The late medieval period of Europe (1250-1500 AD) and the Kamakura Period of Japan (1185-1333 AD) were both eras defined by perpetual conflict and warfare. As a result, a rich history of weapons and armor was developed. The sword was one such weapon that saw widespread use in combat. This project seeks to investigate two specific swords, the European arming sword and the Japanese uchigatana. The factors that led to these swords’ demand and forging processes used to create them will be revealed with a thorough exploration of the historical context. Additionally, replicas of both an arming sword and uchigatana will be fabricated in a historically representative manner. An analysis of the design, forging process, and materials science aspects will be considered to compare these two swords, originating from two vastly different regions of the world in a similar time of unrest.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Francis, Christopher G.
• Piskorowski, Kevin
• Van Sickle, David S.
• Jensen, Colby T.
• Corcoran, Brendan W.

Subject

• Culture
• Industry
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-052721-120959
• 25176

Keyword

• Armor
• Arms
• Materials Science
• History
• Forging

Advisor

• Lados, Diana A.

Year

• 2021

Sponsor

• Lados, Diana A.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not Specified

Date created

• 2021-05-27

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright