Swords, especially the combat and display varieties, don’t really have much utility in modern times unlike your typical knife. That is why most people buy swords just to grow their collection.

Collecting swords is an enjoyable hobby but it could also be very expensive. This is especially true if you are collecting rare and antique swords. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars in collecting antique swords, then you can simply collect replica swords or customized modern display or combat swords.

There are many types of swords. It would be too difficult to list them and accurately categorize each type of sword. For starters, you can start your collection by purchasing replica or display swords.

What You Should Know About Replica Swords

Replica swords can also be categorized as custom swords. That’s because these items are made by copying the original sword design but blacksmiths typically include their own customized design.

The most common customized replica sword is the Japanese katana. The original combat katana is a dangerous weapon. It has razor sharp edge and known to cut a man in half with just a single stroke. However, display katana have blunt edges. Although there are items that are really sharp so you better be careful in handling this type of sword.

Other collectors tend to choose swords they saw in movies. For example the long bladed katana which was seen in the movie Kill Bill is a very popular item among sword collectors. You can order this type of sword from the Internet.

Most replica swords are very durable. These swords are made using the same principles in making the original. There are other display replica swords however that are not combat ready. This means the blade will be brittle and could break if excessive blunt force pressure is applied. But for most combat ready replica sword, you can use it to spar with another swordsman without inflicting damage on the blade.

Collecting Practice Swords to Learn Swordsmanship

You can also collect practice swords and use them to refine your skills in sword fighting. Usually, practice swords have blunt edges in order to protect the novice swordsman from serious injury.

Practice swords are more affordable than specialized customized display swords. So you can collect as many as you like and also learn how to handle them.

One of the best types of practice sword you can use is the Japanese wooden sword. Actually this wooden sword can also be used for combat and tournament play. The best thing is you will not get cut by using this sword. But you need to remember that the ancient Japanese used wooden swords for combat also. This means they can still injure you if not properly handled.

Collecting swords is fun and an enjoyable hobby. You may have to prepare yourself for some expenses but the majesty of your sword collection would be very rewarding and worth the expenses.

You can also make this hobby a profitable business. You could sell your swords or auction them if you want.

By: Shiyu v

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Starting in the 8th Century, the making of the Samurai Sword, or Katana, or forging it and the Japanese craftsmen did was one of the most noble and extinguished positions available in Japan.

Chef knives were not looked at as an art, or as something worth dwelling upon.

The art of swordsmaking went on until the 16th century. When the Meiji restoration era started, the caring of Samurai swords was not allowed as a sign for the modernization of Japan.

Even though there was some demand for swords for the army, most Katana artists, turned to forging blades for the tobacco industry.

The same wordsmiths that for generations produced the Samurai sword, turned to making the first Japanese Chef Knife.

Production of this new cooking knife using the same forging procedures that produced the best carbon steel blades for centuries in the Samurai swords, or Katana, was making headlines across the Far East.

The Japanese Chef Knife became the most sought after and admired knife for cooks.

With prices equaling up to a years’ salary.

After WWII, the Japanese blade forging industry turned to making European style blades, as the demand grew form the “new world”, starting with the Santoku, which is derived from the Gyuto knife (or Gyutou Knife) which is another name for the French Chef Knife.

Even today, the Japanese Chef Knife is renowned around the world as having the best carbon steel metal combination for cooking knives.

Today prices are more common, ang you can get a good Japanese chef knife for less then 250$.

By: Ori Pas

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Nunchakus, the katana sword, double sticks, and others are among some of the weapons to be mastered through different styles of traditional martial arts.  All of them have their own merits, but I believe the two most powerful weapons which can multiply the power of your techniques are the subconscious mind and Chi energy.  Below I will explain in detail why.            

 

All skills we have learned in any style, after hard and serious training, become natural reflexes.  The reason for this is that there is a section of our mind that is in charge of memorizing all of our experiences from the moment we are born until the last breath we take.  This part of our mind is in charge of vital functions of the body, such as breathing, defecating, regulation of bodily fluids and circulation as well as, other complicated processes.  This part of our mind is working 24/7 without rest.  Behold the subconscious mind!            

