I bought something from http://www.starfireswords.com many years ago.  Good quality, but for costuming.  If you're really looking for something that will hold an edge, I think that may be tough to find - likely illegal in most places.

Try Kris Cutlery, Bright Blades, or Hanwei. I dealt with Bright Blades a few years ago and had no issues. It looks like their inventory has dropped considerably since then. I've also noticed pretty big price increases across the board for everyone.

pitttbulll wrote:someone who knows about this since were all medieval and D&D enthusiasts.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. What we D&D enthusiasts know first of all is that swords never need sharpening or cleaning, nor any treatment for rust. The average sword should be about 50 pounds in weight, to counter-balance our well-muscled STR18 imaginary physiques. Go ahead & allow the point of this behemoth to rest on the paving stones while you & it pose, it's not like it would bend under its own mass.

It should also talk, becoming one's constant companion. Other people won't be able to hear what it's saying - try repeating everything it tells you in a high-pitched voice, so they'll be able to follow the conversation.

One consideration to make before buying is damage to magical non-existent monsters who cannot be hit by non-magical weapons. I'd recommend the symbolism inherent in Atlanta Cutlery's Masonic Knights Templar Sword. Another consideration is: do they take gold pieces? I see no mention of the option on their Shopping Cart pages, which leaves us only with constitutionally illegal fiat currencies.  

It looks like Atlanta Cutlery's Grosse Messer will do about 2-8 points of damage against small or medium-size non-existent monsters, maybe 2-16 against large ones. I know that seems like a minor distinction to make, but keep in mind that phobias vs. non-existent monsters can quickly change in scale. You don't want to get caught at 3am if an Unresolved-feelings-toward-parental-figure suddenly mushrooms. When the neighbors call to report a deranged figure in the street swinging a pseudo-medieval length of stainless steel, the cops might laugh at you for ordering the wrong brand.

http://windlass.com/

Windlass Steelcrafts

If we told you we would have to kill you...

The problem with companies that mass produce swords, even if intended for actual use and not decoration, is that they cannot fit the sword to the wielder so they tend to not be as comfortable to use as people may like. There is a swordsmith in Canada who was featured on a History Channel or Discovery Channel program some years ago who did in fact custom build swords for actual use. At the time he charged CAN $3,000 for his handiwork. He may charge more these days.

Two things to watch out for when buying a sword.

1. Ensure the blade is NOT made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is brittle and inflexible, which is NOT what you want in a sword blade. You want spring steel, a steel that is very flexible yet retains an edge. If spring steel isn't available, carbon steel will work. This will however require keeping the blade oiled or waxed between uses to prevent rusting.

2. Ensure that the blade is attached to the hilt using a full-width tang. Almost all decorative swords have what is described as a rat-tail tang. The rat-tail tang is a piece of thin steel, essentially a long bolt, that is welded to the blade. The hilt is assembled around it and held in place by a bolt that is hidden by the counterweight.

Here's a site with some additional detail: http://www.realarmorofgod.com/sword-materials.html

Angel Sword: http://www.angelsword.com/

Makes an absolutely awesome sword.

At Scarborough Faire I came across their Forge about 10+ years ago. And there was a nice Bastard Sword calling my name.

This sword looked so heavy and huge.... but as I stepped around the counter and the sword smith handed me the sword to hold... it as like holding a butter knife... it was so balanced and light... like an extension of my hand...

I immediately felt like some ninja warrior ready for combat, like I was indestructible...

When they sell a sword, it even comes with one hour of sword training on how to strike a target properly. These swords not only cut paper, they can cut through a wrist thick tree branch with a single stroke.. (actually try 2 dozen wood mats rolled up - see their site)

Was absolutely awesome to hold and watch the sword smith use this piece of art.

Then he told me the price $6000.00 !

Well, it was fun while it lasted, and I DON'T have that sword... though it still calls my name when I see it....


*** edit: added the URL

http://www.lancasters-armourie.co.uk/contact_us.htm

I use to buy all my swords from Lancasters Armourie, Roger (the owner) a blacksmith/metalsmith does some AMAZING work.
Only reason I stopped buying from him I stopped re-enacting, but the 8 swords he made for are as good as the day he made and sold them to me. some over 20 years ago...  and they still ring true.

I can heartily recommend him...