Cold weapons are weapons that do not use a firing mechanism or ammunition and their effectiveness is based on physical contact with the target. These include various species such as
knives
swords
katanas
axes
war hammers
machetes
war hammers, sledgehammers and other similar (blunt) instruments
Crushing weapons, which are also called blunt weapons, do not use the blade or the tip as their primary force, but rely on their great weight. These weapons focus on amplifying the force of impact when striking a target. These are various objects that serve to strengthen the power of the blow.The first representatives of this type of weapons were primitive wooden staves, which are actually the oldest form of weapons. However, with the development of protective devices such as armour, there was a need for weapons capable of overcoming this armour. This led to the rise of crushing weapons, especially during the Middle Ages, when they proved to be effective against heavily armoured knights. Unlike slashing weapons, which required considerable technical skill to penetrate armour, blunt weapons focused on the power of the blow and were less demanding of technical skill.The most famous types of crushing weapons include clubs, flails, war hammers, chisels and maces. These weapons have historically proven to be effective in combat and have left their mark on military tactics and strategies.
Cutting weapons
This is a group of weapons that depend for their effectiveness on a sharp blade that facilitates physical damage to the target. The development of chopping weapons reflects the progress of human civilization in the field of craftsmanship, knowledge of materials, especially metals, and in the construction of weapons themselves. The original scythe weapons were made of copper, later of bronze and finally of iron and steel. The original design of these weapons included a simple straight blade with a cutting edge, making them more effective than existing stabbing or blunt weapons. The main advantages of this type of weapon were their lighter weight, high efficiency and easy handling. As time passed, the design evolved and the basic principles of using these weapons evolved, resulting in the profiling of the blades into a curved shape, which increased the effectiveness in chopping but decreased the stabbing ability. This led to a clear division of weapons into stabbing and slashing. Among the most famous representatives of this category of weapons are sabres, katanas, and from the category of longer weapons, axes, barrels or hides.
Stabbing weapons
The very name "stabbing weapon" already suggests its definition. This type of weapon is based on its predecessor, which is a fist wedge mounted on a long branch handle, known as a spear. The original purpose of stabbing weapons was to facilitate hunting, both in water and on land. Over time, this type of weapon has been perfected through the development of human skills and the use of better materials, making it a key element in the armament of all armies. The best known representatives of this type of weapon are spears, stabbing daggers and rapiers. Throughout history, these weapons have proven to be effective in combat, hunting and defence.
Throwing weapons
Throwing weapons are a special category among cold weapons. Their main goal is to hit a target at a distance using the mere power of the warrior, without the use of a more complex mechanism as with crossbows, bows or firearms that launch projectiles with the help of a mechanism. Throwing weapons come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from smaller ones such as throwing stars to larger ones such as harpoons and spears. The most famous representatives are spears, shurikens and throwing knives. These weapons have historically proven to be effective in hitting targets at longer ranges and have often been used in combat situations or hunting.
Historically, cold weapons have been an essential part of military weaponry and have been used in many cultures for millennia. Their importance in combat, however, gradually declined with the advent of firearms. Nevertheless, they remain popular in various martial arts, sporting disciplines (such as fencing) and collecting. Cold guns can be made from a variety of materials such as steel, wood, or even modern alloys. Their design varies according to their purpose and the historical context in which they were used. Nowadays they are often used as part of martial arts training, defensive techniques or as props in film and theatre. It should be stressed that cold weapons are still considered dangerous and can cause serious injury or death if used illegally or unprofessionally. For this reason, their ownership and use is regulated by laws and regulations in many jurisdictions.
Cold weapons are actually one of the earliest creations of human craftsmanship. When we look at the beginnings of human evolution and the connection to our ancestors, we discover that among the first tools mankind made were those designed for hunting game and defence. This range of objects and weapons, which cannot be called anything other than cold weapons, includes various kinds of tools.The first known cold weapon is the famous fist wedge, which laid the foundations for the development of tools and weapons. This fist wedge became the basis for the spear, which was used for hunting game, and also for the knife, which was useful in everyday life. The invention of the fist wedge can thus be considered the beginning of the creation of weapons. The main purpose of a cold weapon is to enhance the user's abilities and thus increase their effectiveness in combat. These weapons have been designed since ancient times to give an advantage to the one who uses them and make it easier for him to achieve his goals in combat situations.