 

What is the subconscious mind and how can it help you become a powerful martial artist?  Sub means under and conscious means your everyday mind or the mind of everyday life.  So subconscious means the part of your mind that is below your conscious awareness.  In order words, you are not aware of it.  The most important part for a martial artist to know and master about the subconscious mind is its inability to recognize physical limitations.  Whatever skills regardless of the situation, you will be able to accomplish it if you impress or command the subconscious mind with an exact image of what you are trying to accomplish.                               

 

Let me use myself as an example.  I do lots of visualization with my techniques and when I do them physically I’ve noticed something very interesting.  I feel like I’ve been performing them for a long time physically.  They feel crisp, with more strength, faster and alive.  All the things I’ve visualized give me a sense of connectedness to the techniques. In other words, my body, mind and emotions work together as one with the technique.  This was an “aha” moment because I had heard the stories of visualization, but had never experienced them myself.                    

 

Another function under the control of the subconscious is the reflexes.  When you react or attack your opponent, before all this happens, there is a signal sent from the brain to the body via the nervous system.  The nervous system activates the muscle and then the muscles move the body.  This happens in an instant, but you can lessen the time it takes for your muscles to receive the signal by training your subconscious and the body at the same time.  This is accomplished using visualization as the above example proves.                                      

 

Aside from the subconscious mind, there is another aspect to the training of martial arts call Chi training.  Chi is not easy to explain, but let me give it my best shot.  Chi is life itself and all things are made of it.   It is internal and external energy.  Planets and constellations are made of Chi.  In the human body, Chi is regulated by the conscious mind and the amount is limited.  Breathing exercises are one of the tools used to increase the amount of Chi in your body.  I know, if all things are made of Chi how come it is limited in the body, that’s your question.  I don’t know the answer to that question yet, but I have a theory and I will explain it later on.                

 

 Among the benefits of increasing your level of Chi is a stronger immune system, an increase of overall strength, faster reflexes, faster blood circulation, a strong sense of being grounded and a feeling of being in the present moment or in the Zone.  If you practice martial arts, extra strength and total awareness and being in harmony with your opponent is a great skill to have, don’t you think? Ask your teacher if he knows anything about Chi and ask him to teach you about it.  If you are a practitioner keep reaping the rewards of your Chi.                  

 

Finally it may be possible that Chi is another expression of the subconscious mind.  It is not a subjective experience, all you’ve got to do is practice and you will soon reap the benefits of Chi training, whether you practice the martial arts or not.   

By: Rosendo Lopez

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Having a movie sword replica collection can be the most satisfying hobby for many. If you are planning to start one or just considering whether it is the right hobby for you, this article is written to help you take that first step – acquiring information specifically what types of swords you should collect. If you search the net, you will find countless sword designs with detailed product specification. With all these options, it can be daunting at first to just figuring out which sword is suitable for you. So to make things simple, you need to know what is the purpose of the sword that you desire. The 3 categories of sword types available in the market are grouped based on that purpose.

Let’s start with the first sword type – the decorative sword which is also frequently referred to as display sword. The name decorative sword clearly states its purpose – making your fireplace, study or games room look fabulous. Decorative swords are generally made from but not limited to stainless steel making them more corrosive-resistant than common carbon steel. Even though meant for display purposes, they do come in both sharpened and unsharpened blades.

Bear in mind that decorative swords are not to be used in sword duels or weekend cutting parties. If you still insist, have a paramedic team on standby. Most decorative swords (99.99%) will break under abusive forces. Expect chipped edges and perhaps flying blade pieces, the latter possibly land you an “involuntary manslaughter” charge.

The second type of sword is the practice sword used for beginner and intermediate sword training exercises. The practice sword helps students to learn basic sword techniques (offence and defence), sword handling and balanced footwork. Practice swords can be made from a variety of materials mainly wood, plastic, latex, foam, aluminium and even steel. They do not have sharp edges for safety reasons which is perfect for sword duel exercises where students apply the skills they learned to the test.

You probably heard of sword cutting exercise in advanced training where actual swords with razor-sharp edges are used to cut bamboo, plastic containers and roll-bundled newspaper. Skilled and experienced professionals use functional sword for this purpose which is described in the next section.

