[OT] Buying swords

[Decado]

I have a sword from Museum Replicas and I am very happy with the quality. It also came with instructions on how to sharpen the blade as well. I also have a battle axe from them waiting for me under the X-mas tree.

Museum Replicas also makes shields of different designs that are primed and ready to paint. I was thinking of getting one and painting it up like a shield of Gondor.

Decado

 

[ladyofdragons]

a couple suggestions, just from the wife of someone who does live steel swordfighting and stage combat:

If you're looking to USE the sword, make SURE it has a 'full tang' (the extension of the blade within the hilt of the sword). if the tang breaks off after an inch or so and has a soldered screw attachment, or is cut back in width to less than 1/2" for most or all of its length (known as a 'rat-tail' tang) then I suggest you look at another sword. the thicker and longer and unsoldered the tang, the more hits your sword will withstand, even if you're not hitting hard.

I agree to check out swordforum.com, they have excellently built useable blades, but you can search google for 'battle ready sword' to see others. expect to pay at least $200 retail for a useable blade. if you're paying less than that, you may be getting a good deal, but most likely the sword isn't battle-ready. You might want to do some shopping at an SCA or Renfaire so you can see for yourself if the difference in quality of different manufacturers.

 

[The Sigil]

I would also recommend http://www.by-the-sword.com

--The Sigil

 

[AngelTears]

There is a place near where I live, and he will make a custom damascan sword - money first though for 1600 euros. But then it would be an actual sword designed for one purpose only, and not a display sword (he has a "display model" he made and can slice a business card in two).

Worse comes to worse, get spring steel and you can machine grind it into the shape of a sword. I've seen some and they look pretty good that way.

-Angel Tears