An authoritative history and visual directory of sharp edged weapons and blades from around the world, with over 700 outstanding colour photographs Since sharpened tools emerged almost one million years ago, edged weapons have played an incredible role in the shaping of human history. This beautifully presented volume traces the history of daggers, knives and bayonets through to the 21st century. The directory features more than 350 examples, from ancient Egyptian flint knives to the rondel and ballock daggers of medieval Europe, and from the 17th-century plug bayonets to the commando knives of World War II. With over 700 photographs, the book is an indispensable resource for the collector and amateur enthusiast, and will fascinate anyone with an interest in historical weapons.