| Swords although a weapon of war, have become | | | | technological improvement, would be to |
| not only a symbol of our warrior past, but are | | | | understand that although the bronze blade, |
| now, highly sought after works of art. Swords | | | | primarily leaf like in shape, and stronger than iron, |
| are unique as collectors' items. Walk into any | | | | was more difficult to produce due to the higher |
| room where there is a full length sword neatly | | | | melting temperature. Therefore Iron swords |
| displayed and it will command the attention of all | | | | although relatively soft and malleable until the |
| who enter. The unique combination as a weapon | | | | introduction of the smelting process wherein |
| of war, coupled with the aesthetic beauty of a | | | | carbon was added to produce steel, was easier to |
| swords shape and design, make a sword, truly | | | | make due to the abundance of the sword making |
| something to be proudly displayed in any home. | | | | raw material. This allowed entire armies to be |
| Swords have always been highly sought after as | | | | outfitted with metal swords en masse for the |
| an effective weapon of war, but were not | | | | first time. |
| always readily available to the common warrior. | | | | As the art of sword making improved, it became |
| The sword was primarily wielded by a more | | | | the weapon of choice. However, at the turn of |
| elevated warrior class or nobility. The common | | | | the 19th century, swords were replaced by the |
| foot soldier and a peasant in an army, were | | | | more accurate up and coming weapon, the gun. |
| relegated to spears. | | | | Nevertheless, swords have always, and will |
| But as the metallurgical technology increased, | | | | continue to always hold a special place in our past, |
| swords improved from bronze swords to iron. | | | | prominently displayed as that which is beautiful, |
| The only way that one could correctly state that | | | | made by the loving hands of artisans. |
| going from bronze to iron swords was a | | | | |