com - swords an

...and has for sale functional Japanese swords, both in the samurai, and ninja styles.....Always Low Priced Swords web site Excellent Sale Offer!HandMade Last Samurai sword ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Battle Ready Japanese Samurai Swords

...only the best Japanese Samurai Swords at our lowest possible price. Although all the Samurai Swords on this page are fully functional or...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Hanwei Samurai & Japanese Functional Swords

Our Hanwei line of Samurai weapons promotoes the availability of authentically crafted pieces at ... Functional and Decorative Swords Sword - Shinto Blade in Shirasaya Regular price: ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai Swords

Samurai Swords. Japanese Samurai swords are the ancient Oriental art of battle and its reflected in ... into a blade and have no functional value...

[ 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 ]

functional samurai swords - collectible-swords.com - swords and armor

...information and resources on functional samurai swords.....Looking for functional.....and Weapons .. ... Oriental Swords for Sale, Hand Forged and Folded Steel Battle.....Providing ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Dragon Motifs and Collectible Fantasy Swords Knives Daggers and More!

... Dragons Cavern Cutlery Banner Exchange HOLIDAY SALE 20% OFF EVERYTHING (Discount applied at ... GARGOYLES FANTASY SWORDS SAMURAI SWORDS MEDIEVAL SWORDS FUNCTIONAL SWORDS CUTLASS & ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Swords,Daggers,Armor,Medieval,Renaissance Weapons

Swords, Daggers, Battle Ready Helmets and Armor, Medieval Weapons Swords Daggers & Knives Helmets & Armor Axes & Weapons Sword Specials Samurai Swords Only: $29.99 Go to: Sword Specials Top ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]