| were one of the most important weapons in | | | | weapons, not all swords were used in wars. For |
| history from from Ancient Egypgt to the Medieval | | | | example a Rapier was used in civilian combat. |
| ages. Swords have been in existence for over | | | | However there are quite a few swords which |
| two thousand years. The skill necessary to handle | | | | were specifically designed for wars. |
| a sword is an extraordinary practice which was | | | | The Chinese weapons such as jian, wodao, |
| mastered by our ancestors. | | | | zhanmadao and yanmaodao; Japanese weapons |
| A sword is typically a elongated edged metal | | | | such as Katana, nodachi, tachi and other weapons |
| which is used in various forms depending on the | | | | like the Burmese dha and the Filipino kampilan are |
| user. It can be used for cutting, thrusting, slashing | | | | all swords made for war. |
| and clubbing. Swords were used in many | | | | Nowadays, people no longer see swords only as a |
| civilizations throughout the world. | | | | weapon of warriors but they are a beautiful work |
| Earlier bronze and iron swords were not | | | | of art and collectibles for the sword enthusiasts. |
| comparable to later steel swords. The iron was | | | | This extraordinary piece of art captures |
| not quench hardened or tempered although often | | | | everyone’s attention with its aesthetic |
| containing sufficient carbon, but work-hardened | | | | beauty. |
| exactly like bronze by hammering. | | | | A sword was considered a prestigious weapon. |
| This process made them somewhat comparable | | | | Not all warriors had the privilege of wielding a |
| or better in strength, hardness, and durability | | | | sword. Only the most revered and the high |
| compared to bronze swords. They can also still | | | | commands could possess a sword. The common |
| bend during use, rather than spring back into | | | | soldiers and the peasants could not wield it. |
| form. But the easier production, and the | | | | Today, there are many creative and skilled |
| abundance of the raw material allowed people to | | | | swordsmiths who have given the ancient weapon |
| produce swords and other war materials in a | | | | a new image and have given the sword |
| larger scale. | | | | enthusiasts a wide variety of decorative, |
| The word Sword’ means to wound | | | | functional and practice swords. |
| or to hurt’ according to the | | | | The technology of making swords improved over |
| Proto-Indo-European root. The sword consists of | | | | time and the swordsmith or craftsmen used |
| a blade and a hilt. The length and shape of the | | | | more advanced techniques and better raw |
| blades differ depending on distinctive cultures and | | | | materials to create swords. And with time, |
| craftsmanship. | | | | swords became the weapon of choice amongst |
| The hilt is a collective name for the parts of the | | | | warriors. |
| sword such as the grip, the guard and the | | | | However, in the dawn of modern civilization, guns |
| pommel. These help in handling and controlling of | | | | replaced swords in wars. But still, these |
| the blade. | | | | magnificent weapons continue to be our legendary |
| As per the general belief, all swords are built for | | | | past. They are still proudly displayed by sword |
| warfare, is incorrect. Though they are designed as | | | | enthusiasts all over the world. |