Scimitar was used in the middle ages by a Saracen. It originated in the Middle East and has a distinctive curved blade designed for slicing enemies from horseback. The blade is single-edged and curved ending with a sharp point.

The blades ranged from 30 to 36 inches in length. The blade had two styles, such as narrowly curved and deeply curved. This medieval weapon could inflict serious injury on a knight in armor.

Scimitar Types and Uses

Due to their relatively lightweight, scimitars were commonly used in horse warfare. It was an ideal weapon for slashing opponents while riding on a horse. Mongols, Rajputs, and Sikhs used scimitars in battles, among many other peoples. It was quite popular in the Muslim World. Scimitars had significant contributions towards winning the second crusade by the armies of Salahuddin.

The popular types of scimitar include shamshir (Iran), Kilij (Turkey and Egypt), Nimcha (Morocco), Pulwar (Afganistan), and Talwar (North India, Pakistan). The kilij is a type of scimitar used by the Turks and the Ottoman Empire around the 15th century. A bejeweled kilij was gifted to the Marine officer after the First Barbary War. It is used as a ceremonial weapon in the United States.

Today, scimitar is widely used in Saudi Arabia for various purposes. In the flag of Saudi Arabia, the scimitar is seen below the Islamic Shahadah (Declaration of Faith). Besides, the weapon is used in a traditional Bedouin sword dance in Saudi Arabia, and a pair of crossed scimitars embellishes the Saudi coat of arms in a place of honor.

Scimitar Training Method

The training method practiced in the use of the scimitar was hinged on strength and accuracy in cutting, or slicing the opponent. Hit was made in medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area. When practicing with an opponent, a blunted or wooden weapon was used.