Throughout mankind’s history, we have invented new methods of warfare and new weapons to kill. Since times immemorial, from the Bronze Age all the way to the early modern world, mankind has used swords for close quarters combat, and modified them in various ways. From short swords to long swords, some are two handed, some are single handed and used with shields, some are curved, straight, single edged, double edged etc. Depending on the need, swords cut off limbs and penetrate flesh either by slashing, thrusting if not both. While mostly weapons to be used for combat and slaughter, swords were also symbols of power. For example, Ulfberht was considered the weapon of the ultimate warriors in Viking culture. With so many different kinds of blades existing in human history, which are some of the finest limb cutting, flesh tearing weapons crafted in the history of mankind?
 
 
 
Top 10 most lethal swords in history
 
 
 
Ulfberht

Origin – Northern Europe

Used by – Vikings

Type – Double edged, heavy, steel straight sword


Khanda

Origin – India

Used by- Guptas, Mauryas, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs

Type- Double-edged, heavy, steel straight bladed, blunt tipped



Claymore

Origin – Scotland

Used by- Scottish clansmen (most famous for being used by William Wallace)

Type – Double edged, heavy, steel straight sword


Kilij

Origin – Turkey

Used by – Ottomans, Timurids, Mamluks

Type – Single edged, medium, curved steel sword


Katana

Origin – Japan

Used by – Samurai, Ninja, Kendo practitioners

Type – Single edged, light, curved steel sword


Gladius

Origin – Rome

Used by – Roman foot soldiers and Roman Centurions

Type – Double edged, light, iron straight sword



Zweihander

Origin – Germany

Used by – Landsknechte

Type – Double edged, heavy, steel straight sword



Jian

Origin – China

Used by – Qin dynasty, Han dynasty, Tai chi practitioners

Type – Single edged, light, broze straight sword



Khopesh

Origin – Egypt

Used by – Egyptian soldiers in the Bronze Age

Type - Sickle shaped, medium, bronze curved sword



Hengdang

Origin- India

Used by- Ahoms

Type – Single edged, medium, curved steel sword