Ĉirkaŭ la 10a jarcento, la uzado de taŭge malvarmigita kaj plifortigita [[ŝtalo]] ekfariĝis multe pli ofta ol en antaŭaj periodoj. La [[Frankoj|frankaj]] 'Ulfberht' klingoj (la nomo de la glavokonstruisto gravurita en la klingoj) estis de partikulare konsistante alta kvalito.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/trent_0116405283023 |url-access=registration |quote=Ulfberht. |title=Writing society and culture in early Rus, c. 950–1300 |access-date=14a de novembro 2010 |year=2002 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=[https://archive.org/details/trent_0116405283023/page/109 109] |first=Simon |last=Franklin |isbn=978-0-511-03025-3 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Karlo la 2-a (Francio)|Karlo la Kalva]] klopodis malpermesi la eksportadon de tiuj glavoj, ĉar ili estis uzataj de la [[vikingoj]] en siaj rabatakoj kontraŭ la [[Frankoj]].
[[La ŝtalo Wootz steel]]kiu whichestas iskonata alsoankaŭ known askiel [[Damaska ŝtalo]] wasestis aunika uniquekaj andtre highlyaprezata prizedŝtalo steeldisvolvigita developeden onla theHindia Indiansubkontinento subcontinenttiom asfrue earlykiom asje thela 5th5a centuryjarcento BCa.n.e. ItsTies propertiesproprecoj wereestis uniqueunikaj duepro tola thespeciala specialfandado smeltingkaj andrelaborado reworkingde ofla theŝtalo steelkreante creatingretojn networksde offeraj ironkarbidoj carbidespriskribitaj describedkiel asglobeca acementito globularen [[cementite]]matrico inde a matrix of [[pearlite]]perolito. TheLa useuzado ofde DamascusDamaska steelŝtalo inen swordsglavoj becameiĝis extremelytre popularpopulara inen thela 16th16a andkaj 17th17a centuriesjarcentoj.{{#tag:ref|"Pattern-Welding and Damascening of Sword-Blades: Part 1 Pattern-Welding" ([[Herbert Maryon|Maryon]] 1960)<ref name="Maryon">{{cite journal|last1=Maryon|first1=Herbert|author-link=Herbert Maryon|title=Pattern-Welding and Damascening of Sword-Blades: Part 1 Pattern-Welding|journal=Studies in Conservation|date=February 1960|volume=5|issue=1|pages=25–37|doi=10.2307/1505063|jstor=1505063}}</ref>{{paragraph break}}A brief review article by the originator of the term "pattern-welding" accurately details all the salient points of the construction of pattern-welded blades and of how all the patterns observed result as a function of the depth of grinding into a twisted rod structure. The article also includes a brief description of pattern-welding as encountered in the Malay keris. Damascus steel is also known as watered steel.|group=nb}}<ref name="Maryon"/>
It was only from the 11th century that [[NormansNormanoj|Normannormanaj]] swords began to develop the [[crossguard]] (quillons). During the [[CrusadesKrucmilitoj]] ofde thela 12th12a toĝis la 13th13a centuryjarcento, this [[Cruciform#Cruciform sword|cruciform]] type of [[arming sword]] remained essentially stable, with variations mainly concerning the shape of the [[Hilt#Pommel|pommel]]. These swords were designed as cutting weapons, although effective points were becoming common to counter improvements in armour, especially the 14th-century change from [[Mail (armour)|mail]] to [[plate armour]].<ref>Jeep, John M. (2001). ''Medieval Germany: an encyclopedia''. Routledge. p. 802, {{ISBN|0-8240-7644-3}}</ref>
It was during the 14th century, with the growing use of more advanced armour, that the hand and a half sword, also known as a "[[Classification of swords#Longsword and bastard sword|bastard sword]]", came into being. It had an extended grip that meant it could be used with either one or two hands. Though these swords did not provide a full two-hand grip they allowed their wielders to hold a [[shield]] or parrying dagger in their off hand, or to use it as a two-handed sword for a more powerful blow.<ref name=Gravett>Gravett, p. 47</ref>
In the Middle Ages, the sword was often used as a symbol of the [[Logos (Christianity)|word of God]]. The names given to many swords in [[mythologymitologio]], [[literatureliteraturo]], and [[historyhistorio]] reflected the high prestige of the weapon and the wealth of the owner.<ref>{{cite book |first=Juan Eduardo |last=Cirlot |year=2002 |title=A Dictionary of Symbols |publisher=Courier Dover Publications |pages=323–25 |isbn=978-0-486-42523-8}}</ref>
