The purpose of swords and any other weapon is to offer service as protection for their users and to provide an advantage over their enemies. Specialists in Martial Arts can be trained to use military swords effectively and save lives, and acquire important skills for surviving on the field. 

Although militaries around the world use them, there are people who are trained to use these weapons for defensive purposes or even just for show only. The materials that are used in making these real swords differ from one type to another. Swords have been used by armies, militaries, and their personnel for centuries. 

In a time when ranged weapons were not as advanced or reliable as today's, swords offered much-needed protection from enemies in close combat. It is no surprise that swords were extensively used by armies of many different time periods, with the following presenting some of the most famous types:

Katana - these swords have long been associated with Japanese samurai warriors and martial artists. The word "katana sword" is translated to mean "cutting sword".

Gladius - this weapon was used during ancient Roman times and survives today primarily in ceremonial functions like the British military's parade uniforms. The sword was popularized in Hollywood films such as Gladiator (2000).

Saber - this weapon was popularized in the late eighteenth century when cavalry units were formed. Initially, the saber was a curved sword with a single edge.

History of Military Swords

When people imagine the medieval period, they typically think of locations like Germany and France. However, in China, this was a time of great change. The technological advancements and political turmoil allowed for the introduction of unique features to military swords that would never be seen again. The sword would begin to take on its own unique shape, and many small changes were made that would affect the battlefield for thousands of years.

The tachi was the most common type of sword in Japan until the twelfth century. The tachi is usually long and thin with a single cross-guard. It had a shallow hilt thrust into the throat of the sword so that it could be worn through a gauntlet when fighting. In order to remove it safely, warriors would have it broken off with their feet while in combat. 

The Katana is one of two types that are still used today by Japanese samurai. It is the more common of the two and was used as a primary or secondary weapon. They are usually long with a partial hilt and mostly made out of metal. When the hojou was created, it marked a turning point in Japanese history. 

It was first used in the thirteenth century, during the Nanboku-cho period by Japan's military elite. The katana would follow shortly after its creation with its distinctive shape, simple motifs, and slender blade. However, instead of being used as a primary weapon, it would be wielded by foot soldiers rather than samurai.


Popular Military Swords in History

Swords used in war by many countries and armies have a variety of shapes and sizes, but most are designed to effectively combat at close-quarters combat. The sword has been around for thousands of years and there are many weapons that use similar tactics such as the Japanese katana, Korean janggu, Scottish claymore, or Welsh broadsword. Here are the top five military swords with their details:

1. Rapier


The rapier was a popular sword used during the European Renaissance. It has a long narrow blade, triangular in cross-section with a strong blade that is forged of high-quality steel. Rapiers were used in fencing and honor duels that were considered gentlemanly at the time. It was not until the 17th century that this sword became more ornate and decorated to suit fashion and status.

2. Khanda (Double-Edged Sword)

The khanda is also known as "khurpat", "kurda" or "shulka". It is a double-edged sword that is either straight or slightly bent. It is believed to have originated from the sword of the Turkomans of Central Asia. A khanda has a broad blade and a handle ranging from two to three feet in length.

3. Glaive

The glaive was a pole weapon used in ancient times, which was popular with both infantry and cavalry. The term also refers to an aerial combat maneuver, an attack where one aircraft pulls up on another plane's wing and then slices off its tail with the Glaive maneuvering device.

4. Falchion

These swords were the type of military swords that were chiefly used by foot soldiers during the Crusades era. A falchion is similar to a small broadsword but has two curved medieval swords, with one being much shorter and thinner than the other. The shorter sword was called the back edge and was used for the thrust while the longer part of the blade served as a secondary cutting blade. The falchion has been used by many armies since its invention and is primarily associated with France.

5. Longsword


The longsword was a German sword that was used by many military armies during the middle ages. It is a heavy sword that can be up to 42 inches in length and has a blade that is between six to eight inches wide.

6. Cutlass


The cutlass was mainly used by pirates and privateers during the 17th and 18th centuries. It used a straight double-edged blade with a relatively short handle, sometimes only two to three feet long. The cutlass was sometimes referred to as a "Spanish scimitar" because of its close resemblance to an Islamic sword shape called a "longsword".

7. Claymore


Claymores are large two-handed military swords that were used by the Scottish Highland clans during the 16th and 17th centuries. A claymore was also used as a symbol of authority and status by highlanders. The Highlanders had an affinity to this weapon as it was considered an effective killing weapon at close range and could also be wielded lightly due to its large size. The historical use of this sword has made it an icon amongst modern military forces of Scotland, England, Australia, and New Zealand.

Uses and Purposes of Military Swords

When it comes to choosing a sword, make sure to consider what you will be using it for. You’ll want one that is dueling-ready if you’re considering sparring or defense, but a military sword is best for cutting through enemies. The length and weight of the blade will come into play here, with shorter blades being better for parrying and fighting in close quarters than longer swords which do better from more distance.

Military swords are generally simpler in design and appearance due to their intended use--cutting through enemies rather than dueling and looking flashy. They usually don’t have the same kind of guard as a dueling sword and have thicker blades for more effective cutting.

Dueling swords are lighter than military swords, with thinner blades, and longer handles for better control. They tend to be smaller in size than military swords. If you’re looking to get a sword for sparring or just practicing your skills, it’s best to choose one that is well-balanced so you don’t get tired easily when using it.

The types of swords are divided into several categories based on their design. The double-edged sword is the most basic, while the single-edged and double-edged curved swords are more complex. While they are less popular, the Japanese katana is considered by many to be the best. The scimitar and the cutlass were used for close-quarters fighting due to their flat blades.

A great way to buy a sword is at an auction or from a dealer who specializes in antique weaponry. These will be more expensive than buying from a traditional store--you are buying from collectors who have an eye for quality. If you are only looking for a decorative sword, it may be best to go into your local arts and crafts store, find one that’s right for you, then get it professionally refurbished before you put it on display in your home or office.