The Best Of 2020: The Art Of Engraving, The Mysterious Rapier Sword, Curvy Khopesh, and more

5 minute read

Each year, we like to reflect on the most popular posts published here at American BladesPro. Our mission is not only to bring you the best swords at exception prices, but also to entertain, spread the rich history related to swords, and distill the mysteries and terminology of sword culture, too.

With that in mind, here are the top posts from the year that was 2020.

The Art Of Engraving: Japanese Engraving In History

Told through a story of grandfather to grandchild, this post explores the long and rich history of engraving of swords. What were the first engravings? Why were gods and dragons often featured? What about engraving in the modern day? Read it all, and more, in this post.

Read: The Art Of Engraving: Japanese Engraving In History


Civilian Battle Icon: The One-Handed Rapier Sword

Used primarily as a civilian sword during the 17th and 18th century, the rapier was considered Europe's most iconic single-handed sword. Although the rapier was designed for civilian use, it became a common military sidearm due to its flexibility and length.

Learn about its early production, dimensions and composite parts, as well as its influence on fencing and popular culture.

Rapier-Swords

Read: Rapier Swords


Khopesh Swords: Bronze Age Battle-Axe

A by-product of the traditional battle axes used in the Bronze Age, the khopesh sword was used to arm the fierce warriors of the Ancient Egyptian Empire. Many scholars and historians define the khopesh as a sickle-sword due to its curved point. Sickle-swords were commonly used during battle by ancient civilisations in the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

Learn about the origins of the Khopesh, what they can do, their influence on the victories of the Egyptian empires and more.



Read: Khopesh Swords


Nakano Takeko: Fierce Samurai Warrior

Born from a lineage of samurai parents, Nakano Takeko was only 21 when she led a group of unlikely warriors named the Joshitai (Translated as Girls Army) onto the battlefield, this is her story.

nakana-takeko

Read: Nakano Takeko


Mavia: Rebel Warrior Queen of Tanukh

The Romans met their match when a warrior-queen decided to rebel against the late Roman rule. That brave woman was the Queen of Tanukh, Mavia. Read on to discover what caused her to rebel against the roman rule and the heroic legacy she left behind.

Queen-Mavia-Stained-Glass

Read: Mavia: Queen of Tanukh