Sword designs are highly variable, each with unique defining characteristics that allow them to perform totally different functions. Because of this, many people are unsure of how to choose the right sword for their purposes. Armed with a little knowledge and a few pointers, you can choose the perfect sword with confidence.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choosing a sword for decoration
Step 1. Stay on a tighter budget with an untempered sword
The tempered blades have been manufactured in a special way, which allows them to be very sharp and withstand the force of combat. They are considered as functional swords ready for battle. They are also extremely expensive, especially those with historic designs, with prices ranging from $ 500 to several thousand dollars.
- Unless you are a serious collector or a purist, it is best to select an untempered sword.
- They are much cheaper and will look great hanging on the wall.
Step 2. Respect historical accuracy but stay safe with a non-functional replica
Many collectors and enthusiasts want a sword that is a historically accurate replica for decorative purposes. However, just because it is ornamental does not mean that it cannot be used and as long as a sword is within reach, it can pose a potential danger, especially if there are children in the house.
- The answer to this dilemma is a non-functional replica based on a historical design.
- These look great, but cannot be used. The blades are blunt, the swords are light, and the designs are too flimsy to withstand any force.
Step 3. Buy a verified historical sword if you are a history buff
There are authentic swords for sale, although the prices are usually quite high. However, if you have money, they are a great collector's item. Do your research before you commit to buying a historical sword to make sure it is not a scam.
- Many establishments or private sellers will present certificates of authenticity.
- If the sword you want does not have one of these certificates, ask why.
Step 4. Decorate with fancy swords based on fictional descriptions
Fantasy swords are modern swords not based on historical designs. They are either totally original designs or are based on descriptions from books or other works of art. These swords usually look great on the wall and are relatively inexpensive.
- For example, you can get a fantasy replica of Dardo, Frodo's sword from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- There is a wide range of options available, especially online.
Step 5. Get a blade made of carbon steel if you want to use it occasionally
Some people want a sword basically for decoration, but that they can take it off the wall and use it, if they want to. These swords are called functional swords, because they are ready for battle and forged like real weapons. They tend to be quite expensive, but the quality is usually quite high.
- Some functional swords may come with sharp blades, but others will have blunt blades. Make sure to check with the manufacturer about yours.
- If a functional sword is not sharp, you can do it yourself. It is a real weapon. However, if you are concerned about safety, leave the blades blunt.
Step 6. Display your decorative sword safely
Swords are very dangerous and must be handled and displayed with great caution. If you're making a wall mount, consider hanging it high enough that it won't be easy to reach, especially for children.
- A wall mount with a display case is the ideal way to hang an ornamental sword.
- Even if there are no small children, it is best to have a conversation with everyone in the house about sword safety.
Method 2 of 3: Choosing a Sword to Train
Step 1. If you are a beginner, train safely with a wooden sword
Real swords are very sharp and not made for training, because the risk of injury is too high. Throughout history, all cultures where sword fighting has been trained and fought with wooden swords. The two most popular types are the bokken (used in eastern martial arts and whose correct name is bokuto in Japanese) and the waster (used in western martial arts).
- If you are a beginner, start with a wooden sword that does not cost a lot of money, made of bamboo or other light wood.
- Choose one with a well-crafted grip and trim to ensure that you can hold your hand safely.
Step 2. Use a pecan or hickory sword for your training, once you have an intermediate or advanced level
Due to their toughness and durability, pecan swords are the preferred training tool of serious sword collectors. Likewise, it must be taken into account that hickory is a heavy wood, so that the swords made with it have a more similar weight to that of real swords.
- Synthetic wood swords made with high-grade polypropylene are also great if you train seriously, as they are very durable.
- These synthetic versions are not as stiff as their wooden counterparts.
Step 3. Concentrate on the technique using a light sword
The weight of a real sword can hinder your training by restricting the range of motion. Try a lighter and more suitable weight by holding the practice sword in your dominant hand for about ten minutes. If your arm doesn't feel uncomfortable during that period, the practice sword is light enough for training.
- Move the sword a bit and do some lunges. You should be able to manipulate the sword with ease without straining your arm muscles.
