Safety Do's and Don'ts

Don't mistake your decorative sword as functional

Decorative swords are not designed with the materials and construction to be used as functional swords are. If you attempt to use your decorative sword for practice or cutting it will certainly result in a damaged sword and/or serious injury.

Don't swing any functional weapon carelessly.

If you want to experience the adrenaline rush of a warrior and wield your weapon, make sure you are well out of reach of anyone. Some weapons are very heavy and they could slip out of your hands. Be careful not to endanger yourself or others around you when you manipulate your weapons.

Don't bang your sword against another sword in a theatrical-style duel.

Never bang your sword against hard objects to test its strength or the "sound" of the steel as it hits a hard object. It doesn't matter how tough or strong the steel is in any sword, they will nick when struck against something just as hard. In stage plays or in movies, theatrical swords with wide, thick edges are used. The edges of these swords are flat and can be as much as 1/16" wide. Theatrical swords are designed to take the "Hollywood" looking punishment of banging edges together.

Don't attempt to chop down a tree with your sword.

This is guaranteed to damage your sword. Leave this to axes and machetes, which were designed for this with the weight of the steel concentrated over the point of impact. When you strike an object like a tree or a thick branch with a sword the blade is exposed to a high amount of torque and could warp, bend or possibly break. The Japanese who believed in a lot of practice with their sword used thick bamboo. Bamboo is resistant to a cut but doesn’t have the rigidity of a tree and won’t damage a valuable blade.

Do be aware that your sword is not a toy

Always remember a sword is a real weapon and must be treated with the same respect you would give a loaded firearm.

Do take care of your sword

Your decorative sword or functional sword should be cared for. They are after all an investment and are easily protected.