Scimitar

Scimitars differed from European sabres mainly in their finish, hilt and sheath (the sheath top, intended to prevent the sheath from hitting the stirrup, was longer at the front; the sheath itself gave when drawing out the scimitar, and was often finished with fish or shagreen leather). There were many oriental craftsmen who made perfect scimitar blades. This weapon was valued all over the world. The craftsmen of Damascus were never surpassed by their European colleagues. They kept the secrets of steel making, which were imported from India, and handed them down from father to son only. Their product "Damascus steel" became a synonym for "blade" in many languages. Like European sabres, scimitars were intended for cutting, not thrusting. Unlike a sword, a scimitar had a curved blade. Weapons with straight blades can chop solids, but their capability for penetrating tissues is low. A curved blade cuts tissue rather than chops it, and penetrates deeply. Scimitars were prevalent in the East, where not only cavalry but also officers and irregular forces were armed with them.