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.

Blacksmithing and Metalworking Q&A : anvilfire Guru page : July 25

...good info out there. I especially liked the sword making faq. As an armorer I've had.....are two simple methods. One is to use a wood stump. This has the advantage of soft.....how it is ...

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keenjunk.com - Blacksmiths Junkyard Archive/November 2000/Week 5

...Oh yeah, dadx6 and company are making their sword out of a car axle. Only remembered.....to hold a piece of wood while you shape the wood with a draw knife -- like making barrel.....to ...

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Free project plan - How to make a walking stick

Figure 2 2. Glue the two pieces of wood as shown in FIG 2 using the F clamps ie. 2 X 19mm = 38mm thick.

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Cup of Coffee

... you haven't checked it out please stop by. I have ... For more images of the sword go to Dha-Chi. New ... work; a source for Ho wood for saya; Frugal ... galleries covering the making a ...

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World

Purpleheart Armouries Company FAQ Frequently Asked Questions: What is Purpleheart Armoury? What questions should I as before buying a waster? Why are Purpleheart Armoury wasters superior? ...

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...coves) in wood. I've used it to make wooden sword ... Hi Doug I'm a South African interested in sword making but Africa is not the best place...

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Show Off Your Projects

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anvilfire Guru Question and Answer Page - July 15 - 30, 1999 Archive

...field. However, if you go into knife or sword making you need to know a lot more than.....All you need is a box(make an hearth out of wood and line with clay) run a pipe (3.....07/20/99 ...

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Paul M Friendly Forumite. Registered: Sep 2002 Location: Posts: 32 Making a sword scabbard? ... gist seems to be two halves of wood with lining in...

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Sword Making - Katana

Welcome to Dr. Herolds page of when she took a trip to Japan. We hope that you find this site educational as well as entertaining and also hope that this page will be the breakthrough of an ...

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