Uncovering Popular Historic Swords
Posted by SwordsSwords on Sep 4th 2020
Sword – The Groundbreaking Weapon of All-Time! The armament has been extensively used for defense and offense for centuries. Comprising of a blade with an incredibly sharp point and one or two cutting edges, they come with a handle guarded by the crossguard or metal case. The primitive weapon has been originally developed from the dagger back in the Bronze Age. Its modifications continued until the emergence of the iron sword in the early years of the Iron Age.
When we talk about medieval knights, they typically used two types of historic swords including a short sword with a pierced end while the other is a two-handed heavy sword. In the Middle Ages, the finest blades were those designed by the Arabs in Damascus and Toledo. Swords were massively used in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. One of the best-known blades is the Japanese samurai sword comprising the curved single-edged steel blade along with the extended handle. Further, they were widely used in the military units both for ornamental and battle purposes. Let’s explore the popular swords from different eras!
In the 17th century, bronze age swords were evolved out of the dagger. It was the time when copper was introduced eventually transforming into a remarkable weapon that soon spread all across the globe. The sword length typically ranges from 50-90cm with certain longer exceptions.
It was considered the optimal length for the material. Since bronze is an alloy between two metals, the strength could be further enhanced by incorporating more or less tin. Many bronze swords comprise approximately 10-12% of tin which makes them exceptionally strong. Though at the same time, they become more susceptible to bending or breaking.
In the early Iron Age, swords made of iron have received immense popularity. In terms of sturdiness and strength, it was better than the bronze sword. During this era, the easier production capabilities and quick availability of the material allowed large scale production.
In the Hallstatt period, most of the blades used were made of bronze and iron. By the end of this period, swords were substituted by short daggers. Subsequently, the La Tene culture reintroduced the sword that was quite different from the traditional construction and shape.
The original samurai swords were straight-bladed and single-edged weapons introduced from China and Korea. By the 8th century, the straight blade was replaced by the curved blade. One known reason for this transformation was samurai found that the curved blade could be smoothly drawn from the sheath due to the enhanced cutting angle. The tip of the samurai sword is commonly called as Kissaki. Though this is the toughest part to polish and forge.
The value of the blade was primarily determined by the quality of the point. During this time, samurai also used wood swords or bokken for practice purposes and keeping their real swords away from any damage. The sword was believed to uplift the warrior spirit! The manufacturing process was first initiated on dead bodies. Initially, they cut through the smaller bones and subsequently moved to the large ones. Based on this experimentation, the quality of the blade was tested. Another popular name of the samurai was ‘Shogun’ who used to wear two samurai swords – Katana and Wakizashi. They had the authority to dismember anyone who offends them.
Bronze Age Sword
In the 17th century, bronze age swords were evolved out of the dagger. It was the time when copper was introduced eventually transforming into a remarkable weapon that soon spread all across the globe. The sword length typically ranges from 50-90cm with certain longer exceptions.
It was considered the optimal length for the material. Since bronze is an alloy between two metals, the strength could be further enhanced by incorporating more or less tin. Many bronze swords comprise approximately 10-12% of tin which makes them exceptionally strong. Though at the same time, they become more susceptible to bending or breaking.
- Cutting-edge balance and thrust
- Strong material offering maximum strength
- Lead-bladed sword
- Narrow and thin blade near the hilt and tip respectively
- Hammered to a hollow edge
- Advanced engineering in ancient times
The Iron Age Sword
In the early Iron Age, swords made of iron have received immense popularity. In terms of sturdiness and strength, it was better than the bronze sword. During this era, the easier production capabilities and quick availability of the material allowed large scale production.
In the Hallstatt period, most of the blades used were made of bronze and iron. By the end of this period, swords were substituted by short daggers. Subsequently, the La Tene culture reintroduced the sword that was quite different from the traditional construction and shape.
- The iron varieties of the Persian Acinaces emerged in the 6th century BC
- They typically range from 60-70 cm in length
- A certain amount of carbon was added later in the blade for improved strength
- Many swords were unhardened iron
- Pattern-wielding was a common technique
The Samurai Sword
The original samurai swords were straight-bladed and single-edged weapons introduced from China and Korea. By the 8th century, the straight blade was replaced by the curved blade. One known reason for this transformation was samurai found that the curved blade could be smoothly drawn from the sheath due to the enhanced cutting angle. The tip of the samurai sword is commonly called as Kissaki. Though this is the toughest part to polish and forge.
The value of the blade was primarily determined by the quality of the point. During this time, samurai also used wood swords or bokken for practice purposes and keeping their real swords away from any damage. The sword was believed to uplift the warrior spirit! The manufacturing process was first initiated on dead bodies. Initially, they cut through the smaller bones and subsequently moved to the large ones. Based on this experimentation, the quality of the blade was tested. Another popular name of the samurai was ‘Shogun’ who used to wear two samurai swords – Katana and Wakizashi. They had the authority to dismember anyone who offends them.
- Three popular types of samurai swords include Katana, Wakizashi and Tanto
- Katana is the longest blade featuring 24-inches blade and commonly used for outdoor battles
- Wakizashi typically ranges from 12-24 inches and primarily used for indoor ceremonies
- Tanto is a small knife resembling the Wakizashi