subject: The Different Collectible Swords and their Uses [print this page] The Different Collectible Swords and their Uses
In the past, swords were only weapons used for war. But today, they have gone beyond that and are now considered to be one of the most beautiful and interesting relics to collect. What is beautiful about collectible swords is the wide variety of pieces that you can get from different countries and cultures - making your collection even more challenging and exciting. So if you are planning to expand that hobby, here are the different types of swords that you can add in to your collection today.
Decorative swords
This kind of sword is not really made for any other purpose than for ornamental display. Since decorative swords are not really made for actual cutting, the material may not be as durable or as longer lasting as the real swords. They are usually made out of stainless steel which is much more corrosive than the usual carbon steel making up actual sword pieces. But do not put your guard down and still be extra careful when handing these pieces, sharpened decorative collectible swords can still be as dangerous as any sword.
Practice swords
There are actually two types of practice swords. The first one is used for intermediate training practice and second is used for beginners. Practice swords are made out from a variety of materials - from wood, plastic, foam, aluminum, steel or latex. A practice sword is mainly used for fencing, where students can hone their skills and footwork. Compared to the decorative swords, these swords do not have any sharp edges for safety purposes.
Functional swords
Functional swords are the real thing. These pieces are made for the original purpose that swords were built for - cutting, stabbing and slashing. Functional swords, when kept at their best shape can be dangerously sharp and should only be handled by professional swordsmen. Functional swords are a true marvel. They are made out of a single carbon steel plate, refined through fire and sharpened to be battle-ready.
Functional swords are extremely durable pieces - made especially to last through the rigors of battle and war. The designs and the art work in functional swords can vary from one country to another. The beautiful variation reflecting the different cultures make them wonderful collectible swords as well - and that is what they are primarily used for today. But even though most of the functional swords used for collections are relics, make sure that you handle them with care and caution.
So these are the different collectible swords, classified according to their uses. But aside from that, swords can also be classified according to their shapes and forms. There are long and short swords, sabers and bayonets whose forms usually depend on the country where it originated from.
The variety of swords available for collectors today make this hobby one of the most interesting and the most challenging to have. Swords from different countries never fail to reflect the culture of the times. With each country offering different and unique pieces, hunting for those precious swords feel like an adventure in itself. So if you are interested in the different kinds of collectible swords, then there are a whole lot more pieces that you can acquire and discover.
