What are swords used for?

Answer 1

No. Fencing uses bendable blades made of aluminum alloy for the most part. These blades are not meant to harm, and so are not sharp. The tips are flat, also not sharp, so as to avoid injury.

Yes. Many swords are still used in cutting demonstrations,contests, etc and I've heard of one case of where a modern sword was made for a military personal based on request.

Answer 2

That is a very broad and varying question, but I shall answer that as generally as possible.

Swords since the iron age were very useful as close combat weapons, using cutting and thrusting techniques to varying degrees. There never was and never will be such a thing as a "perfect sword", as although materials and design features can be of increasing qualities individually, overall their styles are for particular purposes.

All sword styles teach stances (sometimes called guards or wards) which the attackers and defenders must transition between so that they are always ready to strike or parry in an instant. Not using stances would mean the fighter is off-balance and not ready to either strike or parry, leaving them extremely vulnerable. Simple cut and thrust attacks were always taught across all styles, and the necessary parries to avert them.

Even in basic training it was necessary to learn second strike, third strike etc techniques as usually an attacker would need to attempt multiple strikes and keep the pressure on the opponent even if strikes have already landed previously, the defender would need to be ready for continual strikes and not let his/her guard down at any time because of this. Defenders would always be expected to try landing strikes of their own in openings the attacker leaves, otherwise the attacker could freely strike eternally until the land a blow without worrying about the consequences.

In medieval Europe, combatants used swords with cross-guard style hilts, the focus was a bit more on the cut than the thrust, but not by much. Techniques would include using the "false" or "inside" edge of a double edged sword during the locking ("binding") of swords for surprise attacks. Other techniques would include half-swording (grabbing the middle of the sword's blade and manipulating it as if a spear) during binds, as well as close play, a variety of unarmed techniques adapted for armed combat.

Close play would feature grapples, throws, disarms and takedowns, all usable with or without a weapon and also usable on an armed or unarmed opponent.

Feudal Japanese swordsmanship features many similar aspects to Medieval European swordsmanship, but also has a few key differences.

In Japan, swordsmanship focuses even more on the cut than the thrust, but still uses some stabbing techniques.

Japanese swordsmanship has strong views against binds using blade on blade contact, as Japanese swords were finely sharp and if blade on blade contact occurred, the blades would fuse together. When binds occurred, the swords would contact on their flat sides instead, allowing for more free movement for both combatants.

(This answer comes from my knowledge of Medieval Warfare, and from my time spent at a Historical European Martial Arts club, which uses knowledge from translated original sources)

Answer 3

Primarily they were used for defense and offense whether during war or personal battles. Today, they are mostly used as symbolisms for parades, as well as political and social events.

Answer 4

Yes, the sport of fencing uses swords and the United States Fencing Association has over 20,000 members.

Answer 5

to fight and stuff