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.

Japanese Samurai swords

www.ejapaneseswords.com Your online source for the finest in Japanese swords and restoration services Welcome! After many years of collecting swords and living in Japan, I have decided to ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai

...Online Stores .. EliteSwords.com - Samurai Swords ..Great prices on a variety of swords.....bureaucrats, teachers or artists. In 1868, Japan's feudal era came to an end, and the.....many ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Swords, Samurai Swords, Samurai Katana, Japanese Wakizashi,

Japanese swords and Samurai martial arts products featuring a 144 page 800 product catalog dedicated to feudal era samurai warrior lifestyle.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Asia Bookroom: Japan - Swords & Related

...Service Personal Attention .. Japan - Swords & Related .. Claire, Stephanie. The.....of the spirit of old Japan, it embodies the samurai s steel discipline, unswerving.....guide to the ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

When the Last Sword is Drawn (2003)

... Meiji-era film released the same year in Japan entitled When the Last Sword is Drawn. Free ... but acts as a graphic reminder of what samurai swords are capable of in the hands of a ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

missing samurai swords of japan - collectible-swords.com - swords and

...Websites With more Info on missing samurai swords of japan : Stolen Samurai Swords.....and resources on missing samurai swords of japan.....Looking for missing.....Providing missing ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

International Travel - Japan Travel Information

Tips for Japan Travel - includes Japan maps, Japan hotels, Japanese culture, Japanese translators, and Japan pictures. ... Japan MapsPicture of Japan / Web camsBest of Japan ... Fuji while ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords & Japanese Swords

Samurai Swords & Japanese Swords ... In medieval Japan, the folding process was originally used to remove impurities in the steel.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Hempen Culture In Japan

See also: "Hempen Culture in Japan", Hemp Library, taima.org main index, HEMPEN CULTURE IN JAPAN Previous chapter: Introduction Nihon, has long been a land of mystery to outsiders. Though ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords - CB Swords

... Catalog » Samurai Swords Samurai Swords Samurai swords are those used by samurai in feudal Japan. Typically when someone says "Samurai Sword" what they are really referring to are ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]