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.

NetSword: The Internet Sword and Medieval Weapons Discussion Group --

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JAPANESE SWORD MAKING COMPETITION

NBTHK SHINSAKUTO COMPETITIONS Each year the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kai (NBTHK) holds a sword making competition in Tokyo. Below are the results of the 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 ...

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Howstuffworks "How Sword Making Works"

... com > Big List of Articles > Get the Newsletter > Shop for Top Products > Search HSW and the Web Search Google Main > People > Culture How Sword Making Works by Jeff ...

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Articles on Japanese sword making, polishing, glossary, and list of further resources.

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swords' making steps

Sword Making Steps ... 1. Decide which kind of sword you are going to make.

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THE JAPANESE SWORD INDEX

...Changes.. General Tojo's Tanto.. Sword Making Competitions.. A Sword Named "White.....changes, styles of koshirae, NBTHK sword making competition results and more. Sword.....Kenzo ( ...

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The Knightly Newsletter - Medieval History

The online version of our free email newsletter, from your Mining Co. Guide

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FilmSwords.com - The Vic Anselmo Sword

Authenticated and exacting re-creations of swords and armor made famous in film, television, literature and fantasy art. The Vic Anselmo Sword 20th Anniversary Editions Photo of the ...

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Howstuffworks "How Sword Making Works"

...of Contents:› Introduction to How Sword Making Works.. › Sword Components.. › Part of.....The centuries-old art of sword making involves incredibly intricate.....Main > People > ...

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NetSword: The Internet Sword and Medieval Weapons Discussion Group --

NetSword is an Internet discussion group for medieval and renaissance swords, daggers and associated weapons of war. In this series of forums we discuss modern replicas of historical swords ...

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