Different Types of Swords & Their Uses

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Learn about blades from Asia, Europe, and Africa

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: December 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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Asian

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European

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Middle Eastern & African

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Modern

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Sword History

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Video

Whether you’re a history buff or a fantasy fan, you probably know that swords are pretty awesome. If you want to know more about this sharp weapon, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of swords from around the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. We’ll also explain when swords originated and became widespread weapons.

Types of Swords from Different Cultures

An illustration depicting various swords from different cultures.

Katana: A single-edged, curved sword used by samurai in Feudal Japan.
Dao: A saber or broadsword used by the military throughout different periods in China.
Cutlass: A short, curved slashing sword used as a naval weapon in Europe.
Gladius: A shortsword used by Roman legionaries and gladiators.

Section 1 of 5:

Types of Asian Swords

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The Alamang is a sacred sword of the Bugis and Makassar people in Sulawesi, Indonesia. It features a flattened, heavy, indented hilt and a long, straight blade. It is a symbol of sovereignty, prosperity, and dignity of a kingdom.^{[1]
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A bolo is a general term for traditional, pre-colonial single-edged swords or large knives of the Philippines. Bolos function as both tools and weapons and are characterized by a wide, curved blade that narrows down to the hilt and comes with a pointed or blunt tip.^{[2]
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The dao is a prominent Chinese sword that was commonly used by the military. Also known as a saber or broadsword, it has a single-edged, slightly curved blade, though the exact design varies across different periods and regions of China. The dao has a heavy and broad blade and was preferred by soldiers due to its practicality in combat.^{[3]
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A Gayang is a traditional Filipino weapon, known for being light, quick, and devastating. It features a double-edged blade about 61-122 cm in length and has a hook hilt grip to prevent slipping. It is believed to be from Borneo and was a Philippine version of Mandau, a traditional sword of the Dayaks of Borneo.^{[4]
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A hook sword, also known as twin hooks, is a Chinese weapon traditionally associated with northern styles of martial arts. These swords have a sharp blade similar to a jian with a prong or hook near the tip. They’re often used in pairs, and the hooks are used to trap or deflect other weapons.^{[5]
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The hwandudaedo is one of the earliest types of Korean swords, first appearing in the Proto-Three Kingdoms of Korea. They were originally symbols of a ruler’s power, but became a more widespread symbol of military or political rank when their availability increased in the 5th century. The sword has a thick back, a sharpened blade, and a round pommel. They were also often richly decorated.^{[6]
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The Jian is a prominent Chinese sword. It features a straight, double-edged blade, making it suitable for thrusting and precise cutting. It is often referred to as the “gentleman of weapons” because of its elegant design and association with scholarly and noble classes. The Jian has been used in Chinese martial arts for centuries.^{[7]
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The katana is a Japanese sword developed during the feudal period of Japan. It has a single-edged, curved blade typically 60-80 cm long, and is known for its sharpness and strength. It was traditionally used by the samurai class.^{[8]
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A shinken (which literally means “real sword”) is a Japanese sword with a forged and sharpened blade. This term is often used in contrast with “bokken” (wooden sword), “shinai” (bamboo sword), and “iaitō” (unsharpened metal sword). Shinken are often used in forms of combative sword-drawing.^{[9]
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The talwar is a type of curved sword or sabre from the Indian subcontinent. It features a curved blade and an all-metal hilt with integral quillons and a disc-shaped pommel. This sword was used by both cavalry and infantry.^{[10]
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Section 2 of 5:

Types of European Swords

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The arming sword originated in medieval Europe. It is a single-handed sword with a straight, double-edged blade, typically 75-90 cm long. It has a simple cross-guard and pommel to balance the weapon. This sword was commonly used by knights and soldiers and was often paired with a shield or buckler.^{[11]
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The claymore is a late medieval Scottish sword that is either a variant of the late medieval two-handed sword or the basket-hilted sword. The two-handed claymore was often used in clan warfare and border fights with the English in the 15th to 17th centuries. The single-handed basket-hilted Claymore became more common in the 17th and 18th centuries.^{[12]
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A cutlass is a short, broad sabre or slashing sword with a straight or slightly curved blade. It was a common naval weapon during the Age of Sail, which lasted from the mid-16th century to the mid-18th century.^{[13]
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The estoc is a type of French sword used from the 14th to the 17th century. It features a cruciform hilt, a two-handed grip, and a straight, edgeless blade that allowed it to pierce mail armor. It was a variation of the longsword.^{[14]
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A gladius is a Roman shortsword used by legionaries, gladiators, and late Roman light infantry. It features a double-edged blade primarily used for thrusting and slashing. The gladius was popular in the 3rd century BCE Roman Republic.^{[15]
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The longsword originated in the late Middle Ages. It features a long blade (typically about 85-110 cm long) and handle, designed for greater reach and leverage during combat. The longer grip provided better control and allowed for more powerful strikes. This sword was used both in warfare and in dueling because of its versatility.^{[16]
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The paramerion was a saber-like, curved sword used by the Eastern Roman Byzantines. The name “paramerion” means “by the thigh,” which suggests the weapon was likely worn suspended by slings from a waist-belt.^{[17]
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The rapier gained prominence in the late 16th century and is known for its thin, sharply pointed blade, which allowed for quick, precise strikes. It was popular in civilian self-defense and dueling.^{[18]
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A spadroon is a light sword with a straight-edged blade that enables both cut and thrust attacks. These swords were used across Europe from the late 17th century onward and were primarily sidearms for military officers and non-commissioned officers in the army and navy from the 17th to early 19th centuries.^{[19]
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The Viking Age sword, or Carolingian sword, was prevalent in Western and Northern Europe during the Early Middle Ages. It is a double-edged, single-handed sword with a shallow fuller that reduces weight and helps with balance. It was also a symbol of power, noble status, and prestige.^{[20]
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Section 3 of 5:

