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.

Sword Making : For Beginners who wish to learn to be a swordsmith

...apply to making a complete blade. Option 1: Wooden Sword / Knife.. To make a model sword.....for Dummies (Original Title) Sword Making Made Simple (Paw-Paw's suggestion.....exotic) is ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword Making

The making of the sword All steel swords face a basic dilemma: the steel has to be hard so it ... in shirasaya, this is a plain wooden storage...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Wooden Weapons, hand made wooden weapons, wood wasters, wood swords,..

Here at Wooden Weapons, we Craft and design ... to email us, go to our Design a Sword Page, or ... We here at WoodenWeapons started making...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword Making : For Beginners who wish to learn to be a swordsmith

Sword Making, starting with 'why?' Offers optional projects and resources. ... techniques described apply to other methods and all apply to making a complete blade. Option 1: Wooden Sword / ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

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? ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword Making

Roman Viking Medieval JELLING DRAGON Construction of a Viking sword How we make our unique battle-ready swords. Types of Steel Used EN45 Used for sword blades. A modern silicon-manganese ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Mosaic-in-the-making

Home Michael the Archangel Male Torso Mid. Night's Dream Celestial Bird Dante's Inferno Carnevale di Venezia Gryphon Gothic Angel Triumph of Lust Composite Reproduction Fig. 1: Icon with ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword Making Part 1

A selection of individual Samurai swords as well as 4 piece sets. Also, calvary swords, sabers, etc. ... videos, manuals, wooden martial arts weapons, and uniforms. 2. Arts & Crafts ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

WOODWORKING: Making a Bokuto

Buying or Making a Bokuto ... OBTAINING A BOKUTO. The wooden sword is usually made from oak, maple or hickory if it is to be used in partner...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

The Harvard Kung Fu Club

... February 26, 2004: The Harvard Tai Chi Tiger Crane Club will be hosting a Wooden Sword-Making Workshop in early March at Adams House. Stay tuned for more information! February 25, 2004: ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]