Sep 30 2008
Officer Sword
Officer Sword
What Does Functional Swords Mean?
I have been selling swords and knives for the past seven years, doing research and answering questions on the different types of swords and their uses. I’ve lived for six years in Europe and seven in the Orient seen and held swords that are easier dated in centuries rather than years.
Functional Swords are made to be used and to keep an edge. However, to really answer this question you have to explain the three kinds of swords people sell. The first is a Decorative Sword. These are swords made to decorate and for display only. They are very elaborate and are sometimes heavy replicas of historical, fantasy and movie swords. They often come with a sword plaque or stand for their display in the home or office. The blades are made of stainless steel and are generally highly polished. They look really good but are not designed or made for use. The second is a Costume Sword. While they have many of the same characteristics of a decorative sword, they are generally lighter and come with a sheath or some means of wearing the sword with a costume. The last is the Functional Sword.
So What's The Difference?
To keep it simple, quality is the thing that makes a functional or battle ready sword different. The quality of the materials, design and workmanship all play a part in a good functional sword. The materials are very important. High carbon steel is generally used to make the blades and other more durable materials are used for the guard, pommel and grips. High carbon steel is much harder. This type of steel is better suited for keeping an edge and less likely to break upon contact. The quality of the materials use in the guard, pommel and grip are of equal importance. A great high carbon steel blade with a pot metal or inferior guard and grip is a wall hanger.
Some people say the original design of a sword is the best. I agree. Swords were originally made for combat at the time they were designed and forged. Some like the samurai sword were designed to cut while others like the medieval claymore and long sword were made to bash and stab. The major design element is the tang. The tang is the part of the sword that attaches the blade to the guard, grip and pommel. Some decorative and costume swords use a rat-tail design. The blade is welded to the tang and not very durable. The best functional design is a full tang. Here the blade and tang are on piece of metal and less likely to break.
Workmanship may well be the most important. There are two basic ways to make a sword. They are machined and hand forged. The machined sword is almost entirely forged by a machine while the hand forged is done by a human. Purest say hand forged is the only way. However, I've seen many machined forged swords I feel more comfortable with. The key is micro-fractures. During the forging process sometime small fractures are left inside the sword. The more fractures there are the more likely the sword can break. There are many carbon steel swords not advertised as functional because of inconsistency. One sword might be great the next might not hold up. You take your chances when you buy these swords for use. One last note on design, a practical sword is made for stage plays and reenactments where safety is the key. Practical swords have rounded or dull edges and points.
Functional swords can cost much more than decorative or costume swords. Prices can run from less than $ 100.00 for an entry level sword to thousands for a made to order sword. Prices are also based on the degree of functionality. An entry level sword can cost from under $ 100 to $ 200. These are light duty swords which are great for a beginner. A medium duty sword or battle ready sword can cost up to $ 1000 and are usually used in reenactments and plays. Heavy duty swords can cost thousands. They can be used for any purpose but are better suited for extended use as in a nightly stage combat plays. After being in the US Army for 21 year, I can tell you anything can be broken. No matter how well a sword is made abuse, neglect and improper use will damage or break any sword. I'm not talking about small dings in the sharp edges. Some carbon steels are so hard it’s almost impossible to sharpen them. Most swords are forged so the edges are softer and can be sharpened. Please consult a qualified fight director on the proper use and quality of weapons needed for heavy use in stage plays.
I hope this helps to explain the term Functional Swords. One rule to use in selecting a sword is safety first. You are buying a weapon and get what you pay for, price should always be second.
About the Author
The author is a retired Master Sergeant, US Army and owns and operates a web store that sells replicas of weapons. See Brothersmith-Swords.com for examples of functional swords and more information.
is the arch of swords at a wedding only for officers?
is the arch of iron or sword arch in a military wedding only for officers? or can enlisted members have one. i think it's a cute touch . .
Enlisted, Warrant, or Commissioned... Doesn't matter.
