knight with swordsHistorically, the sword developed in the Bronze Age, evolving from the dagger; the earliest specimens date to ca. 1600 BC. The Iron Age sword remained fairly short and without a crossguard. The spatha as it developed in the Late Roman army became the predecessor of the European sword of the Middle Ages, at first adopted as the Migration period sword, and only in the High Middle Ages developed into the classical arming sword with crossguard.

Certain swords became well known based on the design and the swordsman using the sword. Some examples include the Claymore and William Wallace sword. These were specifically forged by sword makers to suit the warrior.

The use of a sword is known as swordsmanship or (in an early modern or modern context) as fencing. In the Early Modern period, the sword developed into the rapier and eventually the smallsword, surviving into the 18th century only in the role of duelling weapon. By the 19th century, swords were reduced to the status of either ceremonial weapon or sport equipment in modern fencing.

Old swords have become harder to acquire and very expensive. As a result, collectors are now purchasing reproductions.

These replicas are very similar to the originals since manufacturers have gone the extra mile to produce these swords and knives. Some manufacturers have actually gone to the museums and obtained detailed specifications regarding length, weight, design and materials. This information is then used to produce the weapon.

Soulful Memories carries original and replica weapons.

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