Real Swords

  A sword is a weapon consisting of a long blade attached to a hilt. Various types of swords have been used in warfare, hunting, and as a tool. A sword can be straight or curved, thrusting or slashing. The earliest evidence of swords dates back about 400,000 years ago to Africa. Metalworking technology was developed around 2500 BC in the Middle East with writing systems being developed in the same period. This is when historians believe that the sword shape became standardized among hunter-gatherers. There are however some who believe this was not true until around 3000 years later. During the Bronze Age around 4000 BC in Western Asia, the first "complex" swords began to emerge. A more systematic approach to production developed, beginning the use of more regular shapes and sizes. The sword was considered a defining characteristic of men and warriors in Ancient Regime Europe but swords were also used as tools for ordinary people. The average life expectancy of a European dur...

  If you only think of canes as tools for old people, you are not alone. However, there is a long history of these seemingly harmless aids and some surprising differences. Experts believe that canes date back to ancient Egypt where they were used as walking sticks. Later, in 13th century China, dancers added swords to the ends of their canes in order to defend themselves from enemies who would try and take them away during performances.  The idea eventually spread out across Europe as well as India where canes became part of Buddhism’s symbolism. This was mostly because it was believed that Buddha, after his enlightenment, turned a snake into a cane in order to give humans a lesson on the dangers of material goods. Today they are symbols of power and fashion as well as being used for both practical and self-defense purposes. Since canes and swords are made of metal, they can be quite intimidating in the hands of someone who knows how to use them. They also come in a variety of...