Swords and Hilt Weapons - Tapa dura

Swords and other weapons with handles, or hilt weapons, were originally designed for use in melee, or confused fighting, where combatants were little more than an arm s length apart. Wars are now often fought over much larger distances with much more elaborate methods, but for thousands of years swords, knives, daggers, machetes, axes, and other blades were the weapons of choice in any conflict. Even today, infantryman carry some sort of knife into battle. "Swords & Hilt Weapons" is an illustrated guide to these remarkable tools. From the simple stone knives manufactured during ancient times to today s albion swords, it offers a complete visual history for experienced swordsmen or anyone fascinated by the beautiful construction of a steel blade. Readers will learn about the anatomy of a swordfrom the point, to the blade, to the gripand the differences between one made in Central Europe and one made in Central Asia. What s better: a battle-axe or a bayonet? Become an expert with "Swords & Hilt Weapons"!"

Michael Sharpe was born in 1970 into a forces background and developed a fascination for transport and military history at an early age. Since working as an editor in the newspaper and military book publishing industry, he has worked on numerous publications and articles on military, civil aviation, transport and military history. He lives and writes in Tokyo, Japan.