A sword is a bladed weapon with an edge intended for cutting or thrusting by hand. It has a hilt that is attached to a blade that is longer than a knife or dagger and can be straight or curved. The blade of a thrusting sword is typically straighter and has a pointed tip. A slashing sword is more likely to have a curved blade and a cutting edge that has been sharpened on either one or both sides. Many swords are made to be used for both slicing and thrusting. Depending on the historical period and geographical area, different definitions of a sword exist.