If you are looking for fun facts to read about the best military swords, then you are here at the right spot. However, these factors will be related to the swords starting from the ancient ones which were effectively used for combat and personal fights; not to mention the fact that the military swords are still in use today; however, their functions are far from utilizing them in real battles. Today, the military swords are definitely used during various ceremonies due to the fact that the art of war has evidently changed. People no more use military swords for fighting off each other; on the contrary, they use modern guns and nuclear weapons which can wreak havoc to the level that the population of the entire world can go extinct.
Referring to the list of the amazing swords which are still remembered and referred today, the below-given list of the best historic swords has everything covered for you. The ultra-sharp blades of the historic swords had the power to change the course and events of certain military campaigns, leading to the victory of one nation/party above the other. Before the scientific and technological advancements, the wars were essentially fought with the help of arrows, daggers, knives, and military swords. Especially, in feudal Japan and during the Medieval Ages, the swords were considered legendary belongings of the warriors and knights to the extent that the swords were named similar to the grandiose warriors who wielded them and used them effectively in order to defeat the enemy.
1. The Khopesh
Starting from the Bronze Age of ancient Egypt, the Khopesh featured a rather unique design which included a hooked blade with the outer edges being razor-sharp. You will be surprised to know that these swords took the form of sickles and were made with the metal of bronze; in addition, the popularity of these swords was so great that they traveled from Egypt up to the period of the New Kingdom in the Middle East.
Due to their brutality and effective slashing ability, soon these swords gained the role of the most commonly used military swords which could be effectively used during the close-quarter fights and combats. Apart from slashing the enemy's throat in the gruesome battles, the "Khopesh" served ceremonial purposes as well; hence, this sword was proudly displayed inside the tombs of those Egyptians who had some social status and social recognition among the others. Historical analysis indicates that even the famous Pharaoh boy, "Tutankhamun" was laid to rest with two of the "Khopesh" swords which were of two different sizes. Nonetheless, the Khopesh remained popular among the Egyptian warriors until the 12th century when it was no longer used in favor of some other more effective military swords. This sword still remains an iconic sword as it is remembered in glorious terms even today.
2. The Kukri
The Kukri has remained a traditional sword of Nepal for centuries; in addition, it has also been an effective utility tool apart from serving as a combat sword. This sword has a rather unique design with its inwardly curved blade and a short length. However, the Kukri wasn't introduced in the European continent until the 1800s when the first British fought a rather bloody battle against the warriors from Nepal. The efficacy of these short military swords enabled the warriors to cut off the limbs as well as disembowel even a running horse with one single bow of the sword.
The efficacy and durability of this short sword impressed the British army to the extent that they made up their mind of including the warriors from Nepal in their army. Subsequently, the warriors, also known as the "Gurkhas" became the most widely feared army unit of that time due to their Kukri and their fierceness on the battleground. Especially, their short swords became well-known among other army units due to their amazing slashing and cutting abilities along with the distinctive and unique shape of the blades. Even today, the Kukri swords are well known for their uniqueness and well-balanced design of the handle and the blade. In addition, this is one of the most renowned military swords of Nepal till this date.
3. The Falcata
Moving on towards the warriors of Spain, the Celtiberian warriors, the military swords wielded by them was essentially the "Falcata". The length of this combat sword was at least two feet; whereas, the blade was curved which came quite handy during the fights. Among the distinctive features of the "Falcata" is the single-edged blade which turned double-edged near the razor-sharp point of the blade. This sword was designed with good-quality steel or iron and was strong enough to be used for the sturdiest tasks which involved the chopping and cutting. This sword is most commonly associated with the military swords used during the Punic Wars which were fought against Rome. History indicates that Hannibal equipped his warriors with the Falcata due to the efficacy, sturdiness, vigor, reliability, and durability of these swords.
4. The Ulfberht Sword
The history of the greatest warriors of all times indicates that the Vikings had the world terrorized for quite a lot time; especially, during the 8th century (A.D.). The Vikings were utmost notorious for attacking eminent coastal cities and settlements, looting the people and fighting them off as well. Nonetheless, not all Vikings were equipped with swords; there were merely a few of them who actually owned and possessed a sword. Nonetheless, the military swords used by the Vikings were a masterpiece in their own way with regards to the refinement of the blades as well as the material with which these were crafted.
In this respect, it wouldn't be wrong to state that the Vikings were definitely slightly ahead of their time with respect to the splendor of their swords. You might be surprised to know that the Ulfberht sword included a signature design as well; in addition, these military swords were crafted with crucible steel of the highest quality. Among the various stunning features of the "Ulfberht sword" was the flexible sword blade as well as the superiority of the blades with respect to sharpness and strength.
There are various rumors attached to these military swords with respect to their origin. Some historians and scholars argue that the swords were forged from the material obtained from Germany. Whereas, another group of historians and scholars hold the opinion that since the Islamic world was more advanced during that time with respect to swords; therefore, the high-quality material for the blades used in the making of the Ulfberht sword was obtained from the regions of the Islamic world. However, nothing can be said for sure except one thing that the Vikings definitely knew some secrets to the best-quality military swords of their time which lent them an upper hand during the numerous battles they fought along those coastal areas.
5. The Bowie Knife
This classic American combat and the fighting knife is also known as a mini-sword; therefore we are including it in the list of the five best historical military swords of all times. This mini sword was used by Jim Bowie; especially, during the time of the Texas Revolution where Jin Bowie became a prominent figure among the Revolutionaries. The Bowie knife is well-known for its huge blade as well as the huge handle. The size and strength of this knife render it the qualities of belonging to the category of the military knives. There is a huge variety of the Bowie knife available in the markets and online stores today.
