Swords ResultsAbout Swords Swords Fact: "What a brave weapon is a short sharp light sword, to carry, to draw, to be nimble withal, to strike, to cut, to thrust both strong and quick." ~George Silver, Paradoxes of Defence, 1599 

Swords

 Did You Mean "Swords" as in...

 History of Swords -- Europe History of Swords -- Europe
 History of Swords -- Asia History of Swords -- Asia
 Collecting Swords Collecting Swords
 Making Swords -- Blacksmithing Making Swords -- Blacksmithing
 Using Swords -- Swordfighting Using Swords -- Swordfighting
 

History of Swords -- Europe "History of Swords -- Europe"


Mediæval Sword Resource Site - You'll find nearly everything you need to know about mediaeval European swords on this site. There's a glossary (what's a ricasso? find out here), a library of articles, a collector's guide, a virtual museum of European swords from different periods, a bibliography and plenty more.

NetSword Discussion Group - Not only will you find information on the NetSword discussion group (focussing on "medieval and renaissance swords, daggers and associated weapons of war") here, there are also forums and chats, essays (check the "features" section), weapon reviews, a bookstore, links and a calendar of events.

European Military Swords - Swords of the 17th century and later seem to be the focus here. Click on the big pictures to go to essays about each sword, gorgeously illustrated with numerous photographs, showing all kinds of detail from each sword.

Björns Svärdssida / Björn's Sword Page - Read this page in either Swedish or English. You'll find essays on famous swords and sword-types, information on swordsmiths, an introduction to Ewart Oakeshott's sword typology, and more on this well-researched and well-illustrated site.

The Oakeshott Institute - As well as information about this nonprofit educational/research center (including how to become a member), there are essays on sword and armour topics, the Oakeshott Medieval Sword Typology (illustrated), and the Historical Sword Documentation Project.

History of Swords -- Asia "History of Swords -- Asia"


Nihonto.com: A Japanese Sword Website - Find all you need to know about the swords of Japan. This site includes a glossary, articles, diagrams, information on related items like sword fittings and armour, a rotating gallery of swords and sword-related items, listings of upcoming events, items for sale and lots of links.

The Art of the Chinese Sword - There aren't a lot of references on Chinese swords; this essay helps remedy that situation. Read about the history of Chinese swords, and see some truly beautiful photographs, including close-ups of several blades showing the patterned steel.

History of Vietnamese Swords - Find out the history of Vietnamese swords in this useful essay. The photographs help illustrate the many influences -- Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and even French -- on these weapons. There is also a handy table of Vietnamese weapons terminology.

Japanese Sword Society of the United States - This charitable/educational society offers a gallery, articles (like "A Few Harsh Words on Amateur Polishers" and "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Collecting Japanese Swords"), and information on membership in the society.

The Japanese Sword - Find short articles on swordsmithing, swords of different historical periods in Japan, and an extensive list of Japanese sword-related terms with definitions on this brief but enthusiastic site.

Collecting Swords "Collecting Swords"


Mediaeval Sword Collector's Guide - Find out what the market is like for mediaeval swords, get information on fakes, learn how to buy from dealers and auctions (including some useful auction terminology), and get the scoop on other hassles for sword collectors -- like export prohibitions and international transport.

Internet Sword Collectors Association  - This comprehensive site offers plenty of tips for new and veteran sword collectors, essays on sword topics, a FAQ on fakes, an online bookstore, and heads-ups on scams (like Hollywood prop swords sold as genuine and the like). Knowledgeable readers are invited to contribute to the site, as well.

Arms and Armor Resources - This is the most comprehensive set of sword-related links I've ever seen. Find swordsmiths, dealers in antique swords of all kinds, and places to buy reproduction and fantasy swords. There are also links to resource sites for swords of all parts of the world, plus related topics.

Making Swords -- Blacksmithing "Making Swords -- Blacksmithing"


anvilfire.com: Blacksmithing and Metalworking Reference - Here you'll find all kinds of useful information, including forums (three of them), online resources for blacksmiths, a FAQ, a glossary of terms in English, an international glossary in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and more, news, plans, book info, an anvil-cam and plenty more.

Blade Materials - Salamander Armoury offers this chart of the different materials used in making swords. There is a description of each material, including its attributes (including hardness) and uses.

Pattern-Welding - The essay from the Salamander Armoury website describes the process of pattern-welding to create beautiful designs in the steel of a sword blade. There are photographs of each different pattern, plus descriptions of the attributes of each pattern.

The Key Role of Impurities in Ancient Damascus Steel Blades - Investigate the making of Damascus steel in the 16th to 18th centuries and learn how smiths replicate these blades today. There is a lot of technical detail here, but there are also clear photographs to illustrate the points of the article. Careful reading is required, but also rewarded.

Blade Patterns Intrinsic to Steel Edged Weapons - If you ever wondered why swords blades show patterns in the steel, this is the page to check. This extensive essay, illustrated with fascinating photographs, discusses the different kinds of patterned steel, and how the patterns are formed during the sword-making process.

Using Swords -- Swordfighting "Using Swords -- Swordfighting"


Fencing.net - This site calls itself the "complete guide to the sport of fencing." It includes an introduction to Olympic-style fencing, information on clubs, a forum, tips and drills, a store, product reviews, a glossary and more. That looks pretty complete to me.

Gatka: The Dance of the Sword - Gatka is the sword art practiced by the Sikhs of northern India. On this site you'll read about the history of this martial art, its spiritual background and techniques, and the weapons and armour used.

Swashbucklers & Fops - Find links to the original texts of Victorian, Elizabethan and other period swordsmanship manuals here. There are also quotes, links to swordsmanship journals and other useful items.

The Duelist - The Duelist aims to "provide a useful UK resource for all those interested in European swordsmanship." Here you'll find an annotated list of swordfighting-related societies, information on equipment dealers, links for books, articles, events and more.

The Academy of Theatrical Combat - Find out about taking classes in many different styles of swordfighting, to be used on stage and in movies. Learn fight training, coordination and choreography.

This ResultsAbout Swords Page is maintained by Niko Silvester
About Us | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2003 About, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About, Inc. All rights reserved.