| The middle ages were the time of the | | | | that are as close to combat as one can get. |
| renaissance, chivalry an era of unrivaled history. | | | | Participants enjoy the camaraderie, chivalry, and |
| The most powerful kingdoms of the world were | | | | time away from the mundane; and certainly |
| pitted against one another in an unending | | | | wielding a sword over three feet long, and trying |
| procession of wars, intrigues and conquests. But | | | | to bash someone over the head with it, would be |
| from this era came not only the beauty and | | | | about as far from the mundane as one could get. |
| romance of the medieval period but the many | | | | These tournaments also bring out the artisans and |
| medieval swords that made this epic in history so | | | | walking through their shops is a wonderful way to |
| memorable. Because of Europe's unique history, | | | | relive history, and learn so much to help one |
| and compressed cultural distinctions from the | | | | appreciate a time gone by and gain a perspective |
| many powerful kingdoms of that time, spanning | | | | that makes life more colorful and vibrant. |
| centuries, there are many selections of medieval | | | | The swords used in the tournaments are |
| swords to choose from. The medieval swords | | | | different than what are termed 'display' swords. |
| were many. They varied from the incredibly long | | | | These swords are referred to as battle ready |
| Zwëihander from Germany to the more | | | | and are made with the intent to clash steel on |
| recognizable Claymore sword, depicted in movies | | | | steel in a friendly-combative display of |
| with its unique hilt down to the short dirk or | | | | swordsmanship. Display swords are simply made |
| Scottish dagger. | | | | to achieve a particular look, whereas the |
| These medieval swords are collectors-items; | | | | battle-ready swords are designed with the |
| weapons from centuries gone by that give an | | | | longevity of the sword in mind in a battle situation. |
| earthy and anchored sense of history to any | | | | This requires that the sword uses different |
| room in the home. The medieval sword emanates | | | | metals to accommodate the need for a hard |
| a rustic appeal when displayed, and reminds us | | | | blade that can hold an edge, but soft enough so |
| the conflicts of history and ground us in our past. | | | | as to not to be too brittle and shatter upon |
| The chosen medieval sword becomes an | | | | impact. The weight is also a consideration and is |
| heirloom, and source of beauty in its' antiquity. | | | | significantly different than those swords meant |
| Some people simply want a distinguishing feature | | | | for display only. A discussion of what goes into |
| to display prominently over perhaps a fireplace or | | | | making a sword is forthcoming. |
| to decorate and bring depth to an office or den. | | | | The medieval weapon is truly a work of art, not |
| Others are more voracious to collect any and all | | | | simply because of it's' hilt, blade or method of |
| swords and spend years and fortunes to collect | | | | construction, but the medieval sword reminds us |
| these weapons. They are kept in display cases, or | | | | of our past. They remind us of ancestors and |
| simply tucked away reverently in a vault to be | | | | perhaps a relative from years gone by in a land |
| viewed with awe in a quiet moment of reflection. | | | | far away, fighting with all the energy he |
| Still there are some aficionados that have taken | | | | possessed for a cause, a country, a family. |
| their fervor for swords to a whole new level and | | | | Fleeting are the possessions of today, priceless |
| participate regularly in events and fairs that | | | | and everlasting are the medieval swords of the |
| simulate the medieval tournaments of old. In | | | | past that will define our tomorrows. |
| these tournaments, swords are used in exercises | | | | |