People buy swords for all kinds of reasons and so they look for all sorts of different qualities in the swords that they buy.  Some people want something ultra-historical, some value function above all else.  Some look for a connection to popular media (movies, games, books, TV) and some look for a connection to a specific era of history.  Some are looking for a sword that complements their persona for ren-fairs or SCA or even a character in a role-playing game.  Some people are 'brand-loyal' and will only buy from a certain maker or manufacturer and some will buy any sword that 'sings' to them.

Then there are the trade-offs- some are willing to accept less performance for more visible historic detailing.  Some will sacrifice historic details for better performance.  In this economy some of you might sacrifice the qualities that you normally look for for a lower price.  

What's important to you when selecting a sword?

Some buy them for their wedding. ;-)

We got married in a castle (Hammond Castle, in Gloucester MA) - what an awesome night that was. We all got dressed up in Renaissance garb (although some guests didn't quite get the nuance between Renaissance and Medieval...). I sported a Renaissance-style Swept Hilt Rapier for the occasion. What better weapon to resolve all those gentlemanly disagreements! I didn't have room for a Main Gauche however.

Otherwise, I've always been a "support your local community" kind of person. From getting fruits/veggies/eggs from local farmers, to attending local events, supporting local artists etc. (it burns me to see the Walmarts of the world putting a strain on small businesses). The same goes for buying a sword - if I'm able to afford it, my preference would always be to support a smaller operation and get a one-off piece - no matter where in the world it was crafted. It's like art really. There's something special about a piece that's been uniquely crafted - something that no one else can have. When I shop industrial, I like to at least look at quality - mass produced is definitely OK, as long as it's made well and there's a good value proposition there....if a part of the sword was at least hand made/forged, then it definitely gets my attention.

Culturally, I'm very globally-oriented. I love history, period. So I'm equally seduced by a katana than I am by a mortuary hilt. I definitely have a penchant for high performance swords - perhaps it fuels my fantasy that I'll someday master the art of wielding them. I'd love to practice tameshigiri with a katana...or duel away with a rapier.

I think different swords suit different occasions - which means that we ought to have quite a few in our collection! Ultimately...every sword I own has to absolutely 'sing' to me.

I may be considered something of a "lesser being" in the sword collecting world, but my favorite purchases are always replicas from my favorite movies.  My collection is getting pretty big, as I have recently added a few more LOTR replicas to my stable of Braveheart, Gladiator, and various WoW replica swords.

I generally keep cost in mind, as my collection stays in a case and I'm not really that worried about blade materials, functionality, etc.  However, it is nice to know that the blade won't fall out of the hilt if I want to take my swords out of the case to clean, show off, etc.  So I try to find reputable online dealers, or maybe purchase one at a faire in summertime. 

I recently decided that I was going to start purchasing some more functional swords, but have not done so yet.  However, when I do decide to take this step, I'll be more comfortable spending a bit more on a weapon crafted from high-carbon steel that can withhold some test swinging.

So, long story short, currently my criteria for buying a sword is making sure it is an accurate replica of a movie sword.  Moving forward, I'll pay closer attention to the specifics (i.e., blade material, fuller, hilt material/wrap, etc).  

Good thread! 

Pale,

     You're certainly not a "lesser being" in my book!  In fact, I'm sure the vast majority of sword collectors buy replica swords.  How many people do you know that could afford a true period peice!?  I don't know any!   Anyway, I also buy replicas, but I try to focus on American military history, everything from Civil War swords to modern officer's presentation swords.  I dabble in reenacting, so my criteria definitely includes practical swords that can withstand some light contact.  Besides that, much like Pale, I look for weapons that are the closest replicas that I can find.  I usually shop online, buy have purchased from faires, cutlery shops, and a few items from garage/estate sales.

As a medieval history fanatic, my criteria for buying swords is simple: historical accuracy!  Actually Tinker, I'm a fan of your work and think your medieval swords are some of the most impressive out there, not only for their accuracy, but also for functionality.  Good work.  Glad to see that you are involved here!

FUNCTIONAL... definately has to be functional. A wall hanger is not a sword to be but a simple brick-a-brack. If it is not functional, i will not buy it any more. I swordplay, cutting exercise, and practice my forms. if a war were to ever break out in the streets, i could grab one that i own and be prepared. the wallhangers would simply become scrap metal at its presence. Also stainless steel doesn't cover functional. I prefer 1095 carbon, to damascus (modern), the folding process is traditional, but simply just not as necassary to blend the carbon molecule, nowadays.

