Highly-curved Iranian swords: structural properties and specifications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/gladius.2022.07Keywords:
Shamshir (šamšir), sword, swordsmanship, crucible steel, Persia, curved swords, cutting ability, sabers.Abstract
Iranian highly-curved swords, named shamshir (šamšir), reached their maximum curve and popularity in 16th-17th centuries and remained the most favored sword of choice on the battlefields for Persian armies. Although, there have been considerable research on their materials and forging methods, to our knowledge, there is no scientific report on their overall mechanical performance and no scientific analysis of their exceptional shape. The following article provides a thorough analysis of the high curve of Persian swords and proves that this high curve provided a maximum cutting ability for a sword and it also enabled certain forms of thrusts which went over and below the shield of the opponent on the battlefield.
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