| Why collect swords? | | | | Nonetheless, you will still be disappointed if you |
| Are you interested in world history? Or are you | | | | buy a replica thinking you were purchasing an |
| an avid fan of fantasy fiction? In either case, you | | | | actual antique. |
| are probably fascinated and intrigued by swords. | | | | The other important category for sword |
| Maybe you have thought about collecting swords | | | | collectors is fantasy swords. These weapons are |
| as well. If you have, then it is time to start your | | | | based on works of fantasy fiction, such as the |
| collection; collecting swords is a great way to learn | | | | Lord of the Rings. They usually involve dragons, |
| more about world history, or to build on your | | | | elves or other similar motifs. A subset of fantasy |
| interest in fantasy fiction. But before you start | | | | swords is futuristic swords. |
| building your collection you should take the time to | | | | How should you care for your swords? |
| give yourself a sound basic knowledge of the field | | | | If you can afford it, the best thing that you can |
| in order to avoid getting scammed by an | | | | do to keep your sword collection in perfect |
| unscrupulous internet dealer. | | | | condition is to put your swords in a display case |
| What kind of swords should you collect? | | | | where you can control the humidity and |
| Sword collectors primarily fall into two camps: | | | | temperature. This is not a realistic option for most |
| collectors of historical swords, and collectors of | | | | people, however. At any rate, as long as you are |
| fantasy swords. | | | | not living in an area with high humidity, your |
| People have been making swords since at least | | | | swords will be fine mounted on a wall. |
| 2000 B.C.E. Obviously, since swords have been in | | | | The primary risk to your sword collection is rust. |
| existence since the Bronze Age, collecting | | | | Luckily, there are some simple steps that you can |
| historical swords opens you up to an almost | | | | take to make sure that your collection stays in |
| unlimited number of historical periods. Of course, | | | | perfect condition. The first step is to make sure |
| despite the wide range of swords available to the | | | | that nobody ever touches the blades on your |
| collector, a few historical periods have become | | | | swords. There is of course an obvious safety |
| particularly popular among collectors. The most | | | | issue involved in preventing people from touching |
| popular category is medieval swords such as long | | | | your blades; but besides that, the oil and salt on |
| swords or broad swords. Another popular | | | | people's hands can eat away at the metal on |
| category is Japanese samurai or katana swords. | | | | your swords. If your sword is ever touched, be |
| When you are dealing with historical swords it is | | | | sure to wipe it down afterwards. In any event, |
| important to keep in mind whether you are | | | | you can help preserve your blades from rust by |
| dealing with actual antiques or replicas. Of course, | | | | wiping them down periodically with a non-organic |
| for some collectors a well made replica would be | | | | oil. |
| a wonderful addition to their collection. | | | | |