World War 2 Japanese Officer Sword {3 of 3}
 |
 Japanese Army officer Shin-Guntō japan sword Type 98  US $24.99
|
 Japan army samurai officers sword cowskin hilt scabbard US $49.50
|
 Imperial japanese army officer Shin-Guntō samurai sword US $24.10
|
 Japanese Army officer japan sword Type 98 Shin-Guntō US $37.10
|
 Antique Naval Officer Sword Eagle Head Scabbard 1840 US $113.50
|
 Elastolin Lineol German Officer w/ Sword 7.5cm 3 Day US $7.95
|
 GERMAN commander Officer sword quillback blade steel US $24.60
|
 Vintage handmade blade army officers Sword ▃▄▅ US $45.00
|
 Superb And Vintage Japanese Army officer Sword ▃▄▅ US $45.62
|
 FORGE JP.SAMURAI OFFICER SWORD DAMASCUS KATANA Tachi US $24.77
|
 WWII Model 1944 JAPANESE ARMY OFFICER'S SWORD US $999.99
|
 WWII Japan army military officer sword OX skin sheath US $24.93
|
 Original US NAVY Model 1852 OFFICER'S SWORD US $599.99
|
 WWII JAPANESE ARMY OFFICER'S SWORD TACHI NAGAMITSU US $1,999.99
|
 Civil War Officer Sword ( silver ) US $29.99
|
 US Navy Officers Sword Belt Size 34 US $14.99
|
 WW1 Prussian ? Imperial German Officer Sword 1889 US $79.75
|
 WW1 ? Imperial German NCO Sword Infantry Officer ? US $50.99
|
 Officers Gold Bouillon Sword Knot, Civil War, New US $24.00
|
 American Revolutionary War Era Officers Eagle Sword US $651.67
|
 JAPANESE ARMY OFFICER SHIN GUNTO KATANA SWORD -1x5186 US $59.99
|
 JAPANESE NAVAL OFFICER KATANA SWORD-1x5524 US $99.99
|
 US M-1850 Union Field Officer's Sword, Civil War Swords US $79.99
|
 WWll Japanese army company officer's GUNTO sword knot/t US $40.00
|
 military japanese officer sword japan katana -TP98 US $24.99
|
 STRAIGHT BLADE NAVAL OFFICER SWORD US $63.09
|
 Chic Saber French Gendarme Royal Ranger Officer Sword US $17.37
|
 Japan Army Commissioned officer Military Sword Type 95 US $9.13
|
 British Army cavalry Officer Commander Sword US $89.60
|
 imperial japan navy officer sword japanese tachi sword US $45.55
|
 japanese army officer sword Shin-Guntō leather scabbard US $36.11
|
 japanese navy officer samurai sword japanic naval sword US $45.50
|
 military japanese officer warrior sword japanese katana US $41.23
|
 Japanese army officer sword katana Initial type 95 NCOs US $32.09
|
 WWI-era Navy Officer's Dress Sword Belt and Buckle US $95.00
|
 Civil War Officer Sword ( silver ) US $29.99
|
 Japanese Army officer Shin-Guntō japan sword Type 98 US $38.82
|
 EUROPEAN NAVY OFFICER SWORD BLADE INSCRIPTIONS 18c RARE US $990.00
|
 Russian WWI 9 Sib Mortar Reg Officer Badge Sword Photo US $35.00
|
 Military japanese army officers katana sword Shin-Gunto US $23.10
|
 WWII American Officer SWORD SPARTAN WEST GERMANY 35" US $40.99
|
 Naval officers sword, belonging to Capt Roskruge R.A.N US $895.00
|
 ROYAL NAVY OFFICERS SWORD KNOT. US $16.97
|
 ROYAL NAVY OFFICERS SWORD BELT. US $20.06
|
 WW2 JAPANESE OFFICERS SWORD SIG WITH SCABBARD NEAR MINT US $930.00
|
 WW2 JAPANESE NAVY OFFICERS SWORD WIT SCABBARD NEAR MINT US $385.00
|
 WW2 JAPANESE NCO OFFICERS SWORD WITH SCABBARD MATCHING US $341.00
|
 WW2 LATE JAPANESE NCO OFFICERS SWORD WITH SCABBARD MINT US $395.00
|
 US M-1850 Union Field Officer's Sword, Civil War Swords US $79.99
|
 CIVIL WAR SOLDIER OFFICER DECORATED w MEDALS & SWORD US $94.00
|
 B-64HANDMADE JAPANESE OFFICER SWORD`COPPER SAYA/KATANA US $49.00
|
 HANDMADE JAPANESE SAMURAI OFFICER SWORD`DAMASCUS KATANA US $49.44
|
 Japan Army Commissioned officer Military Sword Type 95 US $46.36
|
 A919*JP.SAMURAI MILITARY OFFICER SWORD `DAMASCUS KATANA US $24.77
|
 HANDMADE JAPANESE SAMURAI DAMASCUS KATANA OFFICER SWORD US $44.80
|
 1822 Pattern British Infantry Officers Sword US $775.00
|
 the GERMAN commander Officer sword quillback blade US $36.39
|
 ORIGINAL JAPANESE WW2 ARMY OFFICERS SHIN GUNTO SWORD US $152.50
|
 Hand Forged Military Japanese Katana Officer Sword US $24.99
|
 ORIGINAL JAPANESE WW2 ARMY OFFICERS KATANA SWORD US $562.00
|
 CSA Confederate Cavalry Officer Sword Civil War Saber US $44.99
|
 1850 Foot Officer Civil War Sword Saber US $525.00
|
 Civil War Officer Sword ( silver ) US $29.99
|
 German Cavalry Officer-w/Sword-Elastolin-Lineol US $45.00
|
 Solid Lead Soldier 54mm Mexican War Officer w/ Sword US $7.71
|
 Old Japanese Military Officer's commanding Sword Katana US $176.77
|
 Dug Civil War Reg. Officers 1851 Eagle Sword Buckle US $205.00
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
