This is a list of historical weapons, divided into categories of and . They are further subdivided by weapon type and then ordered alphabetically. Although primarily consisting of cold weapons, early gunpowder weapons are also included. Weapons are grouped according to their uses, with rough classes set aside for very similar weapons. Some weapons may fit more than one category (e.g. the spear may be used either as a or as a ). Bladed hilt weapons follow Col. D.H. Gordon's classification where applicable.