| Looking at all the various swords for sale online | | | | ready sword... And quite often, this description is |
| can make you feel a bit like a kid in a candy | | | | applied to swords that are anything but |
| store. But if you are looking to buy authentic | | | | "functional". |
| replica swords online, it can be a bit harder to get | | | | Essentially, there are three main characteristics |
| what you really want than it otherwise might first | | | | that all REAL swords have in common. And those |
| appear... | | | | characteristics are: |
| Sure, if you are just looking for an ornamental | | | | - They are made of high carbon steel, NOT |
| sword to hang on the wall - it's pretty easy. Just | | | | stainless steel. |
| look around for a sword that takes your fancy, | | | | - The swords have been properly heat treated to |
| don't spend much more than US$50 and your | | | | ensure they are not too brittle and not too soft. |
| chances of getting what you want are good... | | | | - The sword has what is called a "full tang". In |
| But if you are like me when I first started my | | | | other words, the metal insert that goes into the |
| sword collection, you might not know that there | | | | swords handle is forged as part of the sword, |
| is a world of difference between an ornamental | | | | and not welded on afterwards. |
| sword that you hang on the wall and a REAL | | | | Of course, not all "functional" swords being sold |
| sword that you can actually swing through the air | | | | online accurately describe if they have these |
| or cut things with! | | | | characteristics. Luckily though, there is a fairly |
| The reality is that the vast majority of swords | | | | easy way to determine if a sword is REAL or |
| for sale on the internet are what experienced | | | | not. And that is by only buying swords made by a |
| sword collectors call "sword like objects". Even | | | | well known and respected sword manufacturer. |
| just swinging one of these swords through the air | | | | In my opinion, the best "bang for your buck" |
| is asking for trouble, and may the gods help you | | | | swords are all produced by 3 companies - |
| if you try to cut something as simple as a | | | | Windlass Steelcrafts, Generation 2 and Paul Chens |
| cardboard box! More often than not, the swords | | | | Hanwei Forge. All of these manufacturers make |
| handle will break, the blade will shatter or worse | | | | good quality REAL swords at prices around the |
| still, come flying off like some demented | | | | US$150 to $200 mark. |
| helicopter blade at a speed of just over 40mph | | | | While you might think that this is a lot to pay for |
| (trust me, voice of experience here!). | | | | a sword, especially when compared to the cheap |
| The fact of the matter is that if you are looking | | | | swords being sold online for $30 or $40 - the |
| for a REAL sword, you need to start your search | | | | reality is that you are not comparing apples with |
| looking for what online sword sellers refer to as a | | | | apples. And believe me, for this price range you |
| "battle ready" or "functional sword." | | | | can get some very mean, strong swords that |
| Unfortunately though, not all sword sellers are | | | | you would be proud to show off to your friends. |
| scrupulously honest in their description of a battle | | | | |