Famous Swords From Different Continents

Although weapon development has surged forward at a mind-blowing pace in recent centuries

, there was one weapon that remained the hand-to-hand combat weapon of choice for thousands of years on every continent: the sword. The sword was the ultimate weapon for the ultimate fighter and swords continue to fascinate collectors and history buffs the world around. Like any other cultural artifact, swords are usually very culture specific. A sword from Asia looks very different and has a very different purpose than a sword from Europe. Listed below are three of the most popular swords from continents around the globe.

Europe

Europe is a broad area with many different cultures, and therefore there are hundreds of different swords from all over Europe. However, one of the most famous European swords is known as the longsword. The longsword was used during the late medieval period. It was sturdy and heavy with a long cruciform hilt. The length of the hilt made it possible for the user to grip the sword with both hands. The blade of a longsword was typically double-edged but had a variety of sizes depending on use. A famous example of a longsword is the Scottish claymore, particularly the sword supposedly used by the legendary historical figure, William Wallace.

Asia

Probably the most famous sword of Asia is the sword commonly called a "samurai sword." But the actual name of the blade is the katana. The difficulty in the forging and construction process of the katana blade, as well as its legendary razor sharpness, has helped propel the katana into worldwide popularity among collectors and weapon buffs. The katana has a very distinct look and shape. It has a curved and slender single-edged blade with a long hilt. Like the longsword, the hilt of the katana makes it possible for the sword to be gripped with two hands.

Americas

Unlike the longsword and the katana, the most famous sword of the Americas had a dual purpose as both a tool and a weapon: the machete. The machete has a long cleaver-like cutting blade with a smaller wooden handle. The machete is often used as a tool to cut through forest undergrowth or it might be used as a tool to cut through tough food like coconuts. Because it was used regularly as a tool, it was the most common weapon on hand during wars or uprisings in the Americas, particularly Central and South America.

by: Art Gib

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