Gorean short sword: The basic weapon of all warriors of Gor. Approximately twenty to twenty-two inches in length from hilt tip to blade tip, the blade is doubled-edged, and leaf shaped ... narrower at the hilt base and then widening to a width of three or four inches and then descending to a curved and pointed tip. The grip is generally either of polished wood or leather covered wood, with an oval cross-guard. The Gorean short sword is hand forged of light carbon steel. The leaf shaped blade is ideal for thrusting ...
Perfect for close combat, its point giving it excellent armor penetrating properties. It is generally carried, in a sheath slung over the left shoulder by means of a leather harness, but may also be worn at the hip. This sword is mentioned in all books relating to Gor, from Book #1 Tarnsman Of Gor and throughout the series.
Long Swords: The Long sword is commonly used by the warriors of Torvaldsland. Approximately 36 inches in length, the forging of these "long swords" follows the pattern of the swords in the Damascus style. In this method, many bilits of steel, both hard (high carbon) and soft or flexible (tool) steel are beaten together under heat and folded back upon itself and beaten flat again. This is repeated many times.
This folding creates a blade with both a tremendous amount of flexibility and also one that is virtually unbreakable. It also, when treated with a mild acid solution, reveals the pattern formed by the layers of the different steels ...
This pattern is different from blade to blade and gives the sword it's unique appearance. This blade is used as a slashing weapon ... often it is used to batter an opponents shield to bits ... It is carried in a belt-scabbard or strapped across its user's back over his right shoulder. Most long swords are “named” blades... they carry the name of their maker or are named by their owner ... names like 'Gramr' ('fierce') and 'Fotbitr' ('leg biter') are often used. The warriors of Torvaldsland believe their swords, as with their ships, possesses a 'soul'. This weapon makes its first appearance in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
SCIMITAR: A long curved sword, used either one-handed or with two-hands, depending upon the situation. Forged in the Damascus manner, it has a wickedly curved, single-edged blade, honed to razor-sharpness. Even a light stroke of a Tahari scimitar will pass effortlessly through the flesh, leaving a carved mark 1/4" inch deep in the bone beneath.
The overall blade length is perhaps thirty or more inches, with an eight inch long "false-edge" across the back of the tip, for backhanded slashes. Used one handed from kailla back it is incredibly deadly; used two-handed upon the ground it is equally terrifying. This weapon is mentioned in book #4, Nomads of Gor, and described further in book #10, Tribesmen of Gor.
SPEARS
SPREAR (common Gorean): The typical Gorean spear is approximately seven feet in length, with a fitted wooden handle up to two inches thick, capped by a leaf-shaped, tapering head eighteen inches in length. The handle itself is usually made from ka-la-na wood, and banded with metal near the juncture of the spear-head socket to prevent the handle from shearing when thrown. This weapon first appears in Book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly throughout the series thereafter.
THARLARION LANCE: A thick spear, approximately ten to fourteen feet long. It has a lance plate spear tip that attaches to a thick shaft ... at the thickest part the shaft of the lance is about four inches in width and is often fluted to lighten it. Usually carried when on the tharlarion, couched beneath the right arm of the user, the lance itself crossing over and above the neck of the mount, often supported by a lance-rest which is either attached to the saddle or worn strapped to the user's chest. Can also be thrown, though not designed for it. First appears in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor.
KAILLA LANCE(Wagon Peoples): A long slender spear, eight to ten feet long, designed to be used from the saddle of a rider on kaillaback. These lances are carried in the right fist, and are flexible and light. They are used primarily for thrusting. Black in color, they are made from the poles of young tem trees, and so flexible that they may be bent almost double before they break. A loose loop of bosk hide, wound twice about the right fist, helps the user to retain the weapon in mounted combat. It is seldom, if ever, thrown. First described in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
KAILLA LANCE (war lance of the red savages): This weapon is almost identical to the kailla lance of the Wagon Peoples, though it is more heavily carved and decorated. First appears in book #17, Savages of Gor.
KAILLA LANCE (Red Savage hunting lance): Similar to the kailla lance of the wagon peoples, the hunting lance of the Red Savages is commonly longer, heavier and thicker. The point of this lance is longer and narrower than the war lance, designed to pierce deeply into a kailiauk's heart. The shaft is made from temwood. The tip can be metal, carved bone or shaped stone, (depending upon what is available) and made be lashed to the shaft with boiled sinew or rawhide, or even attached with metal trade rivets. (again using what is at hand) Leather grips, hand loops, and decorations all made be present also. Described in book #17, Savages of Gor.
TRAN LANCE (Red Savages): Similar to the war lance, except that it is longer and more slender, easier use from tarnback. Described in book #17, Savages of Gor.