These come in many forms and sizes, some more intended for stabbing, others for cutting and yet other types that combined cutting and thrusting capability. Instead the big war-knife saw a development of its own. In German speaking areas, the Falchion did not reach the same popularity as elsewhere in Eruope. Beginning with the Seax and single-edged Germanic swords of the Iron Age, a weapon with a big cutting blade mounted as a knife was celebrating a popularity as a functional and no-nonsense sidearm of warriors and civilians alike through the ages. 'The great combat knife has had a long tradition in Europe.