They really never went out; the idea of the obsolescence of the sword is a social construct, largely of the upper classes (which from my perspective certainly includes the N American middle class). The poor often are prohibitted from having firearms, but rarely swords, which are also, at the base level, if you will, much more affordable, and more reliable, as well, not being machines and needing no amunition. Most killing of humans outside of war is done at very close range anyway (in N America it often occurs in a room of a house....).
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