Medieval Arab Swords
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The swords from late 8th century onwards seem to be a Central Asian design (curved shape, similar to samuri swords that are made for severing limbs - albielt that Arab swords are double-edged) as opposed to the swords that seem to have been used by the Sahaabah, which seem to be like Gladiator swords, perhaps Roman inspired.
This is consistant with the fact that Nabataeans were highly inspired by the Romans/Greeks, so it may only be a fair assumption that early Arabs were using double-edged straight sowrds till the 7th century AD.
Perhaps a study of Central Asian or even East Asian sword making would also reveal the techniques the Damascus sword makers might have adopted/developed.
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The early arab swords they say were roman inspired but the latter ones were identical to european double edged ones. The damascene process (pattern welding) is also used for katana's but I think there was a difference in the steel and the other additional processes used to get the original blend right.
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"latter ones were identical to european double edged ones"
Are you sure? I will try to reveiew some of the material on weaponry that I have (I have to get my hands on it first)... To my knowledge, the curved shape that is considered the chanracteristic of Arabic swords, actually comes from central asian influence (later called the Turk region).
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It was in one of the first links I tried when searching for more info, don't know how accurate it is
The swords used by Arab warriors during the 12th and 13th centuries were almost always straight, double-edged weapons nearly identical to European swords. It is not until near the end of the 13th century that curved, single-edged blades are generally introduced and they only slowly become the common weapon of Arab warriors. In the 15th century, Arabs began to use highly curved swords such as the scimitar shown below.
I read in wiki regarding the earlier swords being similar to roman swords.
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I understand. You are correct about early Arabian swords (especially from uptil the 8th century) were straight and double-edged. They got curved quite later under Central Asian influence. European swords were inspired from the latter...
From what I know, even the name Excalibre comes from the Arabic "khalib", that itself is a Central Asian or Anatolian inspired word. Go figure
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I own a Katana and a Roman Gladiator sword mock-ups...
From looking at the pictures of the sword attributed to Khalid bin Waleed, one can't but notice the hellenistic influence, albeit the handle.
Obviously, the Scimitar is much like the Katana, but the curve is a lot more profound, which makes it more formidable when it comes to "dismembering" the opponent... Not very helpful if you are also trying to kick and box along with the sword fight.
For some reason, I have always found the Scimitar a bit clumsy, but it was a practical weapon for its wielder. The metal forming and annealing processes were also quite sophisticated considering the times they were made in.
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From what I know, even the name Excalibre comes from the Arabic "khalib", that itself is a Central Asian or Anatolian inspired word. Go figure
Wow didn't know that, what does khalib mean? Water nymph?
I own a Katana and a Roman Gladiator sword mock-ups...
I think we can safely include you in the group that must never be named, as in this thread. I dual wield a Katana +7 and a Wakizashi myself, just not in RL
Obviously, the Scimitar is much like the Katana, but the curve is a lot more profound, which makes it more formidable when it comes to "dismembering" the opponent... Not very helpful if you are also trying to kick and box along with the sword fight.
For some reason, I have always found the Scimitar a bit clumsy, but it was a practical weapon for its wielder. The metal forming and annealing processes were also quite sophisticated considering the times they were made in.
I agree with you, though I would still consider a dude with a scimitar, and who knew how to use it, quite dangerous. Especially if he's wearing black robes.
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Tempered steel eh, thanks for the info. I'm quite hooked on vr more so than rl at times and just sometimes it puts me in confusing situations where I'm trying to get at the reload button but there isn't one...and I realise life is tough ;D
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I'm quite hooked on vr more so than rl at times and just sometimes it puts me in confusing situations where I'm trying to get at the reload button but there isn't one...and I realise life is tough
Don't worry. It goes both ways... some people look for the "any key" lol -
I wonder if this has anything to do with this subject...
Chapter 34
10. And We granted David blessings from Us ?O mountains, glorify with him, as well as the birds.? And We softened the iron for him.
11. That you may make armour coats that fit perfectly, and work righteousness. For I am Seer of what you do.Oh... hypno this isn't the thread I was looking for... move along!
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Takes a bit of time to get used to us 'round here max