| If you always wanted to own a medieval | | | | tricky process. I recommend you get a |
| sword to hang on the wall, show to your | | | | sword that comes with the rack or wall |
| friends, or bring with you to a | | | | mount. If you want a sword to wear as |
| Renaissance Faire this guide will help | | | | part of a costume or as an accompaniment |
| you to make a good first purchase. | | | | to Renaissance Faires and Role Playing |
| Sword buying can be a very confusing | | | | events then you should get a sword that |
| process. There are thousands of sellers, | | | | comes with a belt and scabbard. Again, |
| hundreds of manufacturers, and a dozen | | | | because swords come in a tremendous |
| different types of metals that swords | | | | variety of sizes, finding a scabbard can |
| are made out of. But you shouldn't worry | | | | be a very difficult task. |
| too much about any of this. If this is | | | | Narrow your decision down to one of the |
| your first sword then you should make it | | | | three basic types of Medieval Swords |
| a pleasurable experience by getting the | | | | Because there are thousands of different |
| sword that looks and feels right for | | | | swords you should figure out which of |
| you. If you stick with a reputable | | | | the three main types of swords you want |
| seller then the sword should be of a | | | | to get. |
| good quality that will give you many | | | | Replicas of original swords- You may |
| years of worry free enjoyment and maybe | | | | want to get a sword that is a replica of |
| even start you on a sword collecting | | | | an authentic sword such as a Scottish |
| hobby. | | | | claymore, Japanese Katana, or Spanish |
| Get your hands on some swords if | | | | rapier. |
| possible | | | | Movie Replicas: - You may want to get a |
| First and foremost you should, if | | | | sword that you have seen in a movie and |
| possible, visit a retail or wholesale | | | | Lord of the Rings swords are very |
| store that has a wide variety of swords | | | | popular. |
| that you can actually hold and handle. | | | | Fantasy Swords - These swords can have a |
| If this means taking a twenty-five mile | | | | very creative look, often times they |
| trip in the car then it is worth the | | | | have intricate handles and unique blade |
| time and effort. Bring with you a small | | | | shapes. |
| notebook so you can take notes about the | | | | So now you have narrowed you selection |
| different swords you like and write down | | | | down to the use of the sword and the |
| the different manufacturers and model | | | | type of sword and you are ready to start |
| numbers so you can do some online | | | | looking at actually purchasing a sword. |
| comparison shopping for price bargains. | | | | Here are some guidelines to help you |
| It is important to actually hold the | | | | make a good purchase. |
| sword and see it because the feel of a | | | | New or used? |
| sword is difficult to convey on a | | | | I recommend you only purchase a new |
| website. | | | | sword from a reputable retailer. This |
| If you are going to buy a sword online | | | | way you have an ironclad guarantee that |
| If you cannot visit a place that sells | | | | if there are any problems with the |
| swords and you absolutely have to buy | | | | sword. You can just send it back and try |
| one online here are a couple of things | | | | another sword. The big online retailers |
| you should do. Make very careful note of | | | | such as Amazon or Overstock are |
| the weight of the sword then get | | | | perfectly suited to this. And if you |
| yourself something that weighs the same | | | | find yourself looking at lesser-known |
| and hold it in your hands. You will be | | | | sites or weapons specialty sites there |
| surprised how this feels and there is a | | | | are a few things you should look for. |
| very big difference between a sword that | | | | Does the site have the hackersafe |
| weighs two pounds and one that weighs | | | | guaranteed logo? Does it have a clearly |
| four pounds. You should also note the | | | | posted customer support telephone number |
| length of the sword then use a measuring | | | | you can call? |
| tape to get a feel for the actual size | | | | Do your research and shop around before |
| of it. I would recommend you even cut a | | | | you buy |
| piece of cardboard into the shape and | | | | The Internet has brought with it the |
| size of the sword you are thinking about | | | | ability to gather information from a lot |
| buying. You can hold this cardboard mock | | | | of different resources. Search the web |
| up, swing it around and even pin it to | | | | for sites, forums, and articles on |
| the wall to get an idea of how it will | | | | swords and the particular sword you want |
| look on display. | | | | to buy. Take lots of notes so you can |
| Deciding why you want a sword | | | | make an informed decision. |
| The first and foremost decision you have | | | | Swords have a two thousand year history |
| to make is why you want the sword. This | | | | and there are many manufacturers, |
| will greatly help you in choosing your | | | | sellers, collectors, and experts of |
| first sword. There are two main reasons | | | | swords. But when it comes down to your |
| I will describe here. If you want a | | | | first sword you should decide on the |
| sword to hang on the wall as a display | | | | sword that is going to make you happy |
| piece that you occasionally take down to | | | | and not worry about all the details that |
| show to friends then you should look for | | | | can easily cloud your decision. Get a |
| a sword that comes with a wall mount | | | | sword that looks and feels right for you |
| display or a rack display all in one | | | | and get it from an established and |
| package. Because medieval swords come in | | | | well-know retailer and you will have a |
| many different shapes, sizes, weights, | | | | sword that will bring you years of |
| and lengths buying a sword then trying | | | | enjoyment and maybe even start you off |
| to match it up with a rack can be a | | | | on a new hobby. |