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”
Tag Archives: weapons technology
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”
The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance
Everyone knows it is essential to keep weapons clean and well-maintained. Saying it can seem like beating a dead horse, so to speak. Although, there are some nuances that bear discussing and some critical points which may be lesser known. I know for myself, cleaning and maintaining the weapons I own is something that canContinue reading “The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance”
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: 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”
Iconic Weapons: The M1 Garand
Since we looked at two iconic swords from history this month and one firearm, I thought it appropriate to look at another firearm in keeping with his month’s theme. That firearm we will explore today is the famous M1 Garand. Known officially as the “United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1,” the M1 Garand is oneContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: The M1 Garand”
Iconic Weapons: History of the Longsword
The longsword is such a classic and iconic symbol that it is used as a generic model for a sword in numerous different mediums of art and culture. Technically, the distinction between the classic “longsword” design and other types of swords such as the arming sword and “shortsword” may be a matter of blade lenght,Continue reading “Iconic Weapons: History of the Longsword”
The Pensive Warrior 