| I have been selling swords and knives for the | | | | tang. Here the blade and tang are on piece of |
| past seven years, doing research and answering | | | | metal and less likely to break. |
| questions on the different types of swords and | | | | Workmanship may well be the most important. |
| their uses. I've lived for six years in Europe and | | | | There are two basic ways to make a sword. |
| seven in the Orient seen and held swords that | | | | They are machined and hand forged. The |
| are easier dated in centuries rather than years. | | | | machined sword is almost entirely forged by a |
| Functional Swords are made to be used and to | | | | machine while the hand forged is done by a |
| keep an edge. However, to really answer this | | | | human. Purest say hand forged is the only way. |
| question you have to explain the three kinds of | | | | However, I've seen many machined forged |
| swords people sell. The first is a Decorative | | | | swords I feel more comfortable with. The key is |
| Sword. These are swords made to decorate and | | | | micro-fractures. During the forging process |
| for display only. They are very elaborate and are | | | | sometime small fractures are left inside the |
| sometimes heavy replicas of historical, fantasy | | | | sword. The more fractures there are the more |
| and movie swords. They often come with a | | | | likely the sword can break. There are many |
| sword plaque or stand for their display in the | | | | carbon steel swords not advertised as functional |
| home or office. The blades are made of stainless | | | | because of inconsistency. One sword might be |
| steel and are generally highly polished. They look | | | | great the next might not hold up. You take your |
| really good but are not designed or made for use. | | | | chances when you buy these swords for use. |
| The second is a Costume Sword. While they have | | | | One last note on design, a practical sword is made |
| many of the same characteristics of a decorative | | | | for stage plays and reenactments where safety |
| sword, they are generally lighter and come with a | | | | is the key. Practical swords have rounded or dull |
| sheath or some means of wearing the sword | | | | edges and points. |
| with a costume. The last is the Functional Sword. | | | | Functional swords can cost much more than |
| So What's The Difference? | | | | decorative or costume swords. Prices can run |
| To keep it simple, quality is the thing that makes | | | | from less than $ 100.00 for an entry level sword |
| a functional or battle ready sword different. The | | | | to thousands for a made to order sword. Prices |
| quality of the materials, design and workmanship | | | | are also based on the degree of functionality. An |
| all play a part in a good functional sword. The | | | | entry level sword can cost from under $ 100 to $ |
| materials are very important. High carbon steel is | | | | 200. These are light duty swords which are great |
| generally used to make the blades and other | | | | for a beginner. A medium duty sword or battle |
| more durable materials are used for the guard, | | | | ready sword can cost up to $ 1000 and are |
| pommel and grips. High carbon steel is much | | | | usually used in reenactments and plays. Heavy |
| harder. This type of steel is better suited for | | | | duty swords can cost thousands. They can be |
| keeping an edge and less likely to break upon | | | | used for any purpose but are better suited for |
| contact. The quality of the materials use in the | | | | extended use as in a nightly stage combat plays. |
| guard, pommel and grip are of equal importance. | | | | After being in the US Army for 21 year, I can tell |
| A great high carbon steel blade with a pot metal | | | | you anything can be broken. No matter how well |
| or inferior guard and grip is a wall hanger. | | | | a sword is made abuse, neglect and improper use |
| Some people say the original design of a sword is | | | | will damage or break any sword. I'm not talking |
| the best. I agree. Swords were originally made for | | | | about small dings in the sharp edges. Some |
| combat at the time they were designed and | | | | carbon steels are so hard it's almost impossible to |
| forged. Some like the samurai sword were | | | | sharpen them. Most swords are forged so the |
| designed to cut while others like the medieval | | | | edges are softer and can be sharpened. Please |
| claymore and long sword were made to bash and | | | | consult a qualified fight director on the proper use |
| stab. The major design element is the tang. The | | | | and quality of weapons needed for heavy use in |
| tang is the part of the sword that attaches the | | | | stage plays. |
| blade to the guard, grip and pommel. Some | | | | I hope this helps to explain the term Functional |
| decorative and costume swords use a rat-tail | | | | Swords. One rule to use in selecting a sword is |
| design. The blade is welded to the tang and not | | | | safety first. You are buying a weapon and get |
| very durable. The best functional design is a full | | | | what you pay for, price should always be second. |