Medieval Weapons

For most people, knives are appreciated for their practicality above all. But for some knife enthusiasts, these tools also possess an inherent aesthetic appeal. It should come as no surprise then that knife shows across America draw enormous crowds. Manufacturers are always releasing new lines that push the frontiers of creative design and artistry. Hobbyists also do their part to craft memorable knives of their own.

Collectible pocket knives are appreciated not so much for the sharpness of their blades or their practical uses as for their ornately carved handles and themed designs. For some collectors, a knife collection can act as the gateway to an interest in handmade swords and other weaponry. If you are planning to begin a collection of your own, be sure to inquire about the prudence of sharpening a knife. Not all collectible knives and swords are designed to be treated like typical weaponry.

I consider myself fairly well-read, but it wasn’t until recently that I actually endeavored to read Homer’s (allegedly) classic pair of tales about the Trojan War: The Iliad and The Odyssey. Through my other reading I had gleaned a good deal of information on the tales, but I was surprised with the high value place on each warrior’s armor. After a kill, soldiers from both sides would fight frantically to recover the war armor from the fallen, as it was viewed as a type of field trophy.

The most important piece of equipment from the books would have to be Achilles’ shield, which was forged by the god Hephaestus, a crippled blacksmith, specifically for him. Actually, Achilles received an entire set of armor, but battle shields has special significance, and an entire book of the epic was named after the shield. Hephaestus engraved an elaborate scene on the shield, which Achilles contemplated before going to slay Hector.