I used to collect antique swords, but you can't use them, afraid or breaking them. Stainless is to brittle and tends to shatter. High carbon is what I perfer. Right now I have several katanas and am looking at some medieval and renaissance swords. I saw video of someone trying to cut 55gal drum with one. Only minoir scratches to the blade. Cool. Happy collecting!   costanzo412

Good comments tre and constanzo...a lot of folks prefer functional weapons, even if they don't engage in any swordplay.  This way, a collector can take his or her time and have a display piece that is also fully functional in case they decided to practice with it in the future.  As for antique swords...even though they generally shouldn't be used for practice, they are great collector's items to have, not to mention a pretty good investment in most cases!  Happy collecting to you as well!

   I'm with the functional crowd myself. I only purchase sharpened, carbon steel, 3/4 to full tang, full functional cutters. If I hang it on the wall I need to know that if I get the urge to pull it down( and of course I have to, all the time, just to gaze at them and injure defenseless objects) it can stand up to whatever cutting I fell the need to engage in without injuring me or possibly someone else. A good sword feels like a trusted friend who's always got your back. Quality construction usually shows even in photos, as does crappy. I find what I like the look of, then research the manufacturer, the sword and the seller. No shortage of crap sword sellers I fear.  

Yah...there's definitely a difference between a sword and a shiny piece of metal that is shaped like a sword.

I see that price is a definite consideration for first time buyers - they tend to be young, and heavily plugged into pop culture. It's stunning how many anime, fantasy and movie swords we sell - and these buyers are pretty intense about them! I would never say that they're not buying a real sword...because it obviously means something else to them (more like a memorabilia). There is always that knuckle head who emails me to find out if his LOTR sword will cut a metal pipe. My answer: "Don't even THINK about it!".

But I see a progression...the cheaper "sword looking" swords are an entry point for a lot of younger collectors. Over time...they move on to their first functional cutter - low end still, but at least, they're now holding a high carbon steel blade. Then comes a better katana. They trade quantity with quality. It's a process really.

So I actually do encourage our young collectors to just get what they like - cheap, fake or not. But safety first - always. Then learn more about sword collecting...read...look at others' collections...ask too many questions.

On the topic of crappy sword sellers (and manufacturers)...well, that's another topic for another day! Avoid anything that begins with "King of", and ends with "Swords". Oops, did I start a turf war?

I really like all said here. There is a broad spectrum of taste in swords as when anything else. Aftter all, That is why ice cream has so many flavors. One's preference should never take precedence over another's. However, I would like to say, that if you  intend to one day practice with your sword, make sure that the one you use is functional for the obvious safety reasons, then and only then, if you have been properly trained. I am an emergency medic, and would not want to even think of what could happpen without proper training and safety procedures.

I am thinking functionality is the way to go.

You know...I've read stuff about wine as well in the past - many people ask "what's the best wine that you recommend? which one is the best?". The answer is always very simple: the BEST wine in the whole world is the wine that you like. Period. Doesn't matter if Wine Spectator gave it a 95 rating (100 being perfect) or a 5 rating!

I think the same thing applies for swords. You must first know what you want to do with it - so yes, I agree that functionality has a big part to play there. Then it's a matter of getting the best blade for the intended purpose at that particular moment in time. Thank god for the second hand swords market!

 My hubby, SirTre, does not know I am looking for another sword. I am looking for something functional for cutting practice but looks half way decent too. 

Then you'd be really interested in my grandmother's great grandfather's sword. He had fought in the civil war and left her his sword as a possession. I wish i could get my hands on it but she says its to sentimental for her to give up. Anyways I look for both historical details and performance in the swords I buy. But i still want that original sword that was used in the civil war my grandmother has!

.....historical accuracy and functionality....must be sharp and high quality workmanship and materials.  I have a good sized collection and I concentrate primarily on Medieval European swords, but I do have a few high quality katana.  All  my swords are "battle ready" as well as historically accurate, and some are even direct re-creations of museum pieces.  Even though I don't cut with them, I find them a joy to gaze upon and occasionally fondle, and it's good to know that were I transported back in time, any one of them would serve me well as a weapon.

