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.

Samurai Swords Ninjitsu Ninja Shirasaya Tachi Dragon Fantasy Chinese

Swords Samurai Japanese Medieval Fantasy Stainless Steel Combat full tang chinese wooden foam fantasy cane dragon head alloy tachi tai chi tanto...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Shirasaya Samurai Swords

Lots of information about Shirasaya Samurai Swords. Links and articles about Fibromyalgia Syndrome symptoms and treatment. ... Your source for Shirasaya Samurai Swords. History of the Sword ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Lord's Armory Samurai Swords Natural Shirasaya

Samurai Swords . Specs Overall Stainless Steel Katana 38-1/2" 420C Wakazashi 25-1/2" 420C Item # Name Price Sale Add to Cart 200 Natural wood Shirasaya long $231 $207 201 Natural wood ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Lord's Armory Oriental Shirasaya Style Samurai Swords

Shirasaya Style samurai Samurai Swords...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

The Devilfinder Search Engine - Lord's Armory Samurai Swords R

...swrds3.html..... Rich Brown Shirasaya. Samurai Swords - Black saya w/gold emblem.....swrds3.html..... Rich Brown Shirasaya. Samurai Swords - Black saya w/gold emblem.....Devil Ads: ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

4pc O-REN ISHII KILL BILL SHIRASAYA SAMURAI SWORDS SET

...4pc O-REN ISHII KILL BILL SHIRASAYA SAMURAI SWORDS SET - prices from sales all.....Web....4pc O-REN ISHII KILL BILL SHIRASAYA SAMURAI SWORDS SET.. Price: $9.99.. 13..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

38 1/2" SHIRASAYA SAMURAI SWORD - 38 1/2" SHIRASAYA SAMURAI KATANA SWO

...15-JS703B.. Item Name: 38 1/2" SHIRASAYA SAMURAI SWORD.. Description: 38 1/2.....PENNSAUKEN, NJ - Fantasy, Samurai, Katana, Swords - Daggers - Hunting, Pocket Knives.....MEDIEVAL ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Shirasaya Swords

... Samurai Shirasaya Swords. Dragon Double Blade Stick Sword Carbon Steel ... Our Bamboo Shirasaya samurai sword is made of an Impressive natural wood scabbard and wood handle ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Hanwei Shirasaya Samurai Sword

The Steel Source, For Hanwei Shirasaya Samurai Sword...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Shirasaya Swords

... Swords Sword Terminology Tang Types Samurai Sword Info Sword Maintenance Samurai Swords Classic Dragon Styalized Dragon Shirasaya Swords Steel Blade Swords Styalized Steel Alloy Blade ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]