The European longsword and Japanese katana are routinely pushed into imaginary contests. Usually this involves two heroic...
Asian Swords
Asian swords have a rich history that spans millennia, with each culture across Asia developing its own unique styles and techniques. These swords not only served as weapons of war but also as symbols of status, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.
The khanda is a broad, straight Indian sword associated with Rajput, Maratha and Sikh martial traditions. Discover...
The Ottoman pala was a broad, deeply curved form of kilij built for powerful cutting. Explore its...
The hwandudaedo was the distinctive ring-pommel sword of Korea’s Proto-Three Kingdoms and Three Kingdoms periods. Discover how...
The kilij is one of the defining swords of the Ottoman world. Its curved, single-edged blade was...
The kris, more properly called the keris in Indonesia, is one of the most recognisable edged weapons...
The zhanmadao (斬馬刀) occupies a slightly awkward place in the history of Chinese weapons. Its name translates...
The history of the sword is usually told through warriors, battles and famous weapons. The forge tends...
The liuyedao (柳葉刀), usually translated as the “willow leaf sabre”, was one of the characteristic military swords...
The tachi is one of the most important swords in Japanese military history, yet it tends to...