Sword

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Sword

A sword is a bladed weapon intended for slashing or thrusting that is longer than a knife or dagger. The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographic region under consideration. The blade can be straight or curved. Thrusting swords have a pointed tip on the blade, and tend to be straighter; slashing swords have a sharpened cutting edge on one or both sides of the blade, and are more likely to be curved. Many swords are designed for both thrusting and slashing.

History

Historically, the sword developed in the Bronze Age, evolving from the dagger; the earliest specimens date to about 1600 BC. The later Iron Age sword remained fairly short and without a crossguard. The word sword continues the Old English, sweord.

Design

The design of swords has varied widely throughout history. They have been made from many different materials, including iron, steel, bronze, and copper. The parts of a sword are the blade, which is the sharp cutting part, the hilt, which is the handle, and the pommel, which is a counterweight at the end of the sword.

Types of Swords

There are many different types of swords. Some of the most well-known include the longsword, the shortsword, the broadsword, the rapier, and the katana. Each of these has its own unique design and purpose.

Use in Combat

Swords have been used in combat for thousands of years. They were often used in conjunction with a shield or other defensive implement. Sword fighting is also a sport, and there are many different styles of fencing.

Cultural Significance

Swords have a significant cultural impact in many societies. They are often used in ceremonies, such as the knighting ceremony in some Western cultures. In Japan, the katana is a symbol of the samurai class.

See Also

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD