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.

anvilfire Guru page for June 8 - 14, 2001

...are others variables. Small MIG machines use "dip transfer" and larger machines use.....recently became interested in the making of swords. I have to admit that this was mainly.....are ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Armart

Company produces custom designed, fully hand made, reproduction ancient and Medieval style swords, daggers, knives and fire arms for collections, reenactments, theater props, and stage ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Weapons | Medieval Swords | Medieval Armor

Quality medieval weapons and knight armor. Lord of the Rings swords and replica weaponry for reenactors and collectors ... High Quality Replica Medieval Weapons, Armor, Swords. Imported ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Mediaeval Sword

Essentially all of the earliest medieval swords and many throughout the period were designed ... to view copyright information and use permissions...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval swords : suits of armor, shields - helmets

Japanese Samurai medieval swords - suits of armor store - much more medieval shields ... Shipping: We always use heavy weight cartons and natural...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Swords and Renaissance Clothing

We carry high quality Renaissance swords and clothing, battle-ready swords, decorative Medieval swords, armour, shields and other weaponry of the past and present. ... the largest online ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

anvilfire Guru page for January 1 - 7, 2001

...up and require dressing but only after much use. I used to use my combination stones and.....in medieval manuscripts.. (late medieval) of both cannon and handgonnes fired.....27 GMT .. i ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

True Blades: Fine Swords, Axes, and other hand weapons for historical,

True Blades: fully functional hand weapons for historical recreation, renaissance festival wear, SCA personas, and martial arts use. Our company has now relocated to Seattle, Washington. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Guru page : January 9 - 17, 2003

...and figured a way to decarb it to get some use out of it--which has nothing to do with.....GMT .. Dear Guru, I have been intrested in swords and other metal pieces of art for many.....a ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Swords

Medieval swords provides quality functional medieval weapons and swords including battle ready swords for the collectors and reinactors. ... of medieval weapons, swords, armor and ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]