Daggers
Ancient Daggers – A Review of the Scythian Acinaces Dagger
October 8, 2011 | 
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The Acinaces Dagger was one of the Ancient Daggers was originally used by the Scythians that were from the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Later it was used by the Persians and finally the Greeks. The Persians however were the culture that made this weapon famous. Later, the Chinese used the design of this weapon as a prototype to develop other similar weapons. This Dagger is commonly referred to as a Short Sword, so you may hear this terminology being associated with it as well.
Typically the Scythian Acinaces Dagger measures in at 14-18 Inches. This is a double edged weapon. While there is no specific design the guard is usually lobed which means it is shaped somewhat like a Glacier. The Hilt of this weapon is shaped like a Bollock Dagger, with two oval swellings around the guard which mimicks a males private parts. The Scabbard is the one part of the weapon that makes it really stand out. It is a large pretty mount which allows it to be worn from a belt on the right side of the person wearing it.
The Scythian Acinaces Dagger is primarily a thrusting weapon. Since this weapon was usually worn on the right side, it was used with the sword blade facing down to be drawn quickly in the event to throw the enemy off guard and to execute a quick surprise attack. All of the ancient literature found on this weapon say it was a Persian Sword. The Greek and Romans claim that this weapon was given out to special people by the king as a gesture of favor.
The Acinaces Dagger is curved like a Scimitar. A Scimitar is a curved blade sword and is from Southwest Asia which is the Middle East. Scimitar can mean any sword from the South Asia or Middle East as long as it has a curved blade. And most have a ridge at the end. Scimitars came into action during Horse Warfare, because these weapons were light in comparison to the larger swords of the time. Because of the curvy architecture, they were ideal for slashing people when on horseback.
Swords, Daggers, and Knives Complete Renaissance Costumes
Whether you’re dressing for a medieval wedding or completing your Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) garb, medieval swords and daggers add just the right finishing touches to an outfit. Yet there are so many different types of weapons that it’s sometimes hard to choose. Here is some information that will help you find just what you need.
Swords
When it comes to swords, the options are virtually endless. Whether you’re outfitting your SCA armor or finding accessories for pirate costumes, it’s important to recognize that some swords are constructed for appearance, while others are forged for combat. In other words, you need to know whether you want a sword that is purely decorative, or one that will be effective in competitions and exhibitions.
Beyond that, there are a number of distinctive sword styles. Scottish Claymore swords, for example, are both heavy and long, and are usually stored in sheaths and carried over the back. The Claymore was initially a straight, double-edged sword featuring a cross hilt with the guards turned downward, but is also the name used for a basket hilt sword with a single edge.
Japanese samurai swords, on the other hand, feature curved blades and grips that are wrapped in silk. Held in lacquered scabbards, both the katana and tachi are long and single-edged, while the wakizashi is a shorter sword.
When it comes to medieval swords, many people prefer legendary swords, designed after those carried by Joan of Arc, Richard the Lionhearted, Robin Hood, and others. Other people are inspired by mythic beings and fantasy warriors, and thus are drawn to fantasy swords, while those who want to be impeccable in their SCA armor choose accurate historical reproductions of swords that can cut through planks.
Daggers
When selecting daggers to complete your costumes, there’s a wide variety from which to choose. For example, there are stilettos, which were carried by the upper class in the 17th century, and the main gauche, which was used in the Renaissance as a left-handed weapon to defend oneself and which features an ornate hilt guard. In addition, there are eating daggers, which typically incorporate black antler or white bone handles, and bodice daggers, which are sewn into the bodice or corset. English-style daggers usually have a blade length of about ten inches, and often feature wire-wrapped handles.
Buying Swords and Daggers
When it comes to purchasing swords and daggers, it’s best to find a source that has a wealth of experience in Renaissance costumes, pirate costumes, and medieval swords. The best selection and greatest knowledge base can be found online, most likely from a company that specializes in costumes and chivalry sports. There, you will find the best selection at all price points, ranging from economical decorative weaponry to authentic replicas of period pieces. These specialty sites often have a wealth of information, such as a Renaissance Faire finder and links to other resources, that will enable you to get the most enjoyment from your costumes and weaponry.
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Tags: Hand Feature, Legendary Swords, Society For Creative Anachronism | 
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The Path of Daggers Audio Book – Fantasy at Its Finest
The Path of Daggers book, penned by the acclaimed author Robert Jordan, is a brilliant piece of work and is a great example of the fantasy category of book. As many of you know, not so long ago the fantasy genre had been the classification that many readers looked towards for new and unique subject matters presented in a most creative manner. This is partially what made the fantasy genre a very popular style that grew its dedicated reader base to many millions of people. To the non-initiated this was quite surprising, particularly because most newspaper book reviews ignored the massive growth in popularity of this type of book.
Unfortunately the fantasy genre’s popularity was also accompanied by a flood of low quality, poorly written works. This in turn hurt the appeal of the genre with many undecided buyers electing to steer clear of the fantasy style novels.
The standard of fantasy novels has been somewhat lifted with the release of The Path of Daggers. This is Jordan’s eighth book in The Wheel of Time series and is a wonderful example of the fantasy genre at its finest. This amazing tale of all that is magical, interwoven with examples of finest swordsmanship, will prove to be truly enjoyable to all those readers who love this style of fictional writing.
For those readers who enjoy reading it, there is another way to enjoy the novel and that is through listening to the audio version. The Path of Daggers audio book is available both online and in bookstores at very affordable price. The high quality recording and audio production is definitely a bonus and makes The Path of Daggers audio book a most enjoyable and entertaining product.
What is particularly appealing about The Path of Daggers audio book is that it is not in anyway a boorish reading of the material. Like many good example audio books, this is a captivating production that will engage the imagination of the listener and transport them to a far away place. Without doubt The Path of Daggers audio book is a must have for all fans of Jordan’s work, as well as those who enjoy fantasy genre books in general.
If there is one negative aspect to it, it would be that generally the audio book version of the novel is an abridged one. That is, it is not a complete and uncut reading of the novel, but an edited version, We would however assure potential buyers that none of the major plot points are excluded so the story can still be easily followed. If you do want to read the entire story, you need to get your hands on a hard or soft back of the novel. Actually, the best deal would be to go to the book-sore or online and buy both a copy of the novel as well as The Path of Daggers audio book and you will be able to enjoy both versions of this excellent book.