| Why in the world would someone want a dark | | | | and function, dark fantasy swords have wild and |
| fantasy sword instead of a traditional samurai | | | | crazy pommels. |
| sword or European sword? | | | | These pommels not only look appealing to the |
| There are many ways to answer this question, | | | | eye, but they can come in handy as a secondary |
| but I will attempt to answer it myself with one | | | | weapon! |
| word: | | | | 2. Dark fantasy swords do not usually follow a |
| IMAGINATION. | | | | particular blade design. The blades on these types |
| If you say the word "samurai sword" in your | | | | of swords tend to be outrageous and attention |
| mind, a picture might show up of a traditional | | | | grabbing for almost anyone. |
| Japanese sword with a nicely wrapped handle and | | | | 3. You probably think of the sword's guard as a |
| beautifully curved blade. | | | | protection for your hands against an attack. Dark |
| On the contrary, dark fantasy swords are not | | | | fantasy swords often have hand guards that not |
| limited by traditional standards or manufacturing | | | | only protect you, but also are sharp and pointy to |
| techniques. This is important because much of the | | | | use as an especially effective weapon. |
| design is left up to the creativity of the individual | | | | Most people tell me that their dark fantasy |
| sword designer. | | | | swords are perfect for display or live cutting |
| With so many swords for sale today, it is hard to | | | | tests. If you plan to use your sword for live |
| think of a more unique or impressive looking style | | | | action, I recommend testing the overall strength |
| than dark fantasy swords. But what aspect of | | | | and construction BEFORE doing so. |
| dark fantasy swords is most impressive? Here | | | | CAUTION! Performing live tests with a poorly |
| are some traits that I find to be the best: | | | | made dark fantasy sword can be very dangerous |
| 1. The pommel. While the pommels on most | | | | or even deadly, so do this very carefully. |
| swords today are fairly predictable in their design | | | | |