Different Types of Swords

Developing from the dagger during the Bronze Age, swords have slashed and thrust their way through centuries, shaping history through battles and single combat. They have continued to change and evolve into masterpieces that have represented individual civilizations across the world and swords are as individual as the people who carry them. Here are the four different types of swords you can find out there.

Katana

The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai in feudal Japan. It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular tsuba (guard). The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton. The blade is usually about 27 1/2” in length and is sheathed in a saya (scabbard), which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat not necessarily for blocking or clashing. The art of using a katana is still practiced today in martial arts schools.

Shikoto Touchstone Katana

Shikoto Swords are actually hand-forged by a master swordsmith in the ancient village of Longquan in China. The same Bronze Age techniques that were used by their forefathers are used by the smiths to craft some of the most impressive swords in the world. The Touchstone Katana is an excellent example of the quality that you'll find in a Shikoto. The katana has a premium T10 steel blade that has been clay-tempered to give it a tough spine, incredible sharpness and unrivaled edge retention. The blade is supported by a hardwood handle wrapped in genuine tea-dyed rayskin and expertly hand-wrapped in black cord with intricate antiqued brass dragon menuki. The tsuba (handguard) is a solid, black metal design with a sword design in relief and the habaki (blade collar) is polished brass. The quintessential full-sized katana, the sword is 39 1/2" in overall length. A classic black, hand-lacquered wooden scabbard houses the blade and each Shikoto Sword comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the master swordsmith who crafted the blade.

Shinwa Imperial Dragon Katana

Also hand-forged, Shinwa Swords has been crafting katanas since 2007. Each sword is continuously heated, folded, hammered and shaped before being oil-quenched and then straightened. After quenching, the blade is ground and hand-sharpened and then polished on a series of wet stones. The Imperial Dragon Katana has a Damascus steel blade that has more than 2,000 layers of high carbon steel that was achieved through an intricate folding process. This produces a unique pattern of waves and swirls that has been coveted for centuries. The wooden handle is wrapped in genuine white rayskin and the traditional, black braid with decorative brass menuki. The openwork, circular tsuba is black cast metal and the habaki is polished brass. The impressive 40" overall katana can be sheathed and displayed in its red lacquered scabbard that features a Chinese dragon inlaid in mother-of-pearl. The Shinwa Imperial Dragon Katana is a fully-functional but also a real showpiece.

Tactical

A tactical sword has been the evolution of traditional sword designs, using modern innovations to give them a tactical advantage in today’s world. They are primarily built for function, so the look is going to be clean and sleek, usually with a black handle or blade. Also, used for the handle will be muted colors like desert tan and olive drab. Think military.

Black Ronin Tak-Kana Sword

At the top of my list of tactical swords is the Black Ronin Tak-Kana Sword. It melds modern tactical innovation with traditional Samurai design to produce a bladed weapon ready for today's battlefields. The 29 1/2" overall sword is one, solid piece of premium 3Cr13 stainless steel with a tough, black finish. The handle is wrapped Samurai-style in faux, black rayskin and black nylon cord to give you a secure and comfortable grip. The scabbard that comes with the tactical sword is molded polypropylene with paracord laced through lashing holes. The scabbard has an adjustable shoulder strap for carry.

Shadow Tactical Tanto Sword

A good tactical sword is discreet and easy-to-carry. The Shadow Tactical Tanto Sword performs like a Ninja warrior, stealthily slicing and cutting through any barrier because it's lightweight and balanced. It's also made of one, solid piece of 3Cr13 stainless steel with a non-reflective finish. The 17" blade has a sharp tanto edge and partial cut-outs on the spine and blood groove. The handle is also cord-wrapped Samurai-style and it ends in a wrist lanyard. The sword can be easily carried in its tough, nylon shoulder sheath.

Historical Reproduction

Historical reproduction swords are very popular with historical weapons collectors and historical reenactment organizations. You can find Medieval replica, including Crusader and Scottish styles, and Roman Gladiator swords. Military swords are also available that are reproductions of weapons used during different wars and periods of time.

Scottish MacLeod Broadsword

The Scottish MacLeod Broadsword is everything you want in a Medieval-style broadsword. It is patterned after an early Claymore sword, the sword of the Clan MacLeod, and is massive at 50 1/2" overall with an impressive 38 1/2" stainless steel blade. The hefty handle has a leather and wire-wrapped grip, bookended by an intricately detailed cross-guard with the clan name embossed on it and a heavy pommel.

Damascus Gladiator Sword

What really makes the Damascus Gladiator Sword stand-out is that it's packed with historic details and just looks incredible. The ridged handle is carved out of high-quality heartwood and fileworked stainless steel details were added, along with brass-plated decorative spacers. The rich-looking handle perfectly complements the Damascus steel, double-edged blade, which has double blood grooves. Even if you're not especially interested in Roman era weapons, you won't find a more expensive-looking, reasonably priced sword for your historic collection.

Movie and Television Collectible

There are some incredible movie and television collectible swords out there on the market. If you're a fan of a particular film or series, there's nothing like being able to hold a sword in your hand that's the exact replica of the weapon used by your favorite character.

The Lord of the Rings Witch-King Sword

United Cutlery is the industry leader in movie reproductions, meticulously recreating swords using only the finest grade materials and craftsmanship. The The Lord of the Rings Witch-King Sword was cast using the actual filming prop used by the actor in the movie. Accurate detail was the top priority in crafting the sword, which has a tempered steel blade and a genuine leather-wrapped handle. The reproduction sword comes with a wooden wall plaque for display and the certificate of authenticity guarantees its value and officially licensed status.

Serpent Breath Sword of Uhtred

Always look for replicas that are officially licensed, since the film or show studio stands behind them. This way, you can be assured that the quality is going to be there and you're getting the absolute best for your money. The Serpent Breath Sword of Uhtred is officially licensed from the "Last Kingdom" fantasy series. The replica is impressive with its 28" stainless steel blade and leather-wrapped, cast metal hilt. If you're a fan of the show, you know that the defining feature of Uhtred's sword is the unique amber pommel. This sword is completely accurate with a faux amber reproduction pommel. Serpent Breath also comes with a certificate of authenticity and a wall display plaque.