A saber is a type of sword with a curved blade that is usually sharpened on one side and is designed for slashing blows. Sabers have a long history and have been used in different cultures and eras. History and origin Central Asia - The first sabers appeared in the 9th century in Central Asia. They were used by nomadic horsemen who preferred curved blades for their efficiency while riding. Middle East - Sabers spread to Persia and the Ottoman Empire, where they became the primary weapon of cavalry. Europe Ottoman Empire - The Ottoman saber, known as the "kilij," was very influential. Its design was adopted by many European armies. Napoleonic Wars - In the 18th and 19th centuries, the saber became the standard weapon of European cavalry, especially during the Napoleonic Wars. Construction Blade 1/ Curve - Saber blades are usually curved, allowing for effective slashing blows while riding. 2/ Length - The length of the blade can vary, but is often between 60 and 100 cm. Handle Hilt - The hilt is usually equipped with a protective basket or guard to protect the user's hand. Material - Handles can be made of wood, bone, metal or leather and can be decorated. Scabbard Material - Saber scabbards are often made of leather or metal and are designed to protect the blade when not in use. Design - Many scabbards have ornate details that may reflect cultural or military significance. Use 1/ Military Cavalry - Sabers were the primary weapon of cavalry where they were used for quick and effective attacks from horseback. Dueling - In the 19th century, sabers were also used in dueling between officers and nobles. 2/ Ceremonial Modern Times - In many armies and police forces, sabers are still used on ceremonial occasions and parades. Historical reenactments - Sabers are often used in historical reenactments and reenactments. Types of sabers Kilij - Ottoman saber with a distinctly curved blade and a characteristic T-cross at the end of the blade. Scimitar - A broad category of curved swords from the Near East, often with highly curved blades. Saber - A European saber that was used mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was less curved than the oriental saber and had a longer handle. Katana - A Japanese sword that, although often considered straight, has a slight curve and is also designed for slashing strikes. Legal and cultural aspects Legality 1/ Collecting - Sabers are now mostly collectibles and their ownership is legal in most countries. 2/ Carrying - Carrying a saber in public is mostly prohibited or strictly regulated. Culture 1/ Symbol of power - In many cultures, the saber is a symbol of power and military strength. 2/ Films and literature - Sabers often feature in historical and war films and books. The saber is a fascinating weapon with a rich history and cultural significance.
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A bow tie knife, also known as a balisong, is a type of folding knife originating in the Philippines. It has two handles that rotate around pivots at the base of the blade, allowing the knife to be opened and closed quickly.
Blades
High carbon steels or stainless steels are most often used, which ensures durability and sharpness. Blades can have different shapes such as drop point, tanto, clip point or spear point.
Handles
Handles can be made of metal (eg aluminum, stainless steel, titanium), wood, plastic or composite materials. Some handles are textured or grooved for better grip and handling.
Mechanism
Quality balisongs have smooth pivots, often with ball bearings, which allow the handles to rotate smoothly. The knives have a locking mechanism that holds the blade in the open or closed position. A "latch" system is often used.
Techniques of use
Open - Different ways to open the knife, including basic flip and reverse flip. Close - Techniques for closing a knife with one or both hands. Flick - Quickly open and close the knife with simple movements of the wrist. Aerials - Throwing a knife in the air and catching it. Rollovers Rotation of the knife around the fingers or hand. Chaplin - Rotating a knife around one finger, similar to a hula hoop.
Self defense
Grips - Different grips for maximum control and speed. Strikes - Effective use of the knife for self-defense, including quick strikes and defensive techniques.
Types of butterfly knives
1/ Training balisongs No sharp blade - They have a blunt blade, which is ideal for learning tricks without the risk of injury. Lighter construction - They are often lighter and less expensive than their sharp counterparts.
2/ Classic balisongs Traditional design - Often made of quality materials with careful processing. Decorative elements - May have decorated handles and decorative details.
3/ Modern balisongs Innovative materials - Use of modern materials such as titanium or composites. Ergonomic shapes - Designs optimized for comfortable holding and handling.
