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.

walking Canes Sword

Walking Cane Sword SS Blade With Aluminium Pipe. FS-3052. Walking Cane Sword SS Blade With Aluminium Pipe. FS-3053. Walking Cane Sword SS Blade With Aluminium Pipe. FS-3054. Walking Cane ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Walking Canes - http://www.martialartsgear.com/

Walking Canes : Cane Fighting Equipment, Cane Dragon Black Secret Swords Invisable Blade Hidden Special Blades Dragon Cane Sword Unrevealed Concealed...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Walking Sticks Index 5

...sticks.. sword walking staff.. sword walking sticks.. tai chi walking sticks.. the.....walking sticks.. quad designer walking canes.. rattan walking canes.. rattan walking.....walking ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Cane Swords and Walking Sticks

Cane Swords by United Cutlery These sword canes are fully-functional. Designed for display, reenactment and sword play. Whether medieval or martial arts, professional or collectible, we ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

▶All About Exercise | Exercise, Exercise equipment, Exercise tra

...Article: Sword Walking Stick.. Sword Walking Stick ALL ABOUT EXERCISE:  Walking.....La..Swivel Double Jogging Stroller..Walking Canes For The Blind..Water Aerobic.. Contact.....effects" ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Walking Canes, Antique and Collectible Canes, Sword Canes, Traditional

...finest in walking canes, including antique canes, sword canes, hand carved canes, ans.....our Selections .. ANTIQUE CANES ~ SWORD CANES ~ HAND CARVED CANES  ..  MISC. CANES.....Walking ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Distinguished Cane Swords and Sword Canes

Cane Swords or Sword Canes are of the best quality which are the : The Burgundy Sword Cane ... The Ram's Head Walking Cane is 36 inches long, has...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Collectible cane - decorative cane, antique cane, walking cane, cane

If you are looking for a antique cane or antique walking stick, please contact us. Are you ready to purchase a cane and walking stick, we have many to choose from. We have specialty custom ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Extremely Sharp: Sword & Walking Canes Section

Flasks. Metaphysical and Occult. Specials. About ES. Community Center. FAQ. Gift Ideas. How to Guides. Sword & Walking Canes ... Item # Item...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

J & L, Swords, Sword Canes

Sword Canes. Home > Swords > Sword Canes ... The Cobra Sword Cane can be used as a walking cane or a sword.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]