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 From
the sharp flints with which primitive humans
defended themselves to the carbon-steel bayonets
carried by modern soldiers, the knife's history
is a complex tale of technical ingenuity,
artistic virtuosity and brutal violence.
Like its larger cousin the sword, this lethal
edged weapon expressed the wealth and taste of
its owner. But it was also a vital last
resort - easy to carry, quick to draw and always
at the fighting man's side.
 From
the primitive edged weapons used by early humans
through to those of the modern world, the history of
the sword is a truly fascinating story. It has
been used as a fighting weapon, a symbol of
authority, a mark of social rank and as a ceremonial
object. For centuries, the sword remained the
first weapon of choice for the military soldier and
its pre-eminence was secured by a combination of
continuous technological improvements and adaptation
to ever-changing battlefield conditions.
 For
safety aware individuals, there are a variety of
non-lethal personal defense weapons which are used
for the act of defending oneself, one's property or
the well-being of another from physical harm.
Such personal defense weapons include pepper spray
which is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes
of your attacker to cause tears, pain, and even
temporary blindness. Also an air taser or stun gun
which is an incapacitant weapon used for subduing an
attacker by administering electric shocks aimed at
disrupting muscle functions. And expandable batons
for less lethal self-defense, also called
collapsible or telescopic batons are like metal
sticks of less than arm's length used to defensively
strike, jab, block, and can aid in the application
of armlocks. Also, our
law enforcement gear page has police batons and
handcuffs.
 It
was the time of the crossbow and catapult, halberd
and mace, battering ram, siege tower, sword and
dagger, and increasingly more formidable armored
protection. It was the Middle Ages, when weapons
were of such infinite variety that hardly any two
soldiers faced off using the same weaponry.
 Most
martial arts weapons were developed from farm tools.
According to the history of Japanese weapons, Japan
conquered the island of Okinawa in the early 17th
century. The Japanese emperor declared it illegal
for citizens to own weapons, so the Okinawans
developed self-defense techniques using simple
implements. Weapons developed from this early period
include nunchaku, kama, sai, escrima sticks, bo
staffs, fighting fans, kubotans, etc. Also don't
forget about
ninja weapons like throwing stars.
 A
weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that
shoots projectiles, often called bolts.
Probably introduced to England by the Norman
invaders in 1066, the crossbow was once considered
so barbarous that it was prohibited as a “weapon
hateful to God and unfit for Christians.” The
medieval crossbow was called by many names, most of
which derived from the word ballista, a siege engine
resembling a crossbow in mechanism and appearance.
Crossbows historically played a significant role in
the warfare of Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia.
Today, they are used primarily for target shooting
and hunting.
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