Difference between... (if any)

O

Onamorus

Joined
Mar 28, 2018
Messages
1
Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I come here because I have a question about swords and knives.

For a college project I'm researching the difference throughout history (but especially the period around the 15th and 16th century) between those weapons for the high ranked military and the low ranked staff.

From the research that I have done so far, I have the assumption that the weapons from the higher ranks are richly decorated (and less functional) and that those weapons from the lower ranks are more simple and more effective in design. But that is my assumption, I would like to find out if that is true and what those exact differences are.

The reason for that is that at the end of the project I have to make the knife or sword in question, both in the "high ranked" version and the "low ranked" version.

The only problem that I encounter is that I can't find anything related to that subject, I can only find (really) nice pictures and auctions. So my question is if anybody can point me in the right direction, so I can confirm or bust my assumption.

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely yours,

Romano
 
There are probably a lot of books in the library on the subject. Also, you have to forge swords for your project? That's a big undertaking.
 
You have to make two knives or two swords for a college project? What course is this for? Do you know whats involved in making these?

ETA: I would try books like The Historical Atlas of Weaponry.
 
Last edited:
Well, lets just take a recent example of officer swords and nco swords.
Ww2 imperial japanese officer swords were priceless ancient family heirlooms
And nco's had mass manufactured swords of a far lesser quality.
The usmc has two very different looking swords to signify offcer and non com status.
Swords of today may be ceromonial, but it is an object of prestige steeped in tradition.
Thus, it may be so that one dresses the part for war with pride and distinction,
If not out right dandy to go out in style :-)
Fyi
https://www.militariahub.com/the-history-of-the-manufacture-of-british-swords/
 
Officer swords were usually higher quality and probably more functional than the comparable Poor Bloody Infantry weapon. Once swords became man-jewelry instead of the thing that might save your life then pretty became more important than weapon capability. I would repost this question in the Sword Forum, as there are a couple of individuals who have extensive collections who can show actual examples in a side-by-side comparison.
 
Sweet project! You might find the Philidelphia art museum sword collection helpful. Just Google it. They have an impressive collection. The museum website has pictures of most of the swords, and also provides information like date, metal used, location found, size, etc..
Also, you posted your question on a very general forum. There is probably a sub forum on swords here on bladeforums that would help you get connected with more sword enthusiasts and experts.
Good luck with the project!
 
GIRLYmann said:
Well, lets just take a recent example of officer swords and nco swords.
Ww2 imperial japanese officer swords were priceless ancient family heirlooms
And nco's had mass manufactured swords of a far lesser quality.
The usmc has two very different looking swords to signify offcer and non com status.
Swords of today may be ceromonial, but it is an object of prestige steeped in tradition.
Thus, it may be so that one dresses the part for war with pride and distinction,
If not out right dandy to go out in style :)
Fyi
https://www.militariahub.com/the-history-of-the-manufacture-of-british-swords/
Click to expand...
While I'm sure the OP isn't interested the NCO has a sword and the officer has a saber.
 
I know next to nothing on the subject but follow Scholgladiatoria on YouTube. There are options for contacting them at the top right of their YouTube channel. This may not be exactly who you need but there is a chance that they can help you with this project.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top