Archers reloaded their bows behind a pavise, a large shield set on the ground. In the 1300's, knights began wearing plate armor consisting of large pieces of steel, and they no longer needed shields. Shields were also discarded because they offered little protection against guns. Shields have special uses today. For example, police officers sometimes carry shields made of synthetic materials as protection during riots.
Swords consist chiefly of a blade and a handle called a hilt.
Sword blades have either one cutting edge or two, and they are made in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some are broad like that of the Scottish claymore, but others are narrow like that of the rapier. The Persian shamshir, sometimes called a scimitar, has a highly curved blade. But the saber has one that is only slightly curved. Hilts also vary.