The final type is the functional sword, the real thing – designed and forged to withstand the brute forces exerted from cutting, stabbing and metal-to-metal clobbering. A fully-functional sword is one magnificent piece of engineering and sometimes termed “battle-ready” cause it really is. The blade and tang is made as a single piece from high carbon steel which have gone through a proper heat treatment. In case you are wondering, the tang is the part of the blade that extends into the hilt. A full-tang extends all the way to the hilt end typical of many European swords. A partial-tang is more favoured in Japanese Katana.

The cross-guard, grip and pommel of a functional sword are carefully designed and made from durable materials. If you plan to have a weekend cutting party, a fully functional sword is the best piece to use. Well actually it’s a must. You are less likely to worry about damaging the sword, just keep your eye on where the sword is going and make sure you’re gripping it firmly. If you don’t have any previous training on handling a functional sword, go get one. Remember “involuntary manslaughter”?

Well there you have it, a quick walkthrough on the types of swords available. Before we end this article, a few practical examples should help clear any doubts and strengthen your understanding. Let’s say you intend to use a movie sword replica for an upcoming cosplay event. For this a decorative sword made from wood, plastic or foam is best. Decorative sword can be manufactured identical to the design as shown in the movies.

However If you are looking for a movie sword to cut objects and work out a sweat, a functional sword is mandatory. Take note that a functional sword may not resemble exactly the design in the movies because most of the stunning designs you see on the silver screens are just that – designs. If a functional sword is forged exactly as seen, it may not behave like a true sword. The weight could be too much to wield, there’s heavy resistance to swinging or the whole sword vibrates violently upon contact. Not so functional or practical anymore. There are some manufacturers who apply design enhancements to make the movie replicas as original and functional as possible.

If you are looking for more information on movie sword replicas or just browsing for available selections to add to your collection, come visit my blog at:

http://awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com/

By: Jason Liew

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The Samurai sword would be more properly defined as any Japanese sword wielded by Samurai or Bushi, as they were known in Japanese history; however modern films and television shows have incorrectly portrayed them to be only the well known katana, and very rarely use the proper terminology or classifications of true samurai swords.

To uncover the history of the samurai sword we have to revisit the past during the period of the Middle Ages when the use of steel instead of bronze for bladed weapons vastly improved, single edged swords became more popular throughout Asia, and the production of the Japanese Tachi and Uchigatana began. Japanese Swords, or Nihonto are the traditional bladed weapons used during all of Japanese history. The Tachi was mainly used by cavalry with the cutting edge faced down and the curvature closer to the sword hilt. The Uchigatana was mainly used by foot soldiers and worn edge up from the belt with the curvature closer the sword point. With the evolution of military and feudal society during these times, an entirely new class of warrior emerged. They were the masters of the art of war and evolved from being simply employed as protective guards serving powerful leaders, into a completely dominant class of there own, the Samurai.

This led to the establishment of a feudalistic military that then established the Ways of the Bushido, dominating the Japanese social structure for the next 700 years. Their primary role as military knights included total and absolute allegiance for whom they were pledged to fight and if need be, die defending, which resulted in the need for a superior single bladed weapon to use in close quarter combat as well as defence. Their demand for these high quality weapons produced next generation swords of unrivalled perfection, as they had to be flexible enough to withstand direct impact without breaking, but also had to be hard enough to retain their sharpened edge.

Only the most experienced Japanese sword smiths were able to develop the forging and heat-treating methods that resulted in swords that had both of these properties, which were eventually named the katana. Even the katana itself varied greatly in style during the course of the history of the samurai sword. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries they tended to be two and a half feet long, but by the early 16th century the length was adjusted to two feet with a circular or squared tsuba hand guard and a wrapped grip that could accommodate two hands. These Katana Swords were often accompanied by the similarly made but smaller swords Wakizashi or Shoto, and the two weapons together represented the social power and personal honour of the wielding Samurai.

After many periods of war throughout Japanese history the art of sword making deteriorated and it was not until the Shinshinto Era that sword smiths returned to the forging of superior quality blades after rediscovering several lost techniques. As quickly as the Era began however the Meiji Restoration was passed which banned the possession of all Samurai Swords as arms except to a certain privileged class. As a result the ancient master sword smiths began to conceal their forged blades in simple walking sticks so that the soul of the samurai would live on, and the art of superior sword making would survive and not be lost.

By: D Cooper

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