The bow tie knife has its roots in the Philippines, where it is also known as "veo." It was traditionally used for both everyday tasks and self-defense. Balisong became popular in Europe and the US in the 20th century, especially among collectors and martial arts enthusiasts. Butterfly knife blades can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are often sharp and well balanced. Handles are usually made of metal, wood or composite materials and have a mechanism to lock the blade in the open or closed position. The knives have pivots that allow the handles to be turned smoothly and quickly. Butterfly knife - Balisong is popular for various tricks and performances, thanks to its construction and the possibility of quick opening. It was traditionally used as a weapon for self-defense, although this use is less common today. Many people collect butterfly knives for their aesthetics and historical value. In many countries, the ownership, wearing or sale of balisongs is regulated by law.
Europe
In many European countries balisongs are banned or strictly regulated. Some countries allow ownership but prohibit wearing in public.
USA
Rules vary by state. Some states allow balisongs without restrictions, while others prohibit or restrict their carrying. Federal laws may affect sales and shipments across state lines.
Asia
In countries like the Philippines, balisongs are traditional instruments and are often legal to carry. In other Asian countries, balisongs may be regulated similarly to other knives. In some areas they may be completely prohibited, while in others they are allowed with certain restrictions. The butterfly knife is often featured in action films and television shows, where it is showcased due to its dramatic appearance and movement. The bow tie knife is a fascinating tool with a rich history and a specific technique of use.
Japanese knives are known for their excellent quality, sharpness and precision craftsmanship. They have a long history and are made with respect to traditional techniques that are passed down from generation to generation.
History and tradition Japanese knives
have their roots in traditional sword making, such as katanas. The techniques used in making Japanese knives are often derived from these ancient practices. Knife makers, known as "katana-kaji", have been passing down their knowledge and skills for centuries. Types of Japanese knives There are many different types of Japanese knives, each with a specific purpose and design. Among the most famous are, for example, Gyuto - An all-purpose kitchen knife, similar to a Western chef's knife. Santoku - A versatile knife, ideal for cutting vegetables, fish and meat. Yanagiba - A long, thin knife used primarily for preparing sushi and sashimi. Deba - A strong and heavy knife used mainly for filleting fish and chopping meat. Tanto – a traditional Japanese knife that is characterized by a specific design and historical significance. Originally designed as a combat tool, modern tanto knives are also used for a variety of practical purposes, including everyday carry (EDC), outdoor activities, and collecting. Higonokami - a traditional Japanese folding knife that is known for its simplicity, practicality and historical significance. This knife has its roots in Japan and is still popular among both craftsmen and collectors. Materials Japanese knives are usually made of high-quality steel, such as high-carbon steel, which is known for its hardness and ability to retain its sharpness. Other common materials include stainless steel and combinations of different metals to provide an optimal balance between hardness and corrosion resistance. The most famous and popular materials currently include Japanese Damascus steel, also known as "Damascus" steel. It is famous for its beautiful layered structure and excellent properties. In Japan, this technique is often used to make high-end knives and swords. Damascus steel has its roots in ancient history, originally originating in the Middle East, where it was known for its strength and ability to retain its sharpness. The Japanese version of Damascus steel, known as "kasumi" or "honyaki", evolved with the advent of blacksmiths who adapted these techniques for their own sword and knife production. The production of Japanese Damascus steel involves forging and stacking layers of different types of steel together. This process can involve thousands of folds and folds, creating unique and complex patterns on the surface of the steel. The result is a knife or sword that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also extremely strong and durable. One of the most distinctive features of Damascus steel is its visual appeal. Layers of steel create complex patterns, often resembling flowing water or waves. These patterns are unique to each individual piece, making each knife or sword unique. Types of Damascus steel in Japan San Mai - A technique in which a hard core of steel is lined with a softer steel, providing excellent sharpness while resisting cracking. Honyaki - High quality Damascus steel made from a single piece of steel, often considered the highest level of Japanese blacksmithing. Japanese Damascus knives require careful maintenance, just like other high quality knives. Hand washing, regular sanding and storage in a safe place are recommended. Due to their high hardness, Damascus knives can be more prone to damage if used incorrectly, so they should be used with care. Japanese Damascus steel represents the perfect combination of aesthetics, functionality and traditional craftsmanship. Sharpening techniques Japanese knives are often hand-ground and sharpened using special whetstones. This process involves several steps and requires great skill and patience. The result is an extremely sharp and precise tool that stays sharp for a long time. Design and ergonomics The design of Japanese knives is often very elegant and minimalistic. Handles can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic or metal and are designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip. Japanese knives are not only a cooking tool, but also a work of art that reflects the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Japanese blacksmiths.
