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.

We offer samurai swords, japanese swords and other swords.

...Katanas.. We also offer Medieval weapons, Japanese swords, Samurai swords, Antiques.....process. If there is any medieval weapons, Japanese swords or samurai swords that you do.....Tachi ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

BladeZZ - Medieval, Japanese Samurai Swords, Replica Swords

...Swords, Replica Swords, Japanese Samurai Swords, Medieval Swords, Replica Swords.....Biji tested and approved! Japanese Samurai Swords, Medieval Daggers and Swords, Lord of.....the Rings ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

BladeZZ - Swords, Lord of the Ring Swords, Replica Swords

Lord of the Rings Swords, Replica Swords, Japanese Samurai Swords, Medieval Swords, Replica Swords, Sword Canes, Kill Bill Bride's Sword...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords, Katanas, Tantos, Wakizashi

Samurai Swords Including Katanas, Tantos, Sword Sets and More Designed for display, reenactment, sword play, competition and fun. Whether medieval or martial arts, professional or ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword sword Swords swords

...and sword 15134 samurai sword 9611 medieval sword 8714 japanese sword 6505.....427 long sword ....Home > Sword sword Swords swords.. ..Click "HOME" to ENTER.....sword..  15134 ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Swords and Armour

Browse the collection of medieval swords, Samurai katanas and full suits of armor. Find details for special orders and international deliveries.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Swords and Fencing Terminology and Glossary.

...Battle Ready Swords.. Japanese & Oriental Swords.. Medieval Swords & Daggers.. Medieval.....Terminology.. Medieval and Renaissance Swords and Daggers Terminology .. Medieval.....Windlass ...

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

Japanese swords and Samurai martial arts products featuring a 144 page 800 product catalog dedicated to feudal era samurai warrior lifestyle.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Japanese Armor and Weaponry

Sites that offer images and info concerning medieval Japanese weaponry.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]