“Am I going to actually use this sword, or am I just going to display it or use it for cosplay?”
This is a very important question, because swords are not like knives in the sense that you can use them pretty much for anything across the board.
There are two broad classes of swords on the market; battle-ready swords, which can be used for live cutting practice, and swords that are used for display, which are also generally called “wallhangers.”
Which of the two you get will heavily impact how you can use it, and what you can use it for.
So, that being said, here are the three main things to look for when you’re evaluating a cosplay sword.
What to Look for
If you’re in the market for a cosplay sword, here are the three main questions you need to ask.
- What steel alloy is the sword made from?
This is the single most important question you can ask, because if the sword is made with an unsuitable steel, no matter how it is tempered, or what its construction is like, it cannot be used for live cutting practice.
Some good alloys that swords are made from include 1045, 1055, 1065, 1095, T10, and 5160, just to name a few. Some battle-ready swords are also made from Damascus.
Unsuitable alloys include but are not limited to 440A and 440C.
Also, if the sword’s steel is not disclosed, assume the worst. Any reputable swordmaker would list the steel alloy front and center.
- Is the sword properly tempered?
In addition to being forged from a suitable alloy, a battle-ready sword must also be tempered. This means that it will not just be heat treated so that it is hard enough to hold an edge, but treated so that when it is stressed, struck, or flexed, it will not break, chip, shatter, snap, or take a set.
Without a proper temper, no sword could be called battle-ready and must necessarily be relegated to the role of display only.
- Does the sword have a full tang?
Lastly, for an anime sword (or any sword) to be considered battle-ready, it must also be made with a full tang that is at least a good part of the width of the blade, which is free of stress risers, and which is integral with the blade stock and which was formed when the sword was forged. Partial tangs and rat-tail tangs are unacceptable here.
Other Things to Consider
In addition to the three main considerations that designate an anime sword as battle-ready, here are two other things to look for.
- How faithfully does the maker capture the details of the sword used in the anime by the character that wields it. Are all the main details and features present?
- Certificates of Authenticity. Some anime swords and sword replicas from film series come with certificates of authenticity that guarantee their quality and value.
Shop Anime Swords and More at True Swords
In the market for a new anime sword replica? Whether you’re looking for a battle-ready sword or just a sword that you intend to use for cosplay or display, visit BUDK. They carry an encyclopedic collection of anime swords as well as historical swords in battle-ready patterns. Visit their website and if you have any questions about anything they carry, get in touch with them.