A dagger is a type of knife with a standard double-edged blade that tapers towards the tip. This design gives the dagger excellent penetrating power and allows for quick and efficient stabbing. Daggers have historically been used as weapons, both in the military and in civilian life. In a military context, they served as a secondary weapon or as part of the equipment of soldiers who fought in close combat.
Civilian daggers were used for self-defense, hunting, but also as tools for common tasks. Daggers come in different shapes and sizes, and can be made from different materials such as steel, titanium, or even ceramic. Today, daggers are popular not only among collectors, but also among lovers of outdoor activities and bushcraft, who appreciate their functionality and versatility.
Cold weapons are the designation for weapons that do not use a firing mechanism or ammunition and their effectiveness is based on physical contact with the target. This includes various species such as
war hammers clubs and other similar (blunt) tools
Tameshigiri is a Japanese term used for the technique of cutting and testing the edge of a sword, typically a katana or other Japanese sword. This process serves to verify the quality and efficiency of the blade, as well as the skill of the swordsman. During tameshigiri, the swordsman tries to aim as accurately and efficiently as possible at various targets, usually made of bamboo (take), but also made of tatami mats or other materials that simulate the human body. The goal is not just to simply fly through the material, but to cut it with such ease and precision that the material remains cleanly split without any jamming or tearing. Tameshigiri is not only a test of the sword, but also of the swordsman's skill. It requires precise technique and a deep understanding of sword movement. For those practicing Japanese martial arts such as iaido or kenjutsu, tameshigiri is an important part of training as it helps develop the ability to use the sword correctly in real-world situations. Historically, tameshigiri was used as a way to confirm the quality and effectiveness of newly made swords, but also as a form of ceremonial testing of swords before battle. Today, it is also a popular activity in Japanese martial arts and among sword collectors. Overall, tameshigiri is not only a practical test of swords, but also an important part of Japanese swordsmanship tradition and culture.
Horimono is a term used to refer to various engraving patterns and decorations on Japanese swords, including katana. These decorations are hand-engraved into the blade of the sword and often have a symbolic or aesthetic meaning. Horimono can be engraved on various parts of the blade, such as the side surfaces (omote), the back of the blade (ura), or the back with the body of the sword (mune). Horimono motifs are often inspired by Japanese mythology, history, nature or religion. For example, you can find different kinds of dragons, gods, flowers, birds or geometric patterns. Each pattern can have its own meaning and symbolism. In the past, horimono were often used as marks of property or to identify the sword, but today they are primarily an aesthetic element that emphasizes the uniqueness and artistic value of the sword. Horimono are usually carved by hand by master artists with years of experience in the art of engraving craft. Each horimono is unique and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the sword. Their presence on a sword can also affect its value and price. Horimono are one of the many aspects that make Japanese swords such fascinating and prized works of art.
Hamon is the name for decorative strips or patterns on the blade of Japanese knives and swords, such as katanas. This technique creates contrasting lines on the blade of the sword and is one of the distinctive elements of Japanese swordsmanship. Hamon is the result of the differential hardening process of the blade. Differential hardening is a technique that involves cooling different parts of the blade differently, creating different hardness and flexibility. This is achieved by covering the blade with a layer of clay with precisely defined shapes. The blade is then heated to a high temperature and quickly cooled. As a result of different cooling, different steel structures are formed in different parts of the blade. Hamon is then a visible consequence of this differentiation in the steel structure. The shape and pattern of hamon is influenced by many factors, including steel composition, clay composition, tempering temperature and time, as well as grinding and polishing techniques after quenching. Each hamon is unique and can be interpreted as the "soul" of the sword. In addition to the aesthetic effect, the hamon also has a functional purpose, providing strength where necessary and securing the edge of the sword. Hamon is thus one of the main elements that makes Japanese swords such as katana such unique and valued works of art.