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.

Killing Ifrit - Forums - Traditional Samurai

... so that you aren't making akward movements, but ... have done it the traditional way, give a katana ... that do you mean the Samurai used Guerilla warfare ... difference between the ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Battle Ready Japanese Samurai & Tai Chi Practice Swords

Full line of fully functional, battle ready and tested Japanese Samurai, Tai Chi and Ninja swords as well as weapons. Featured swords and weapons are by Paul Chen, Hanwei and Cold Steel. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Historical Sword Replicas by Hanwei, Art Gladius, Armaduras Medievales

... of Oriental Samurai swords ... swords are made with a traditional tang design, where the "handed" portion of the blade is hammered for fitting of a handle piece, instead of ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Joi Ito's Web: Japanese Culture Archives

...Yakuza continue this tradition, even though swords are no longer the weapon of choice.....Comments (97) | TrackBack (7) The Last Samurai and the Japanese code of honor.. 15.....know ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

ISF/AB/KTRR Newsletter - selected articles & files

Following are copies of our Federation newsletter (online form) as well as excerpts and archived files from our previous newsletters. We no longer accept subsriptions for the newsletter, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords, Japanese Swords, Katana Sword

Fully Functional Battle Ready, Folded and High Carbon Steel Japanese Samurai swords (katana). Featured Japanese swords and weapons are by Paul Chen, Hanwei and Cold Steel. ... of Japanese ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Hanwei Practical Katana and Wakizashi Samurai Swords

...medieval swords and weaponry Also samurai, ninja ... tempered using a traditional claying method. ... affected by using fittings, which, while...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai Swords

Samurai Swords. Japanese Samurai swords are the ancient ... from special high carbon Japanese steel making it an ... Traditional Sword...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

JAPANESE AND ASIAN BOOKS - NICHI BEI BUSSAN

|ASIAN REFERENCE| |COOKING & FOOD PRESENTATION| |GARDENING & FLOWER ARRAINGING| |CRAFTS| MARTIAL ARTS Perfect Karate - By: Shigeru Oyama. Over 900 photos with detailed explanations to guide ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

HyperCafe Japanese Sword Shop, providing the supplies and fittings...

...this September, Nihonto is also called as Itaito, Katana, Samurai Sword. ... been captivated by the elegance and complexity of traditional art...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]