📚 All articles

9 articles

⚔️ Sword Types

Types of Swords: Names, Designs, Uses and Historical Context

A clear overview of the main sword types — from the Bronze Age khopesh to the sabre — with a comparison table and historical context.

11 min read

⚔️ Sword Types

Longsword vs. Katana: Key Differences and Historical Context

How the European longsword and the Japanese katana differ in design, construction, use and context — without the internet myths.

9 min read

🔥 Materials & Craftsmanship

How Medieval European Swords Were Made

From bloomery iron to heat treatment: a step-by-step explanation of how medieval European swords were forged, with sources.

10 min read

🔥 Materials & Craftsmanship

Damascus Steel: History, Patterns and Modern Usage

What historical Damascus steel actually was, how it differs from modern 'Damascus' pattern-welded blades, and what research has found.

8 min read

📜 Sword History

Katana History: Development, Construction and Cultural Context

How the katana developed from earlier Japanese swords, how traditional blades are made, and its place in Japanese culture.

9 min read

⚔️ Sword Types

Rapier vs. Saber: Design, History and Differences

The rapier and the saber compared: thrusting vs. cutting, civilian vs. military, and how each was used.

6 min read

📖 Guides & Terminology

What Are the Main Parts of a Sword?

A plain-English glossary of sword anatomy: blade, edge, point, fuller, ricasso, tang, guard, grip and pommel.

6 min read

🏛️ Sword Collecting

A Beginner's Guide to Sword Collecting

How to start collecting swords responsibly: replicas vs. antiques, research, buying cautiously, storage and care, and checking the law.

8 min read

🐉 Fantasy & Cosplay

Historical Swords vs. Fantasy Swords: Understanding the Differences

Why fantasy and game swords look the way they do, how they differ from real historical weapons, and what cosplayers should know.

7 min read