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.

Medieval Swords, Japanese Swords and LOTR Swords at Swordwarden

...and Japanese Samurai swords, Medieval swords, and movie swords including LOTR swords at ... this is Japan, every one carries a sword instead...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

FREE Japanese Sword Evaluations, ANTIQUE Firearms WANTED!, Swords and

... The Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo, Japan N.B.T.H.K. application ... Our Troops! About Japanese Swords & Related Items: Introduction ... of the Tang Items For Sale: Juyo Token Swords Fine ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Sword For Sale

High Quality Authentic Samurai Swords Hand ... Art Swords. The Japanese Sword Museum. Tokyo, Japan ... Items For Sale: Custom Sword Stands. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Archives Japanese History Page

Get Ready for Christmas Visit the Samurai Archives Store History: Featured Samurai: The Sengoku Period: - Famous Samurai - Samurai Culture - Military Rulers of Japan - Emperors and ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Aikido Center of Los Angeles

... 1550's in feudal Japan. This long ... of the ancient Samurai warrior are ... purchase and sale of fine swords ... on Japanese swords by Rev. Kensho ... 90012 (in Little Tokyo) (213) ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords After the Samurai

February 2002 Militaria: Japanese Swords After the Samurai By ... of Admiral Perry and the U.S. fleet into Tokyo Bay in 1853 Japan had essentially...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

International Travel - Japan Travel Information

Tips for Japan Travel - includes Japan maps, Japan hotels, Japanese culture, Japanese translators, and Japan pictures. ... from Narita Tokyo International Airport. Japan Air Travel ... ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Art.com

Samurai Art I offer for sale fine Japanese Swords,Fittings, Armor and Art I collect Japanese Swords and Samurai related items and Art. I will appraise items you may have at no charge, and ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords

Samurai swords are popular as antique art. There are many places to see and buy beautiful samurai swords. Samurai Swords... for Visitors. Samurai Swords. Japan for Visitors Blog ... picture ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Gavin's Japanese and Chinese art: Where to see Nihonto (Japanese...

076-275-8922. The process of producing samurai swords by Sumitani ... sword fittings." Japan Sword. 3-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Phone: 03...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]