Types of Middle Eastern & African Swords

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An akrafena is a sword from the Akan culture in Ghana and Togo. It was originally meant for warfare, but also forms a part of Akan heraldry. It consists of a metal blade, a carved wood or metal hilt, and a sheath made of animal hide.^{[21]
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A billao, also known as a belawa, is a horn-hilted Somali shortsword or long dagger, depending on the length of the blade. It features a double-edged, leaf-shaped, asymmetrical blade and a 3-pronged pommel. Most notably, it served as a close-quarters weapon in the Dervish State at the turn of the 20th century.^{[22]
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The flyssa, or ajenoui, is a traditional Algerian weapon produced and used during the 19th century and earlier. It originates from the Kabyle Iflissen Lebhar tribal confederacy. These weapons can be classified as long knives or full-sized swords, depending on the blade length. They were used in several wars involving Central Maghrebi tribes and nations, including the Invasion of Algiers (1775).^{[23]
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The Ida is a traditional sword used by the Yoruba people of West Africa. It served as one of the primary weapons of Yoruba armies before the widespread adoption of firearms. It typically features a leaf-shaped, double-edged iron blade, but can also be single-edged. In addition to warfare, the Ida was also used for hunting and ceremonial purposes.^{[24]
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The kaskara is a traditional sword used in Sudan, Chad, and Eritrea. The double-edged blade is usually about a yard long and has a spatulate tip. The kaskara was worn horizontally across the back or between the upper arm and thorax.^{[25]
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The khopesh is an Egyptian sickle-shaped sword that developed from battle axes. The style originated in Western Asia during the Bronze Age and was introduced to Egypt in the Second Intermediate Period. It became more common in the New Kingdom and is often depicted with kings in statues and murals.^{[26]
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A Ngulu is an execution sword used by the Bantu peoples of the Congo Basin. It resembles the khopesh but has a much larger blade, is made of iron, and has a non-cutting back and a semi-circular concavity. One or two Ngulu blades were used for capital executions by beheading.^{[27]
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The scimitar is a curved, single-edged blade popular in regions of the Middle East. Its design is optimized for slashing, though the exact curvature varies depending on the design. This sword is often associated with the image of the Arabian warrior.^{[28]
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The Shotel is an Ethiopian sword notable for its sickle-like shape. It features a curved blade that was designed to reach around an opponent’s shield and inflict injury. It was traditionally used in both warfare and ceremonial contexts.^{[29]
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The Takoba is a traditional sword used by the Tuareg people of North Africa. It features a straight, double-edged blade, a cross-shaped hilt, and is often decorated with intricate engravings and symbols that reflect the status and identity of its owner. Historically, it was both a status symbol and a weapon of war.^{[30]
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Section 4 of 5:

Types of Modern Swords

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Ceremonial swords are not used in combat, but are instead symbols of authority, honor, and tradition. Militaries and government officials often use them in parades, award ceremonies, and other official functions. These swords are often richly decorated to emphasize their symbolic value.
Some swords are now used for recreation and are designed with safety and agility in mind. The three main types of fencing swords include the foil, the épée, and the saber. The foil and épée are thrusting weapons, and the saber is a cutting and thrusting weapon. Each has its own rules and scoring system.^{[31]
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Replica swords are designed to look like historical swords or fantasy swords from movies and pop culture. The quality of these swords varies, though collectors often seek them for their historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. They’re often used for display, martial arts practice, and reenactment purposes.

Section 5 of 5:

The History of Sword Making

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The earliest known swords date back to the Bronze Age. These early swords were predominantly made of bronze and were designed for close combat. Swords became longer and more widely available in the Iron Age. This period saw the invention of various sword designs across different cultures, including the Roman Gladius and the Viking sword.^{[32]
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- Traditional sword making involves heating metal, typically steel, in a forge, then hammering it into shape. Modern sword making involves advanced technologies and machinery, such as precision cutting tools and automated hammers.