| Which type of sword is best for you? There is no | | | | Japanese hand guards are typically round with a |
| simple answer to this question, and there are | | | | decorative design on the inside, eastern hand |
| actually several factors that you should keep in | | | | guards are straight more often than not. Each |
| mind when you want to buy a sword. In this | | | | guard style has its advantages and disadvantages |
| article I will share with you the most important | | | | when it comes to protecting yourself against |
| things to consider when you are planning to buy a | | | | different types of cuts and stabs. |
| sword. | | | | Samurai swords are traditionally made with folded |
| Are you interested in an Eastern or Western | | | | steel called "honsanmai" which means three layers |
| sword? Like many sword buyers, you probably | | | | in Japanese. This type of steel is very expensive |
| want to know what the main differences are so | | | | to produce and it is becoming rare to see very |
| that you can make the right decision! Japanese or | | | | many swords made from such a high grade of |
| Samurai style swords are usually recognized by | | | | steel. When you buy a sword, it will become |
| their single-edged blade with a slight curve. | | | | apparent that many sword makers (east and |
| European swords tend to have blades that are | | | | west) have turned to using a single piece of |
| straighter and can be either single or double | | | | medium to high carbon steel, which is very good |
| edged. If you buy a sword with a double-edge, it | | | | in terms of edge retention and overall strength. |
| will give you a lot of added cutting and thrusting | | | | Before you buy a sword you should consider the |
| power. | | | | length and weight, especially if you plan to use it |
| When shopping to buy a sword, remember that | | | | for live cutting tests or practice strokes. |