Swords

If anyone were to look at the time before gunpowder, swords would be a major tool of warfare. Swords have been used since ancient times. Many materials and ways to create swords have been made. Swords have not just been a weapon to mankind, but it also is used to symbolize justice, unity, aggression, etc. I'm here to explain what makes a sword including what metals are used, methods, and what truly makes a great sword.

Many metals and alloys have been used to create these weapons. The materials primarily used to create swords were copper, bronze, iron, and steel. The swords I listed are in the order of which the materials that the sword would be more effective starting at the very least. The effectiveness of a sword were based much of what metal or alloys were used. For example, If a bronze age sword of a spartan went against a steel or iron weapon and were tested on a pig for instance, the iron or steel would've had a much better cut than the bronze. Although workmanship would play an issue, the metals would've had a bigger factor. Although, some swords didn't just have a metal, but an alloy was used.

The two primary metal alloys used in swords were bronze and steel. Bronze is a mixture composed of copper and tin. This was an advancement since copper weapons would've not been this effective. Steel was a mixture of composed of iron and carbon. Although, a small amount of other elements would also be put in, it was primarily iron and carbon. This was also considered to be a better version of iron. Also, an interesting fact is that Carbon steel is made for the functionality of the sword in modern times or today. If a sword is used as decoration, it will usually be only stainless steel. Stainless steel is an iron alloy with chromium and other elements. Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant steel, so it would be able to stay good looking as a decoration. Many times a sword will be just as good as how it is made and the forging behind it.

The Metallurgy of Swords has two major ages, the Bronze and Iron. During the Bronze Age, obviously first copper than bronze came into use. The forging though was ineffective because it couldn't heated up to the correct or appropriate degree. Most of the time, the sword would become bent and the soldier using it would've had to bend it back to become any use again. During the Iron Age, iron became more of use around 1000 B.C.. Since iron was one of the most abundant elements, it was started to be used for weapons. Iron was usually found as iron ore, so in the forging process, the extreme heating of the iron ore would purify the iron. Then it would be smashed with sledges to purify in more to a purer form. Pure iron though is a little more effective than bronze, but not as much as the evolution process would think of. They were still pathetic weapons and it was difficult to have it stay sharp, but steel was a major game changer in swords.

Steel is the most latest type of metal alloy used for swords. Steel is capable of being flexible enough, but the carbon within it makes the steel hard enough to be kept sharp. Although the more carbon within the steel will make it more brittle. It is best to have a balanced amount that allows for the best use of the sword. The forging techniques of the sword and metal alloy or metal used may have a big factor in how well the sword would perform.

Swords are forever in history and its warfare. The materials and forging techniques may make the difference between a high quality or low quality weapon. Many would say that forging is an art. Swords aren't used in today's modern warfare, but It will always be a target for collectors and practitioners of any group that used swords.