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.

Doug's Swordmaking Page

Sword Making Instructions page of Doug the Swordman's personal web site ... Sword Making. - My Sword Making Information, Methods and Instruction ... Just lots of small, simple steps all put ...

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HowStuffWorks - How Sword Making Works

Learn how swords are made. Provides a step-by-step guide to making a sword at home.

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Australian Literary Management - Peter Timms - Making Gardens

URL of this page http://www.austlit.com/chapters/timms-origins.html Authors: A to E | F to K | L to Q | R to Z | home Back to Peter Timms author note Peter Timms Making Gardens Chapter One ...

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Software Infrastructures Group (SWIG) - Stanford University

... 2002, Callicoon, New York, June 20-21. (pdf) SWORD: A Developer Toolkit for Web Service ... May 2001. (ps pdf) Appliance Data Services: Making Steps Towards an Appliance Computing ...

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Caswell Studios making a pattern welded sword of the migration,...

Visit the link for details.

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Junk English Book Excerpts

J U N K E N G L I S H b y K e n S m i t h Junk English Home Introduction Excerpts About Ken Smith Other Books New Junk Reviews Contact Ken Send us your best Junk! If you've spotted a choice ...

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Sword Forum International - What are the steps in making a sword....

Registered: Mar 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6 What are the steps in making a sword.... Simple like what comes first.

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SWORDS OF IRON, SWORDS OF STEEL Article by Bruce Blackistone

There were at least a good dozen patterns used, and the permutations are endless, so I will describe the making of one of the simpler types.

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Howstuffworks "How Sword Making Works"

The centuries-old art of sword making involves incredibly intricate metal work, and it's still being practiced today. Get a rare glimpse into the creation of this ancient weaponry. ... ...

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Blacksmithing and Metalworking Q&A : anvilfire Guru page : Novembe

...and we need to make a poster with steps on making a object/finished project and then.....work cold. It might be a little thin for a sword unless you are making one of those.....my ...

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