Medieval Weapons

Cane swords, or swordsticks, became popular in Europe during the 18th century. Similar devices had been developed in Ancient Rome and Japan. The swordstick was mostly viewed as a fashion accessory, replacing decorative swords which went out of style as fire arms grew in popularity.

Typically, wooden cane swords consisted of a shaft made from Malacca wood with a standard round metallic grip. Inside the cane, attached to the handle, was a long thin blade. Gadget canes, similar to swordsticks, also became popular and would hold the tools of the carriers’ trade. Today, wooden cane swords are mostly a novelty item and in some states they are illegal to carry in public, under concealed weapons ordinances along with side swords.

Ever wonder why people get really fascinated with fantasy stories? Young girls are fond of fairy tales while young boys grew up on good adventure stories with heroes wielding fantasy swords. A lot of the bestsellers novels and blockbuster movies we had have this genre as well. We all know that the dragons, evil serpents, fairies and other characters in most stories aren’t real; yet, we keep on patronizing their stories.

The answer is quite simple. We love these stories because they are like windows to the world unknown to us. Through them, we “indirectly” experience a trip to the world we haven’t and will never see. They’re stories aren’t just entertaining, but are magical and by listening, watching or reading them, we sort of being part of the magic. Whatever the reason is, we’re addicted to fantasies, to the stories of the Celts, and even to the medieval fantasy swords, among other things because they are the closest to the fantasies we have adored. And this addiction is reflected in the rise in number of the stories, films, and collectibles inspired by such ideas.

When I was young, I loved playing swords with my buddies. Like most kids, many of my childhood idols were sword-wielding heroes from movies and video games All summer long we would chase each other around in our various back yards with swords made of wood or just long sticks. I am still in touch with many of my pals from the old neighborhood today.

We can’t-at least with any dignity-chase each other around in our yards anymore, but we can still indulge in our childhood passion. Today, I’ve amassed an impressive cache of Roman Swords which I now keep on display in my den. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to appreciate the weapons so I can begin to impart some of the knowledge I’ve accrued over the years.

A Renaissance fair is an outdoor weekend gathering usually held in the United States. You can find them in most every major city. They are usually set in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Participants as well as spectators wear elaborate full body costumes.

There are events that you can participate in as well as watch. You can see stage performers reenact Shakespeare’s plays as well as audience participation comedy routines. Medieval sword play is amazing to witness as well. The larger Renaissance fairs will include a joust competition.  

Growing up with brothers you got to experience a lot of interesting things. A brother’s imagination is like no other. They were obsessed with Dungeon and Dragons. They would be out in the front yard battling it out for hours.

One particular day they were in the front yard playing like they do and the most tragic thing happened. They had sticks as their fantasy swords and one brother accidently poked the other in the eye. It was unreal. I couldn’t believe it. Luckily, it was just a poke, but after that my mother banned playing make believe with sticks.

A sword is a long-edged piece of forged metal, used in many civilizations throughout the world primarily as a cutting or thrusting weapon. The sword was developed from the dagger when the construction of longer blades became possible, from the late third millennium BC in the Middle East. The first was made from arsenic copper and then in tin bronze.

Collectible swords has become very popular in the states. There are three types of swords, which include single and doubled edge, two handed, and a hand and a half. Collectors tend to have a wide variety of swords. Depending on the era, you can collect swords anywhere from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Zhou Dynasty. Swords are unique in design and blades.

Spanish rapiers date back to 15th century Toledo. Spanish masters mixed hard and soft steel to give rapier swords strength and flexibility. These swords were narrow, long, and had a slight edge.

A rapier sword was used almost exclusively as a thrusting weapon. At first, the swords were used on the offensive, but eventually became a self-defense tool. It was primarily used by civilians for protection and for duels. In the 16th century, other European nations developed their own rapiers, such as the German Rappier which was used in sport fencing. Use of the rapier for civilian combat dropped off after the 17th century.

Prior to World War II, the butterfly sword was not well-known outside of China. The deadly swords feature a single-edged blade that is as long as a human forearm. This length allowed for concealment inside loose sleeves or boots. Typically, butterfly swords are wielded in pairs.

Butterfly swords, also known as butterfly knives, were only sharpened from the midpoint to the tip. This way, the dull part of the battle knives could be used to knock an opponent unconscious without being fatal. Another interesting fact is that butterfly swords were often kept in the same scabbard. This gave the illusion of a single weapon until the wielder was ready to attack.

    Instead of another black-tie affair, my friend is hosting a costume gala on New Year’s Eve. Rather than a free-for-all like Halloween, my friend has put forth a theme of “Knights and Damsels.” Each person is requested to come in a costume with some variation on the theme.

For fun, my husband is going to dress as the damsel and I will play the knight. We modeled our costumes last night and I could not stop laughing at my husband’s attempts to wiggle into his pink gown. I, on the other hand, looked quite dashing holding my crusader sword aloft.

Though Asian décor has had its own dedicated following in the West for more than a century, in recent years it has integrated with contemporary design. Asian culture, and more specifically Japanese culture, has influenced much of modern interior design. You’ll find traditional Japanese pieces like floral screens, lacquer statues, and prints of Japanese art in contemporary interior design, as well as traditional oriental swords.  In addition, the art of Feng Shui is widely practiced in Japan and has become an integral part of interior and exterior design.

It’s amazing how many pieces of far east décor you’ll find in Western design. Homes for sale on the market today have often been rearranged and prepared by interior design experts, and in addition to standard things like updated appliances and hardwood floors, homebuyers recognize Asian décor as contemporary, and from it deduce that the home is modernized and just in need of their personal touch.