User blog comment:MilenHD/Oda Nobunaga vs Chatrapati Shivaji/@comment-422690-20150730141809/@comment-422690-20150730163947

1) "But I do stand upon its design being sharper": That's actually objectively false, as the Katana is a very thick sword, especially compared to the Talwar. "not to mention the countless styles created in improving the use weapon.": This is also actually false, as the Japanese mostly warred amongst themselves rather than a wide variety of foes, thanks to the relative isolation of their islands. This actually leads to less innovation, as the same strategies work every time. "both swords can't do squat against armor": Again, no. The Talwar was made of better steel than the Samurai armor, so it being able to penetrate armor is highly plausible.

2) "But its length allowed it to be fired at a farther range.": False, again. Composite bows were specifically designed to shoot as far as large self bows while being smaller. Additionally, the draw weight of a composite bow isn't indicative of its total power, thanks to the horn and sinew giving an additional snap when the bow is fired. "Penetration is more dependent upon the arrowhead than the actual bow.": Only partially true. The composite bow has enough force behind it that penetration can happen with suboptimal arrowheads, again thanks to that extra push the other materials in the bow give it. "The Hunnic Empire": This is the Mughals. Their steel arrowheads, coupled with their composite bows, were known for penetrating mail, plate, and lamellar with equal efficiency at long range.

3) "I don't think the spear's main purpose was to slash.": Well, you're wrong. Stabbing at a point is inherently limiting, which is why the spearheads were sharpened at more than just the point. A thrusting slash motion is the most efficient and likely the most intended use of a spear, as it's much harder for an opponent to dodge. The training you mentioned is specifically to counter horsemen, who aren't as able to make quick corrections but are also the most dangerous for infantry.