Swords were once the most important factors which, alongside the wielder skills, determined people's destinies. If you believe in myths and legends, you then know that swords were even more powerful than that - like Excalibur, they affected the destiny of the entire nation.

In modern times, swords aren't primary combat weapons, but their popularity hasn't decreased. For example, they provide insights into the past and allow people to practice their traditional martial arts skills.

If you are a collector, weapon enthusiast, historian, martial art practitioner, or just a person interested in specific swords and types, keep reading to learn more. 

This article will focus on:

• Historical significance of the sword

• The different types of swords

• Sword making artistry

• Modern use of swords

Swords Throughout the History

Thanks to archeological findings, we know now that swords evolved from daggers. The first swords are believed to be made in the Bronze Age, from 1600 BCE. 

Those had bronze construction, and it was an advancement from wood because it was sturdier and able to maintain the edge sharpness for longer. 

Early swords were not longer than 21 inches, and they had a primitive hilt, pointed tip, and parallel edges. Many ancient cultures focused on perfecting their weapons and notable examples are:

• Mycenaeans and Minoan's bronze swords

• Nordic bronze swords

• Germanic bronze swords

The Rise of The Steel Swords

After the development of metallurgy, people shifted to making steel swords, which were so much better than any other swords ever made. These swords were made from iron and carbon alloy, which ensured a good balance of hard and soft material and versatile use.

Steel Swords Blade

Compared to the predecessors, steel swords were much sharper and better at holding the sharpens for longer. The blades weren't soft, instead, they were not prone to bending and didn't crack easily.

With the introduction of steel swords, various cultures experimented with the sword design, so at the same time, different swords were in use in different parts of the planet. 

Swords Types

There are different ways of categorizing swords, based on their use, features, and historical context when they were used. Here are the most important sword types based on the blade features, and historical context.

Blade Shape

Various in the blade's most important features lead to several types of swords, including straight and curved swords. Curved swords are better at cutting, while straight swords are good for stabbing. 

The swords with dramatic curves are called sabers.

Blade Length

Longswords and short swords have developed across various cultures. Extremely long swords, like Japanese Nodachi, were used on horses, while daggers were practical for self-defense and stabbing.

Edge

Double-edge swords were first designed, and they feature two sharp edges. They cut at every contact and they are extremely good for thrusting. But, making these swords is complex and expensive. On the other hand, adding another edge to the sword compromises the structural integrity of the blade and makes it less strong. Compared to single-edge swords, double-edged swords are more likely to break.

A single-edged sword has one sharp side of the blade and requires better precision in attacks. They are easier to make and better for prolonged combats because of their ability to hold well against pressure. 

They are good for cavalry, as well.

Different Swords Across Cultures

Each military nation created its unique swords. Here are some examples of the most famous swords.

Japanese Swords

Japanese swords, such as Katana and Odachi, influenced different sword-making traditions in other countries. They are respected for curved, strong, and flexible blades, and the Japanese extraordinary warriors and martial artists who bring sword fencing to a higher level.

Overall, the Japanese school of sword creation made some of the best swords ever made.

Chinese Swords

Chinese swords Dao and Jian are high quality and versatile. They are made from quality, strong, and flexible materials with curved or straight blades. Like Japanese swords, they made a strong impact on all sword designs across the world.

Some of the Dynasties, such as Ming and Tang made exceptional contributions to the art of sword making.

European Medieval Swords

In Middle Age Europe, swords were long, broad, heavy, and lethal. Germans invented potentially the biggest sword ever - the massive Zweihander, while Scottish people invented Claymore, a great classical sword. 

Middle-East Swords

The swords coming from Turkey with curved and long blades, influenced Middle Eastern sword-making styles. Famous swords are Persian shamshir, Arab saif, and Turkish kilij sword.

The Art of Making The Swords

Sword-making is considered an art in the modern era because swords are no longer used by the military and police. Constructing authentic swords from the materials used in ancient times requires dedication, practice, and a lot of historical knowledge about metal and traditional techniques. 

How is a sword made?

Blade smiths heat the metal to make it malleable and then use hammers anvils and different techniques along with specialized tools to alter the metal and make the blade strong. 

But, the artists don't stop there. They apply various techniques, such as heat treatment and clay tempering, so the blade is strengthened, more flexible, and durable.

Each blade smith has a different style and individual preferences toward hilt and guard decoration, smith's marking, and material for wrapping. These also depend on which style the sword adheres to and what purpose it should serve. For example, ceremonial and display swords don't need to be sharpened, but they require polishing to perfection to improve the visual appeal of the blade. 

So-called battle-ready swords are sharpened and made as if they will be used for real combat. In reality, the level of sharpness depends on the blade's purpose. You can attend a blacksmithing course to learn the basics of sword forging.

High-carbon steel is one of the best materials for swords, but it is also one of the most challenging swords materials. 

Modern Use of Swords

Even though swords are no longer used for combat, they are still necessary for:

Sports and Martial Arts

Swords are the essence of the fencing sport and are important props for Kendo, Tai Chi, Kenjutsu, and similar Asian martial arts.

Collections

Sword collecting is a fun hobby, with a large community. Some passionate collectors have priceless authentic swords with high significance in their private collections whose values are immense.

Ceremonial Use 

Military and police forces use swords as part of their ceremonies for handing orders and recognitions. For example, the British Army's ceremonial swords are important for honoring tradition and history.

Academic institutions also use swords in their ceremonies. For example, in Finland PhD students wear hats and hold swords on their graduation.

Entertainment

Swords are used for entertainment as cosplay props or essential storyline elements in movies, manga, and anime stories. They represent chivalry and often have supernatural abilities.

Interesting Facts about Swords

• Did you know that the medieval Bastard sword, one of the most recognizable swords from that time, carries such a name because it is unlike any other sword? You can use it how you want - with one or both hands.

• In movies, there is never one sword used to film scenes. More often, several exact replicas are in scenes made from different materials to ensure simpler and more realistic handling.

• The most expensive sword ever is the Fukushima Masonari sword, with an estimated value of over 100,000,000 US dollars. It is the most luxurious Katana.

Our Collection

Our extensive sword collection includes authentic swords for sale, Japanese and other types of swords, fantasy swords, and some of the best hand-forged swords you can pick for your collections.

Shop with confidence, with excellent offers, deals, and customer service for your martial arts practice, collection, or display! 

We also supply you with sword accessories, including stands and maintenance kits.

Key Takeaways 

There aren't many hobbies that give you such a tangible connection to history and heroes, such as sword collecting. The swords have been around for millennia. Even though their purpose has changed, their features and artistry haven't. 

What's more, swords are material sources of traditions, history, ancient ways of living, and metal forging.

FAQs 

How often were swords sharpened?

Most warriors sharpen their swords for every battle. Outside war times, swords were regularly maintained once a month, which included sharpening.

Can a sword be broken?

Yes, in history, during battles the force of the opponent's sword could cause swords to break.

What is the most famous sword ever?

Excalibur of the Britains King Arthur is a legendary sword, often featured in movies, TV shows, novels, and cartoons. The most famous modern sword is Honjo Masamune Katana, one of the best Masamune swords, and often considered the best quality Japanese sword in entire history.

How long do swords last?

The duration of a sword depends on several factors, such as material, construction, design, maintenance and storage, and use. High-carbon swords made for practice or display, with proper maintenance, can last for several generations. Display swords can last even longer if they are stored in low-moisture areas and blades are protected from rust.