11 Fascinating Facts About Real Swords From Around The World

Jane Rachaella Nwaorgu

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Swords have a rich and textured history, and each one has its own story to tell.

There is something about swords that fascinates us. Maybe it’s the power they represent or the history and culture behind them. Whatever it is, swords are definitely interesting! Here in this post, we will explore 11 amazing facts about real swords from the world. Swords have a long and storied history, and each one has its own story to tell. So sit back and prepare to be amazed by these incredible weapons I discovered.

Flashbacks

Did you know that the first words were actually made of wood? That’s right – the very first swords were nothing more than sharpened sticks! Of course, these weapons were not particularly effective, and they soon gave way to metal swords. The earliest metal swords were made of bronze, and they date back to around 1600 BC. These weapons were incredibly expensive and only the wealthy could afford them.
The next step in sword evolution came with the introduction of iron swords. These weapons were much cheaper to produce than bronze swords, and they quickly became the standard weapon of choice for knights and soldiers. Iron swords continued to be used for centuries until they were eventually replaced by steel swords in the late middle ages.
Steel swords are the kind of words that we typically think of when we think of medieval knights. These weapons were incredibly strong and sharp, and they could easily slice through armor. Steel swords were also very expensive to produce, which is why they were only wielded by the most wealthy and powerful warriors.

Modern-day Sword

These weapons are made from a variety of different materials, including stainless steel, carbon fiber, and even titanium. Modern swords are incredibly strong and light, and they can be used for a variety of different purposes. Whether you’re looking for a weapon for self-defense or simply want to add an impressive piece to your collection, there’s sure to be a modern sword that’s perfect for you.

Famous Swords

Zweihander

The zweihänder sword, also called the bidenhänder, is a two-handed sword primarily of the 16th and 17th centuries. The massive swords became popular in Germany and Switzerland during the 15th century and were used mostly for infantry.

Urumi

The urumi is a flexible blade from Kerala, India. It’s also known as a chuttuvadi or choota vadi meaning “curved blade”. It consists of a number of metal strips attached to a central wooden or metal handle, with a leather thong at the end for grip. The weapon is used in kalaripayattu, an Indian martial art.

Falchion

The falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European origin, whose design is reminiscent of the Chinese Dao and the Persian shamshir. The weapon was often used in warfare during the middle ages and the Renaissance. It was primarily used by infantrymen to slash at opponents, rather than thrusting like a spear or pike.

Katana

The katana is a Japanese sword with a curved blade that’s traditionally used for samurai warriors. The word “katana” can be translated as “sword” or “blade”. The Katana has been described as “the soul of the samurai”. It’s generally considered to be one of the most efficient and deadly weapons ever created.

Claymore

The claymore is a large two-handed sword used in the Scottish highlands during the 16th and 17th centuries. The word “claymore” comes from the Gaelic claidheamh mor meaning “great sword”. The claymore was used for both hacking and thrusting and could be wielded with one or two hands. It was an effective weapon against armored opponents, as the blade could penetrate gaps in plate armor.

Gladius 28”

The gladius is a Latin word for “sword”. It was the short sword used by Roman soldiers during the Republic and Empire periods. The gladius was typically around 28” long and was used for thrusting. It was usually made of iron or steel and had a wooden or bone hilt.

Kilij

The kilij is a Turkish curved sword used by the Ottoman Turks during the 16th and 17th centuries. The word “kilij” comes from the Persian ‘kilid’ meaning “sword”. The kilij was used primarily for slashing, although it could also be used for thrusting. It was an effective weapon against armored opponents, as the blade could penetrate gaps in plate armor.

Viking

The Viking sword is a type of sword that was popular among the Vikings during the early middle ages. The swords were typically around 34” long and were used for both hacking and thrusting. They were usually made of iron or steel and had a bone, wood, or antler hilt.

Ninjato

The ninjato is a Japanese sword with a straight blade that’s traditionally associated with the ninja. The word “ninjato” can be translated as “ninja sword”. The ninjato was typically shorter than a katana and was used for close-quarters combat and for thrusting. It was usually made of iron or steel and had a bone hilt.

No dagger is more synonymous with the ninja than the Kunai

The kunai is a Japanese dagger that was traditionally used by the ninja. The word “kunai” can be translated as “throwing knife”. The kunai was typically around 12” long and was used for close-quarters combat and for throwing.

A sword that’s longer than a katana

The tachi is a type of Japanese sword that is longer than a katana. The word “tachi” can be translated as “long sword”. The tachi was typically worn by samurai warriors in the scabbard suspended from the belt, with the cutting edge facing down. It was used for both hacking and slicing and was an effective weapon against armored opponents.
Interesting facts, huh? Now that you know all about these famous swords, which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! And if you want to learn even more about swords and other weapons, be sure to check out my next post!
I hope you enjoyed learning these fascinating facts about these real swords from around the world. Swords have a rich and textured history, and each one has its own story to tell. Whether you’re a sword enthusiast or simply someone who’s curious about history, I hope you’ll find these facts as fascinating as I do!
Thanks for reading!
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