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.

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WWII Japanese Military Sword (Shin-Gunto)

To date, gunto has been just regarded as poor-made swords used in WWII. Japanese have had bad memory about...

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Japanese Military Reference

Provides information on WWII Japanese military swords.

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Time Traveler - Japanese Swords

JAPANESE Samurai & Other Swords -Page S-J74. WWII Japanese Samurai Sword, ( Katana ) in a single ring wood Scabbard, The Blade is bright...

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Japanese Sword Restoration Parts - Fittings Gallery

Back Fittings Themes Home The following fitting sets represent some of the more popular, traditional Samurai themes found on Japanese swords. Click on thumbnails for more complete images ...

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Japanese Swords

Seaox is located in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. ... NOT regulate the sale of fake Japanese Swords which are advertised as "Real" and/or "Antique" Japanese ... Information ...

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eBay and Fake WWII Japanese Swords

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Japanese Swords, Antique swords, WWII swords, Tsuka-maki, Translations

Circle M Tsuka-maki (Hilt wrapping) and Japanese Swords. David McDonald. P.O. Box 265. Sidney MT 59270. 406-482-3243 evening - mountain time. 1. Care and handling--Information on the normal ...

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Samurai Swords and Armor

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

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Japanese Samurai sword collector

Japanese Samurai swords - Sword collector interested in buying ... Japanese Samurai Swords. Mission Statement. To assist owners wishing to sell their Japanese Samurai sword or swords to ...

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