9260 steel contains 2% silicon and 0.60% carbon. Also known as Silicon Manganese steel. Has hardness of 61 HRC on Rockwell scale. Cannot be forged by hand due to high hardness
Sengo Muramasa flourished during Japan's Muromachi era (1336-1573). He established the Muramasa school in Ise Province. His swords were highly sought after by samurai warriors
Hamon is visible edge pattern created during blade hardening process. Clay coating (tsuchioki) applied before quenching creates different hardness zones. Edge cools faster, becoming harder but more brittle. Hamon extends from guard to tang on modern swords
Masamune (c. 1264-1343) was Japan's greatest swordsmith. Created swords and daggers in Sōshū school between 1288-1328. Trained under Bizen and Yamashiro provinces swordsmiths. Father of famous Sōshū master Hikoshiro Sadamune
All free Norse men were required to own weapons and carry them at all times. Weapons were highly valued and displayed wealth and status. Wealthy Vikings typically carried complete spears, shields, and battle axes
Turkish sword used from mid-16th to late 19th centuries. Blades range from 60 to 80 cm in length. Made of iron back and steel sharp edge. Features bone, horn, ivory or silver hilt with wings