The American Long Rifle, known by a few other names, was a commonplace weapon on the American frontier before and during the Founding Era. Used more by hunters than soldiers for its greater accuracy over a musket, but longer reload times, the weapon did still see use in combat by marksmen. It was also ubiquitousContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: American Long Rifle”
Category Archives: Weapons and Armor
Iconic Weapons: Staff
Oh, what could be a more memorable and foundational weapon than the staff? The sword, perhaps? Certainly none other. Whether it be known as a rod, stick, baton, or by some other name, the staff is an ageless weapon, lodging itself across time and space. I recently started practicing with a collapsible baton, the modernContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Staff”
Iconic Weapons: Stiletto
The stiletto is a classic weapon that may have evolved from the rondel dagger, or “dagger of mercy,” used by knights in the Middle Ages to penetrate armor and finish downed opponents. Thus, it seems to be somewhat of a scaled down version of a rondel dagger, often featuring an unsharpened blade that could beContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Stiletto”
Iconic Weapons: Cutlass
The cutlass was a common naval weapon used by sailors, pirates, and marines alike during the Age of Sail. It was a reliable weapon for the man out at sea, but it also saw extensive use on land as an agricultural tool. In the Caribbean region, it saw the most extensive use. Due to itsContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Cutlass”
Iconic Weapons: Bowie Knife
The Bowie knife is a large knife that was in prominent use throughout the 19th Century in the United States. Its design inspired many knives which would be used throughout the 20th Century and into the modern era. The knife takes its namesake from Jim Bowie and the Vidalia Sandbar Duel which was popularized byContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Bowie Knife”
Iconic Weapons: Gladius Hispaniensis
The gladius Hispaniensis, more commonly referred to as the “gladius” for short, is one of history’s most iconic sword designs. The ancient Romans are well-known for their innovations which perfected the technology of other cultures. The gladius – originally of Spanish design – is a perfect example of this. The Romans adopted the gladius andContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Gladius Hispaniensis”
Iconic Weapons: The Messer
The “messer,” meaning “long knife” in German, is a weapon which was prominent in Germanic territories during the Renaissance era. It was called this for its hilt, which was constructed with a full tang and lacked a pommel, making it akin to a very large knife. The weapon was used throughout the 15th and 16thContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: The Messer”
Iconic Weapons: Falchion
The falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European design which saw widespread use in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was noted to have seen service as late as the 16th century, but then began to fall out of use. The blade of the falchion is similar in design to the Persian scimitar andContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Falchion”
Iconic Weapons: Greek Fire
Greek Fire – also referred to as “Roman Fire,” “Liquid Fire,” and “Byzantine Fire” – was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire in the 7th Century. It was a flammable compound made from of unknown mixture of materials which is still not verified to this day and perhaps never will be. The recipeContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Greek Fire”
Celebrating the Bow: National Archery Day
It’s National Archery Day! The second Saturday of May is recognized as National Archery Day, an obscure holiday meant to celebrate the iconic duo of the bow and arrow. Archery is the application of the bow in combat and recreation across history. An “archer” is an individual armed with and wielding a bow. People canContinue reading “Celebrating the Bow: National Archery Day”
The Pensive Warrior 