| When looking for a sword there is only one | | | | what you will be happy with. However, if you can |
| question you should ask. What is the intended | | | | find a stainless sword that fits, go for it and save. |
| purpose of the sword? This question should guide | | | | Sword Collections |
| you through the purchasing process and | | | | Sword collectors generally know a great deal |
| determine the type, quality and price of the | | | | about the swords they buy. The main advice here |
| sword. Examples of the many tyapes of swords | | | | is shop around, don’t pay too much. Google |
| can be seen on Medieval and Samurai Swords, | | | | shopping is a great place to find price comparisons |
| Sabers and Rapiers | | | | by manufacturers’ numbers. This is a great |
| Let’s go over a few common answers. Most | | | | way to save. |
| sword purchases are for decoration, a costume, a | | | | Plays and Reenactments |
| sword collection, a production or reenactment or | | | | Here is where it gets more complicated. You have |
| sporting event. The purpose should determine | | | | to deal with price, quality and safety. You should |
| which sword you should buy. This article should | | | | always put safety first. A sword of inferior quality |
| help you help decide the sword you want and the | | | | can not only spoil your performance but be |
| price you pay. | | | | dangerous if broken. If you have control over |
| The first consideration is what type of sword you | | | | your actors and can restrict them to light or |
| want. The most common types of swords are | | | | moderate use then you can get away with a |
| historical replicas, fantasy and movie swords and | | | | functional sword under $ 300. If not we |
| fencing swords. You probably have something in | | | | recommend going with a more expensive battle |
| mind, so this should be a fairly easy step. | | | | ready sword that can take heavy use. |
| Next is what are you going to do with the sword. | | | | We also recommend practical swords. Practical |
| Here is where you can really save some money. | | | | swords have unsharpened blade and also feature |
| Many people pay more than they have to or get | | | | a rounded point. You might want to also consider |
| less than they need by not thinking carefully | | | | fencing swords that come with safety features, |
| about this. | | | | like blunted or safety tips. Even an unsharpened |
| Decorative Swords | | | | blade with a sharp point can cause injury. |
| Buying a decorative sword is simple and can be | | | | There is a lot of good information on the web |
| inexpensive. Just find one you like. There are a | | | | from production weapons masters on what you |
| couple things you will need to consider. First is the | | | | might also want to consider. |
| materials used. Does the sword have a stainless | | | | Sporting Events |
| steel blade? Carbon steel blades rust and require | | | | Fencing and other martial arts sports that require |
| much more cleaning and maintenance than | | | | swords have become more popular over the last |
| stainless steel. We recommend you can find one | | | | few years. They provide great exercise and |
| you like with a stainless steel blade. Less | | | | enjoyment. They can also be very expensive. |
| maintenance and looks good. Second, what does | | | | The key here is not to wind up with an expensive |
| the sword come with? Many decorative item com | | | | wall hanger. Until you are sure the sport is for |
| with a plaque for wall mounting or a stand. Why | | | | you, there are a lot of stores on the web that |
| not save money and get as much as you can. | | | | carry good and inexpensive equipment. Don’t |
| Costume Swords | | | | invest a fortune in expensive equipment and find |
| A costume sword is a little more complicated. | | | | out it’s not for you. You can always upgrade |
| One main consideration is does it have a scabbard. | | | | later and use you less expensive equipment for |
| You’ll need a scabbard if you are going to | | | | practice. |
| wear it. Also don’t forget you will also need | | | | Summary |
| some way of attaching it to wear. Many | | | | We hope this buying guide will assist you with |
| scabbards don’t come with a belt, belt frog | | | | your purchase. The key is to find the balance |
| or hanger. Don’t forget to buy something to | | | | between buying enough sword to meet your |
| attach it to your costume if your sword | | | | needs without paying more than you must. |
| doesn’t come with one. | | | | Remember other articles on this blog and other |
| To find the appropriate sword, you may have to | | | | sites can also help you make the right decision. |
| go with a carbon steel blade for your costume. | | | | Larry is the owner of and retired from the US |
| Many replica swords come only with carbon steel | | | | Army in 1995. He has opperated weapons stores |
| blades. This is not a bad thing. The qualities of the | | | | and sites since 1997 and has always been |
| materials are much better and more authentic. | | | | interested in history and weapons. |
| They may be a little more trouble but closer to | | | | |