Exercise and Fitness

Samurai Katana Dagger

Historical Swords Asia and Europe

In both parts of the world, weaponry, swords and armor in particular, were an essential part of life and death. However, different aspects of the swords were highlighted and developed in each of the different cultural areas. In Europe, for example, swords were meant for function first and foremost, while in Asia , they served an aesthetic purpose as well. In both parts of the world, the designers were craftsmen and scientists at once, working with the materials to develop something that would be stronger and more durable all the time. They also worked with the warriors to find out what worked best, what they needed, and what elements were not so necessary.

The first swords in medieval Europe were designed to cut and slash the opponent. Most of these were one-handed swords, freeing the other hand to hold a shield for protection. The development of more advanced armor, however, required a shift in sword design so that the weapon could get into the spaces in the armor. As a result, swords were designed more to thrust and pierce. In other words, the swords needed to be able to be aimed into the small openings of armor. To meet this end, swords became longer, thinner, and with stronger and sharper points.

In Asia , the story was quite different. The makers of swords focused more on improving what they already had. The swords did not undergo an evolutionary development to the extent that they did in Europe . Instead, they honed in on technique and began to develop style. Asian values demand a great appreciation for the creation of something, and in this appreciation comes a high standard of esthetics. Beauty is held in great esteem in Asia , so the swords became admirable pieces of craftsmanship. The Japanese Katana, for example, is a very simple design. It is the simplicity, however, that makes it such an efficient weapon because it is made with such high technique and skill that its strength and durability are undeniable.

The Japanese Samurai evolved from a class of people who were originally guards at the castles and centers of government. They became masters of war and eventually became highly regarded in the society as a dominant class of respected people. They took such pride in their work as warriors that the disciplines of their practice became an ingrained quality of the culture. In fact, the reason that the martial arts have survived and enjoyed so much popularity even today is because of the great pride and admiration that the Samurai demanded.

The Samurai also demanded nothing but the best in their weapons. The development of the katana and its superior quality is a direct result of the strength of mentality of the Samurai class of people.

By the middle ages, sword-making became specialized in every region of the world. Every area was known for its special style and design. The Longswords of Europe, for example, and the Chinese Jian are just a few. Later on, in the latter part of the middle ages, swords were developed that we are more familiar with today including the Scottish ???, the Japanese katana and the European rapier. These swords had much more ornate designs incorporated into the functionality of the weapon.

Indeed, the sword has undergone an amazing evolution from simple dagger to long, sleek, strong and beautiful sword.

[http://www.theslicingsword.com]

RobR

About the Author

Hitted someone whit a samurai-sword. Any consequences?

17yrs old went from Holland to Morocco for holidays.

in morocco i have no idea but it should be considered self defense and if they went to the police just tell them you were being mugged

Japanese Twin Blades Dragon Katana Sword /Samurai # 3

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