Fancy Scabbards Trivia Quiz

Answer: Samurai sword

Katana is a general term for what many people call a samurai sword. In reality, there are many types of katanas, in a variety of lengths, widths, and blade textures. The Japanese were master swordsmiths who made some of the most beautiful bladed weapons on the planet.

Answer: So it could be held by two hands

The European style longsword had a 6 inch (15cm) hilt because it was meant to be used with both hands. These beautiful bladed weapons were about four ft. or 1.25 meter long. They had a straight, somewhat slender, double blade, which means they were sharp on both sides of the blade. They were commonly used between the 14th and 16th centuries in hand to hand combat.

Answer: Bilbo Baggins

A bilbo was a short-bladed utilitarian sword which derived its name from the Spanish municipality of Bilbao. Often used by sailors aboard ship, this sword was known for its blade strength rather than its beauty. Usually unadorned, they were considered practical and for use by the common man.

They had a relatively short, wide, very strong blade. Grips for this sword were usually made of wood and can occasionally be found with metal wiring wrapped around the wood.

Answer: Cutlass

The cutlass was a short-bladed sword often used by pirates on the high sea. The blade was usually wide in shape and curved. Due to the strength of its blade it has also been used as an agricultural implement as well as a tool. Its efficacy is apparent by the fact the the American and British Navies also issued cutlass to their soldiers well into the 20th century.

Answer: It was round

Used primarily by the Sikhs of India, the chakram was a flat metal hoop blade that was thrown through the air in the same manner that a modern frisbee is thrown. Simply put, it was a very deadly bladed weapon. They ranged in size from 5-12 inches (130-300 mm) and were often worn around the headgear so that the man was always armed.

They were used in close combat as well as in long-distance combat and were often very ornate.

Answer: Rapier

Rapiers are often considered to be some of the most beautiful of European swords. Their intricately cuffed hilts are works of art by themselves. The thrusting type swords were usually 40 inches (1m) long, and weighed about two lbs. (1kg). It had a double edged blade and was a single-hand sword.

Answer: The part of the blade that is inside the grip or hilt

The tang of a bladed weapon is the part of the blade that is hidden inside the material used to make the grip or hilt. The tang may be sandwiched between pieces of finely carved wood, or decorative metal. It may also be found wrapped inside leather cording. Bladed weapons made today will also use man-made materials to use as wrappings for the tang.

Answer: Kris

Indigenous to South-East Asia, a kris is an wavy bladed dagger that was used as a weapon as well a spiritual object. Not all kris swords have the wavy edge but most of them do. It is believed that these bladed weapons were being produced over 2,000 years ago.

They are often handed down from generation to generation and are frequently believed to have an essence or spirit that may be either good or evil.

Answer: False

Despite what some modern movies, such as "Blade" (1998), would show you, titanium is not a good metal to make a sword from. Titanium cannot withstand the heat treatment required to make a good edge. Steel is generally considered the best metal to use for the finest blade tools. A steel sword could cut into a titanium blade and even possibly cut it in half.

Answer: False

A scabbard is a sheath that is used for holding a bladed weapon. It may be made from leather, wood, or metal. They may be plain and utilitarian, or are sometimes very elaborately decorated.