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.

Imperial Weapons

Swords, daggers, knives and martial arts equipment, including battle ready Medieval swords and limited edition Last Legend samurai swords; order form, accepts credit cards, shop in ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

What makes Last Legend katana swords so great

...Last Legend's Field, Tsunami, and Dragon katanas...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Last Samurai

... statue of this iconic legend, standing at 5 feet ... Midnight Black Samurai Sword Set - On Sale ... to choose from! » Cane Swords have become all the ... Enter Prize Drawing Last ...

[ 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 ]

Last Ninja Archives: The C64 Last Ninja Crew

Introduction Last Ninja 4 Downloads LN engine Artwork News Music Fun stuff Walkthroughs Manuals: [1] [2] [3] Message Board Book of Ninja The LN Crew LN CDs Items eMail Credits Banners Main ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Silver Leaf Antiques

... Swords, daggers, knives and martial arts equipment, including battle ready Medieval swords and limited edition Last Legend samurai swords; order form, accepts credit cards, shop in ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Last Legend Catalog (Bright Blades)

Last Legend Competition Blades Bright Blades is an authorized retailer of Last Legend Spirit of the Samurai limited edition competition blades. Made by Hanwei Steel, the same people who ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval sword and Katana sword index, also Fantasy Swords and Samurai

... Swords and katana swords, Last Legend Competition Katanas, Samurai Swords by Paul Chen and Movie Swords all ... Swords by. Last Legend & Paul Chen Samurai Swords & Tai Chi ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

weapons guide, weapons directory

... Imperial Weapons - Swords, daggers, knives and martial arts equipment, including battle ready Medieval swords and limited edition Last Legend samurai swords; order form, accepts credit ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval swords supplier, weapons, fantasy and samurai swords by Imper

... Swords, daggers, knives and martial arts equipment are just ... Renaissance Steel-to-Steel swords, daggers, Bowie knives and ... We have the Last Legend line of swords and axes, some ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]