Knives, Daggers, and Swords - Collectibles on the Rise

Whether used in conjunction with Civil Warhands to use and featured a blade with a square
reenactments and Renaissance Faires, or simplyend. The Greek machera, on the other hand, was
as collectors' items, knives have never been morea bronze sword with a single-edged blade typically
popular. From the smallest daggers to the largestused for cutting.
swords, knives of all types are finding their wayKnives and swords have also been used by the
to the homes of aficionados across the nation.military in combat during modern times. During the
The variety of knives and swords usedCivil War, all U.S. Army officers were issued
throughout history is staggering. The abbasi, oftenswords with brass guards, while Confederate
decorated with gold, featured a padded hilt and asoldiers carried sabers with 35-inch blades. In
straight blade. The alamani was similar to theWorld War I, U.S. military soldiers were armed
abbasi, with the exception that the blade of thiswith trench knives, while in World War II, sailors in
Indian sword was curved. The ardaga, used forthe U.S. Navy carried one of over 30 different
parrying, featured a shield with a blade that wasfighting knives. Even today, British military soldiers
attached to a spear, while the anelaceare equipped with daggers that can be stowed in
double-edged knife had a broad blade that was atheir boots or on their belts. Having such
cross between a dagger and a sword.equipment is a matter of survival.
The badelaire, which originated in 16th centuryIn the dark fantasy realm, many aficionados
Europe, had a blade that was curved and heavy.collect fantasy knives and weaponry. From letter
The earlier 13th century baselard featured aopeners to Roman daggers, there is a knife,
straight blade in the shape of a diamond and wasdagger, or sword for everyone's tastes. Wizard
used for thrusting in close combat. The steelWarrior fantasy daggers and Mermaid fantasy
beladah was much like a sabre, but with a guarddaggers have images on the blades. Starship and
for the knuckles, while the bilbo was bore a closeother futuristic fantasy blades appeal to the
resemblance to a rapier.intergalactic longings of many collectors. For those
The craquemarte was a heavy sword, typicallywho embrace the dark fantasy realm, knives,
used on the seas, which featured a curved blade.swords, and daggers bring skull and skeleton
Another heavy sword, the dalwel, required twothemes to life.