Buying Your First Sword

The first step when purchasing your first sword is to decide on the style of fighting you are interested in using it for. Are you more likely to enjoy the brute force approach of a Claymore? The heft and force of a Longsword? Or the finesse and speed of the Rapier and its descendants?

Try swinging a few chunks of wood around to get a feel for your arm strength, as it will be key: A Rapier or Cutlass will typically weigh between 1-3lbs, whereas a Longsword can be as much as 5, and a claymore up to 7lbs!

Once you've decided on the sword you'd enjoy, you have to settle on whether you would prefer a practical (sharp) blade or a blunted practice sword. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, of course. On the one hand, the practical blade will be immediately useful for slicing things apart and performing demonstrations of skill for friends and family, but it would be very dangerous to use this blade for swordfighting with a partner.

A blunted blade will be perfectly safe to use for fencing and martial arts with opponents, and can always be sharpened at a later date. In the end, it comes down to whether you are planning to show off or learn to use the blade as intended.

Of course, one need not settle on the most recognized sword types to enjoy their purchase. From the Cutlass, to the Colichemarde, Sidesword, Katana, Flamberge and so forth, there exists a huge range of swords and subsequent martial arts styles to choose from. In the end, it comes down to personal taste, as the sword will inevitably become an extension of the personality wielding it.

The distinguished Swordsman will avoid the cheap and flashy fantasy swords so often seen at the neighborhood pawn shop, such as those by Kit Rae and other manufacturers. These are meant for wall display only, and will not only not survive the test of battle, but may harm you if pieces break off!