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.

Weapons, how to Make and then Use them

...1000-1250AD. Sword Forum Magazine On-Line ..Sword Making Has how to make rapier hilts as.....with a weapon. Interesting. 13th century German Sword & Buckler Manual Very nice.....lots of ...

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Knife & Sword Books, Swordmaking Books, swords, swordmaking

...39.95 .. "Discover the colorful history of sword making, the ryu of Japan, the samurai.....backsword and rapier – as well as German sword and buckler and medieval sword.....the most ...

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Sword Forum International - What is your favorite era in sword...

2003 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 197 What is your favorite era in sword making? ... And mostly Nordic, English and German to be more specific.

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Sword Forum International - German swords??

It said ; in the height of the German sword making; the test was to strike the sword edge against stone and it must chip the stone ;

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Sword Reference Books

...presents here the best account of the sword-making process and the development and.....the most information ever published on German sword and edged weapon makers from the.....of every ...

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German Wald Sword by Rittersteel

... from an actual German hunting sword held in private collection. Swords such as these were carried for hunting and protection throughout the forests (Wald) with one hand making them a ...

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ButterflyVintage.com - German Sword Sword Makers Reference Book

... WW I (1914-18)> Germany> German Sword Sword Makers Reference Book Home ... & Insulators Breweriana, Beer Candle & Soap Making Casino Ceramics, Pottery Clocks Comics ...

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The Two-Handed Great Sword

...saber and short cutlass. European sword making technologies throughout the.....to make the point: Two-handed sword, German, c.1550 (IX.926). Weight: 7 lb 6oz.....Two-handed sword, ...

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Wrightsville Beach History

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History | home WB History Museum Exhibits Be A Donor Become A Member Contact Us Wrightsville Beach History The town of Wrightsville Beach occupies one of the ...

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THE JAPANESE SWORD INDEX

Japanese sword information; history, care, glossary, translate Kanji, oshigata, clubs, listservs, Japanese sword articles, links to Japanese sword sites, military swords, sword ...

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