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.

Materials for forging finished metal component parts,machining,fabrica

About Queen City Forging For over 120 years, QC Forge has solved customer's most urgent problems, preventing product failure that threatens success in a competitive and hostile marketplace. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Chinese Kitchen Knives

...Japan's historical center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a.....Japan's historical center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

António Conceição Júnior

ANTÓNIO CONCEIÇÃO JÚNIOR WORKS BY THIS AUTHOR GRAPHIC DESIGN PAINTING EXHIBITION DESIGN PHOTO ALBUMS EXHIBITION AT MODERN ART CENTER BALLET CONCEPT & GARMENTS DESIGN FASHION DESIGN COINS & ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

shun knives - collectible-swords.com - swords and armor

...Japan?s historical center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a.....Blades offers low prices on collectible swords, knives, daggers, axes, ninja swords..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords Samurai Katana Swords and Weapons

... from ASSAB K-120C Swedish steel. The steel manufacturing process provides excellent dispersion of ... Orchid Folded Samurai Swords Steel in the Blades is ASSAB K-120 ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Shun Knives: Collector Knives on The top vertical position

...Historical center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a.....century tradition. Center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Shun Knives: Industrial Knives on sound judgement

...circular knives center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a.....travel nurse.. discontinuing lexapro.. swords and knives.. software leasing.. game..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Knife Cutlery

... 8 $120.00 Originating in Seki City Japan's historical center for manufacturing samurai swords Shun knives are heirs to a seven-century tradition of superior workmanship. Every Shun ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Forging - Forging Samurai Swords

... Forging Samurai Swords. Steel Shaft Forgings. Alloy Steels Forgings. Forgings Steel Bar. Manufacturing Of ... Samurai Swords. Japanese Swords, Samurai Swords, Samurai Katana, Japanese ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Finishing metal component parts,machining,fabricating, O.E.M., origina

About Queen City Forging For over 120 years, QC Forge has solved customer's most urgent problems, preventing product failure that threatens success in a competitive and hostile marketplace. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]