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Weapon Sword
SwordsFromSpain.com features Marto Swords and Armory of Toledo Spain as well as the Conan the Barbarian Official License Collection While the sword dates back into antiquity, the weapon underwent numerous evolutions throughout its long history. While the weapon never truly stopped evolving in shape and form, the sword seems to have reached its zenith during the medieval period. During this time, there were many different types of swords used on the field of battle. While the longsword might be the most commonly pictured type of sword, there were many other types utilized. During the early medieval period, the most common type of sword was the spatha style, which dated back a very long time. While technically a sword, this version did not have the quillions that marked later Norman style blades. Instead, if the sword had a crossguard at all, it was usually a compact affair only slightly wider than the blade and hilt. In response to better armor, the Norman long sword began to dominate the world later in medieval times. This sword is the most commonly referenced type of blade by modern people. The sword had a longer hilt, a defined pommel, definite quillions and a relatively long blade, as compared to the spatha style, or to a gladius-derived weapon. However, even these swords did not have a very defined point, and were used more frequently for slashing and cutting than for thrusting. As plate armor became more common and chainmail became more advanced, cutting and slashing styles began to fall out of favor. This style of sword retained much of the Norman design, but had a point for thrusting, which made it ideal for penetrating the links of chainmail, or for finding the small, unprotected areas beneath suit of plate armor. As armor continued to evolve and polearms began to come more into prevalence, some versions of the sword gained enormous proportions. The Flamberge stood around 6 feet from tip to tip, while the Scottish claymore was of similar size. However, not long after, swords began to shrink once again, due largely to the changes brought about by the use of gunpowder. All Edged Weapons, Battle Ready or Not, May Injure, Kill and/or Become Damaged if Used Improperly Read About Sword Care |