- Make sure the practice sword has a blunt blade, to avoid injury, and something flexible.
Step 4. Use a foam or padded sword for intensive training in light armor
If you want to practice an aggressive fighting style or you just don't want to wear a lot of armor to train, a foam or padded sword is the perfect choice for you. They are perfect training tools as they allow you to engage aggressively when fighting, offering a more realistic combat experience.
- You should wear the minimum armor necessary, but be aware that foam swords can do some damage if used at full force.
- The minimum armor needed in this case would be a helmet and protection for the groin.
Step 5. Choose a blunt steel sword for advanced training with a partner
For the experienced sword fighter who trains intensively with contact, the blunt steel sword is the ideal choice. They come very close to real swords in virtually every respect, but the chance of injury is much less.
- When training with blunt steel tools, always wear protections.
- An inexperienced user should not use them as they can be dangerous.
Method 3 of 3: Choosing a Sword to Fight
Step 1. Choose a foil if you are an energetic and insightful fencer
Wielding a foil requires quick reflexes and a lot of resilience. There is only one way to score when fighting with foil: to touch the opponent's torso with the foil. Since the torso is a relatively small part of the body, opponents often engage at close range and the foil must be in virtually constant motion throughout the fight.
- As a general rule, to wield the foil, it is better to be a little lower than the average.
- The foil allows for lively and engaging combat for agile and quick-reacting people.
Step 2. Use a rapier if you prefer to fight with slash and lunge techniques
Rapiers have long, narrow blades that are ideal for fighting offensive cuts and lunges. The cutting edge of a rapier is not always sharp, as the emphasis is on the sharp point rather than the blade. They can cut and slit to some degree, but their main purpose is to lunge and lunge.
- The details vary from rapier to rapier, but these swords are typically thin, light, and intended for face-to-face combat without armor.
- The rapiers are originally medieval swords used by both the military and civilians.
Step 3. Cut and slit with the curved edges of the bracamante, scimitar or saber
The origin of these swords is diverse in terms of historical period and culture, but all have a curved blade with a single sharp edge for violent combat. They were sharp enough to cut off an opponent's limbs and head with a single blow.
- These swords could be used for close combat and also worked very well when mounted on horseback.
- Even when wielded by people of little skill, these swords can cut through almost any armor and inflict serious damage and fatal injuries.
Step 4. Use the long, deadly blade of a katana for outdoor combat
The katana was one of the sacred swords of the samurai. It has a very long and strong blade that is more suited to combat on a wide battlefield rather than in close combat. It is just as effective fighting on foot as it is on horseback.
- The blade of the katana is slightly curved, has a single edge, and is usually 24 inches (61 cm) long.
- Catanas are one of the most revered swords ever forged, made from highly durable, high-quality steel. They were and continue to be considered works of art.
Step 5. Deal a fatal blow with the force of a two-handed long sword
These medieval swords had long hilts that allowed the swordsman to wield it with two hands. The blade used to be double edged and quite long, but the sword itself was not excessively heavy, so it was a very versatile weapon that could be wielded easily and quickly.
- Long swords are capable of slitting, slicing, severing and thrusting with lethal force.
- Wielding a sword with both hands on the hilt allowed the swordsman to deliver very powerful thrusts.
Step 6. Wield a sword always with the utmost precautions
All martial arts can be dangerous, but the sword is particularly risky, because it has a sharp blade. Train with good instructors and wield the sword always with the greatest attention. A mistake could cause serious injury or even death.
- Always keep the sword in a safe place when you are not using it.
- Young children should never have access to the sword inside the house.
Warnings
- These weapons, real or not, may not be legal in your area. Check with local law enforcement before buying one or displaying it in public.
- Avoid using decorative swords for training. Decorative weapons cannot withstand the strain of practice. They can break or crumble, causing serious injury or even death. Make sure to check if it is of good quality and made from a decent tempered steel so that it won't break or warp when you fence it.
- Act with common sense and handle the sword always with caution.
- Use proper protection when using blunt-edged swords. The minimum protection is gloves (such as those used for lacrosse or cricket) and a fencing mask, but with blunt blades it is best to use full body protection.