8 Razor-Sharp Fun Facts About Swords You Never Knew!
1. Ulfberht: The Gucci Sword
In the Viking world of medieval fashion, the Ulfberht sword was the equivalent of rocking a Gucci belt and some Yeezys: a flashy display of wealth, power, and utter panache. Indeed, not even Odin himself could resist saying, "That's one hela fine blade": These swords were forged from crucible steel, a rare and superior material, and took over 11 hours of masterful pounding to create. Genuine Ulfberhts were branded with the iconic name and two crosses, but watch out for fakes—back then, even the sword industry had its counterfeiters, producing knockoffs with inferior steel and a shoddy sense of spelling.
Source => linde-stories.com
2. Samurai Sword Origami
Ever wonder why Japanese swordsmiths seem obsessed with folding their laundry, I mean, swords? This ancient origami of weaponry creates quite the artistic and deadly masterpiece: By folding the steel multiple times during the katana making process, they remove impurities and forge a durable, high-quality blade with a stunning grain pattern, turning the traditional Tamahagane steel into the sharpest of fashion-forward accessories in the world of Samurai swordplay.
Source => swordsofnorthshire.com
Did you know that samurai's unique "warrior-topknot" hairstyle during the Edo period was not just a fashion statement, but had a practical purpose for keeping their helmets steady in battle? Discover more fascinating facts about samurai!
=> Fun Facts about Samurai
3. Joyeuse: Medieval Swiss Army Sword
Though it's not exactly a Swiss Army knife, Joyeuse had many legendary uses! Rumored to be the elusive Swiss Army knife's distant cousin (if only by marriage), this sword had fashion, function, and flair: Joyeuse, now displayed in the Louvre, was used in French royal coronation ceremonies since the 13th century and said to be Charlemagne's personal weapon, sporting a 82.8 cm blade. Legend has it that Joyeuse even contained the Lance of Longinus within its pommel, making it a true multitasker and an iconic symbol of medieval power and glory.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
4. Seven-Branched Sword Diplomacy
Who needs seven samurai when you've got the Seven-Branched Sword, right? This katana-meets-Inspector Gadget relic makes signing peace treaties look positively cutting edge: Hailing from ancient Japan, the sword was a kingly gift from Baekje to show political goodwill, and was inscribed with magical powers to "rout the enemy" – talk about an ironclad partnership!
Source => ancient-origins.net
5. Workout with a Zwienhander
Feeling a little "two-handed" today? Why not try a Zwienhander sword – the double-fisted wonder of the 16th century German Landsknechte, guaranteed to give you a workout that rivals any gym session: This 4-foot long behemoth of a sword weighs in at a whopping 15 pounds, making it perfect for ensuring all your enemies know you're packing a serious punch. Though mainly used for ceremonial purposes nowadays, don't be surprised if you see some historical European martial arts enthusiasts still swinging these bad boys around in training and tournaments!
Source => en.wikipedia.org
6. Katana: The Everyday Samurai Tool
Before it became a samurai's BFF, the katana was just a regular "Joe Shmoe" multitasking tool: Originally designed for everyday practical use, the katana gained popularity as a weapon of war among samurai only in the late 16th century.
Source => workingtheflame.com
7. Rapiers: Sword World Multi-taskers
Forget the dating rap-ier: rapiers were the multi-taskers of the sword world! From dueling heartthrobs to playing sidekick in military escapades, these slender and pointy wonders knew how to make a statement: Favored across 16th and 17th-century Western Europe, rapiers varied in blade lengths, widths, and hilt designs, with some wider-bladed "war rapiers" accompanying leaders like Gustav II Adolf during the cinematic chaos of the Thirty Years' War.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
8. Goujian: The Anti-Rust Wonder Sword
The Sword of Goujian isn't just the archaeologist's Excalibur, but also a prime piece of ancient weapon tech that gives your modern anti-rust spray a run for its money: Found in almost perfect condition, this bronze sword wields high copper content in its blade for flexibility while its edges boast more tin for sharpness and durability, all dressed with a splash of sulfur for that never-fading, tarnish-free finery.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
