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.

High Quality Swords on Sale at www.AllSwords.com

Great deals on large selection of high quality swords. Selection includes Samurai Swords, Sword Canes, Licensed Film Swords and Historical Swords Replicas as well as many other swords. ... ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Welcome to defense knives and sword sale - katana japanese swords

katana japanese swords defense knives and sword sale Click HERE for access to the internet's best collection of practical self defense blades! We offer knives and swords of every style, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

WA School of Japanese Swordsmanship

Teaches Kenjutsu, the Japanese system of fighting with swords. Students primarily train with the Katana, but also with the Wakisashi, Tanto, Shuriken and Bo. Gallery, instructor profiles, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Moonlit Forge

Japanese Swords Sword Blades For Knifemakers Performance salt bath Custom Swords Custom Katana wakizashi small knives tanto tameshigiri

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai Sword Store

Japanese Samurai Swords & Weapons Sword Search Home Authentic Samurai Swords Japanese Katana Swords Japanese Wakizashi Swords Japanese Tanto Swords Paul Chen Swords Ninja Swords & Weapons ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Renaissance weapon- Swords, bladed weapons, renrenaissance clothing.

Renaissance Weapons Providing you only the finest in museum quality replica swords and renaissance clothing If you are a collector who is interested in fine collectibles, who's designs have ...

[ 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 Swords, Japanese Swords, Katana Sword

Fully Functional Battle Ready, Folded and High Carbon Steel Japanese Samurai swords (katana). Featured Japanese swords and weapons are by Paul Chen, Hanwei and Cold Steel. ... functional, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

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 ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords, Samurai Swords, Samurai Katana, Japanese Wakizashi,..

Bugei Trading Company offers traditional Japanese samurai swords and weapons, including Katana Swords, Wakizashi Swords, Iaito Swords,Tanto, Tessen,

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]