What is a sword?
Q: What is a sword?
A: A sword is a hand-held weapon made for cutting. It is often made of metal and has a long blade and a handle called a hilt.
Q: When were swords first created?
A: Swords were first created from bronze by blacksmiths in Ancient Egypt in 1150 BCE.
Q: What types of sword fighting are there?
A: Swords can be used either for cutting, slashing or stabbing, depending on the type of sword. Sport fencing, Western Martial Arts and kendo are examples of sword fighting.
Q: What is the purpose of the hand protection on a sword?
A: The hand protection on a sword, such as a cross-guard or a basket, provides some form of protection to the user's hand.
Q: What replaced swords as the primary weapon after its invention?
A: Guns replaced swords as the primary weapon after their invention.
Q: How are swords used today?
A: Swords are used today mostly for sport, such as in Olympic sport fencing or Western Martial Arts. They are also used ceremonially as part of uniforms.
Q: How do swords used in Western Martial Arts differ from those used in sport fencing?
A: Swords used in Western Martial Arts, such as longswords, rapiers and sabres, are much heavier than those used in sport fencing. The fencers need much more armour as the blades used are blunt.