My primary interest is in exploring the weapons and martial arts of different cultures and periods from around the world, ancient to modern times.  With this in mind I generally buy a sharp, well made, functional piece as well as a practical trainer.  Then I search for any material and classes that I can find on the particular art appropriate to the specific weapon.  The Dark Sentinel was an exception. It is just a completely periodless, cultureless weapon made by a swordsman for swordsmen and the kind of weapon that just makes a guy feel dangerous. It's light, fast, solid, and holds a good edge.  I also have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to hold and even drill with quite a number of antique swords from rapiers to longswords which really helps me evaluate the quality of a replica.  One of my favorite pieces is an antique Zulu War period Ngali Excecutioner's sword. Just knowing it's bloody past makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

One thing I've learned over the years is that price does not equal quality.  Sometimes (especially with antiques, but also with replicas)name and popularity drives the price more than quality. I have found excelent weapons dirt cheap and useless pretties for small fortunes.  Sword buyer's guid can also be a great resource.  An excelnt way to learn more about swords is by going to the antique arms shows.

Price and functionality are my primary considerations.  I don't want to shell out a small fortune for a blade that is going to wind up getting scuffed or chipped due to actual use.  A sword shouldn't be too pretty or too valuable to risk using.  Yes, I'd want the blades I buy to be based on historical designs, but they do not need to be exact duplicates of specific pieces.  In other words, I'd rather pick up a Hanwei - Tinker Pearce Longsword (which I have, BTW) and a few spare blades for it than a Albion Museum line piece like the Brescia Spadone, which has similar dimensions and weight as the Tinker Longsword, but costs 6-7 times as much.  As long as the weapon in question is durable but has classical shape and handling characteristics at a price point that I can meet, I'm good.  I'll happily skip frilly details and a razor sharp (factory) edge, or excrutiating historical detail. 

Bottom line, here's what I want in a sword:

Durable/functional, good handling, historical plausability (something roughly in line with Oakshott Typology) price at or below $400-500.

Here's what I don't need:

Frilly/fancy furniture, intricately tooled scabbards, exacting historical detail, stupid sharp factory edges, prices above $500.

I do have to admit that I would at some point like to own ONE of those expensive top end blades - but, I don't think that that qualifies as a collection of them.  The blades I'm going to collect are the ones I can afford.

to me a sword has to feel good in my hands as I swing it and cut with it. I love to cut tatami, bamboo, and even sometimes plastic bottles. I like swords to be arguably historically plausible but I can forgive some modern tweeking and performance things. for example I don't mind so much it is held together with a hex nut or something similar (I don't like screw-on pommels though) and I'm ok with machinced parts and all that. I don't like large secondary bevels, but some makers like Tinker, Gus Trim and Albion put on secondaries that are entirely tolerable and I have no problem liking those (I didn't always feel this way) but Windlass or DSA sharpening options tend to be unacceptable to me. definitely not into frills. I like agile swords, even heavy swords can be agile if done right. everyone seems to talk only about the blade, but I like the furniture to be good too. it doesn't have to be fancy, just good. if you have a great blade in crappy fittings you have a crappy sword.

I like functional but there's "functional" and functional. I get turned off real fast by gimicky advertising. touting ultra tough miracle steels, mystical heat treat/hardening/tempers methods, and using words like "battle ready" or "ultra (anything)" all make wanna puke and run away screaming from a seller.

Also, I am so sick of people making such a huge fuss over rockwell hardness. yes, it is important for a sword to be hardened properly but so many swords out there simply do NOT meet the claims of manufacturers in terms of hardness. the problem is it is hard for the normal guy like me to prove, but I tell you what, when a katana is supposed to be 60HRC on the edge and my Walmart hand file bites eagerly into the edge bevel inside the yakiba/hamon near the edge I think somebody has lied to me. this happens with disstressing frequency. it is so common in fact I tend to view with extreme suspicion ANY katana that claims a hardness of 60/40. yeah right guys, I'm on to you so start being more honest.

sorry about the long rant one thing just lead into another.

 No apology necessary Tom. Those of us who do more than hang a sword on the wall feel the same. My jin shi is suposed to be around 55 hrc, and ikazuchi is supposed to be around 57 hrc but look at what i posted on sbg about how the ikazuchi took the worst nick when blocking my bro from a bad swing on tatami mat. metal used has alot to do with it as well as smithing. I have enjoyed your posts there regarding the issue of being more about the smith than anything else. 

I have to agree with you Tom.

Most of that stuff also tends to be pretty cheap in comparence to manmade swords. The best way to be sure of the quality of the sword is of course to use more money and make a deal with the smith personally so you know who to go to when the quality promised is lacking. I do also prefer fully functional swords, even if my Kung Fu master says that swords are not a weapon but a hindrance...in this case I really have to diagree with him although I mostly have the same oppinion as him. Still, a sword that is functional is still just a good piece of work to hang on the wall if in the wrong hands. The functionality of a sword, or for that matter of any weapon, is dependent on the skill of the person who uses it.