What is a Battle Ready Sword?You'd think that the term "battle ready sword" would be pretty much self explanatory wouldn't you? Unfortunately, many of the swords being described as "battle ready" are anything but. And to quote Adrian Ko from Sword Forum International, "a lot of these swords I wouldn't want to take into battle even if they were strapped to a M-16. And even then I'd be worried!" Don't let that put you off though. You'll find that there are actually some pretty good swords to be found in this broad category, IF you know what to look for. The first thing you need to look for in a truly "functional" sword is the type of steel it is made from. To keep it simple, 99% of all real battle ready swords are made from properly heat treated high carbon steel. Stainless steel swords are a big no no. Why? Well basically, stainless steel is great for making knives. But any stainless steel blade over 12" in length tends to become brittle, which is clearly not the kind of thing you want for a "battle ready sword." So steer well away from sales pitches that describe "fully functional stainless steel blade"! There really is no such thing? The second thing to look out for is the swords handle, or more specifically the tang (the bit of metal which attaches the sword to the handle). Most cheap "wall hanger" swords have what is known as a rat tail tang, in other words the tang is just a thin bit of metal welded to the sword blade. Rat tail tangs are a major cause of a sword breaking when swung through the air, and can be extremely dangerous, creating what sword enthusiasts refer to as a "helicopter". (very scary stuff when this happens, trust me!) What you should be looking for is a sword that has a "full tang", in other words a tang that has been forged as part of the sword, not tacked on afterwards? Finally, it's also important to consider a swords overall weight and balance. Contrary to popular belief, a heavy sword is NOT a good sword. Historically, nearly all swords weighed under 3lbs, and this was because to reach maximum speed and deliver the most powerful blow, they needed to be relatively light and well balanced. So swords over 3lbs should be viewed with a very cautious and suspicious eye. Of course, it's not always possible to see immediately in a swords description if it has all these essential characteristics. So if you see a sword being described as "battle ready" or functional, but aren't sure if it really has all the above characteristics - either ASK the seller what kind of steel the sword is made from, how it has been heat treated, what kind of tang it has or how much it weighs, or look for another listing that does. Otherwise, you'll probably end up with a sword that snaps in half the first time you swing it really hard, or worse still, shatters into shards of steel when you try and hack up a cardboard box? For more information on choosing a good battle ready sword, as well as some easy ways to find them, including reviews and tests of some of the most affordable yet high quality blades on the market, check out my website http://sword-buyers-guide.com
MORE RESOURCES updated Sat. April / 20 / 2024 The nostalgic crafts that are making a comeback Yahoo Movies UK The Benefits of Gentler Hobbies Next Avenue New restaurant and new crafts store planned for Bradenton shopping center development Bradenton Herald 6 Craft Hobbies Everyone's Talking About In 2024 Country Living UK Crafts retailer Joann files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as consumers cut back on pandemic-era hobbies The Macomb Daily Town Info: Learn a new hobby with the BWG Library BradfordToday Lancaster Countians win PA Farm Show ribbons for crafts, hobbies, plants, square dancing LNP | LancasterOnline Craft and hobby classes in St. Louis St. Louis Magazine Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being Harvard Health One Tank Trips | AdhDiy Craft Cafe KSHB 41 Kansas City News The Latest Craze in Hobby Crafting: Becoming a 21st-Century Blacksmith The New York Times 8 Craft Hobbies Set To Be Popular This Autumn And Winter Country Living UK Joann fabric and hobby stores enter bankruptcy; post-pandemic craft decline cited - The Mercury News The 20 Most Relaxing Hobbies to Try This Year Country Living UK The Alphabetical Guide To Craft Hobbies | A-Z List Of Crafts Country Living UK 4 Craft Hobbies To Try Out This Summer | Best Summer Crafts 2023 Country Living UK Second Saturday event at Factory attracts shoppers, crafts: in photos Columbia Daily Herald Hobby Supplies: How to Organize Your Hobby Room with ADHD ADDitude magazine Rug Tufting: An Old Craft That's New Again Next Avenue National Craft Month - March National Day Calendar Best new hobby deals for 2024: Lego kits, DIY jewelry making, ClassPass subscriptions, and more Mashable 8 new hobbies to try in the St. Louis area Ladue News Six Independent Craft Stores to Visit in Around Boston Boston magazine Meet Mike Larisey, owner of Maritime Hobbies & Crafts Ltd Downtown Halifax Joann craft retailer files for bankruptcy Globe Gazette The calming influence of crochet: How ASU students find relief from stress in the craft - The Arizona State Press The State Press Looking to pick up a new hobby? Indigo Studio is here to help. inputfortwayne.com Craft fairs, Hobby Con in Williams Lake this weekend Williams Lake Tribune Cobblestone Crafts listed for sale after four decades for $679K HollandSentinel.com Crafts retailer Joann files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as consumers cut back on pandemic-era hobbies McComb Enterprise Journal The Heritage Crafts On The Brink Of Extinction Country Living UK London Named UK's Craftiest City | The Most Creative Areas Country Living UK Best craft classes for adults in Los Angeles Los Angeles Times OPINION: A love letter to arts and crafts Indiana Daily Student Where to try new hobbies in San Diego County in 2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune The Best Craft for Each Zodiac Sign Best Life The Hobby Lobby Controversy, Explained The Mary Sue How Crafting Saved My Life | Sutton Foster Maria Shriver As It Turns Out, You Don't Actually Need to Be Good at Your Hobbies Apartment Therapy Bored at home? Now’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby CNN Underscored West Virginia Hobbies & Crafts: A 25-year success story Huntington Herald Dispatch Leny Handy Crafts: How a hobby became a business Manila Bulletin Business Intel: Crossroads Hobbies and Crafts Roanoke Times Endangered Crafts and the Destinations Keeping Them Alive (Published 2019) The New York Times Yo! Easter offers skills, sports and hobbies for everyone | City Of Wolverhampton Council Wolverhampton City Council Handicrafts and hobby store giant Milbby to open its first branch in the province on the Costa del Sol Surinenglish.com Best craft kits for kids that could inspire a new hobby Evening Standard How to Keep Hobbies Organized — Using the Kit Method for Hobbies Apartment Therapy Hobbies and Crafts Theme Cruises Cruise Critic Hobby Lobby vs. Michaels: Which craft store is better? Business Insider 30 Best Hobbies for Women - Creative Activities to Fill Your Free Time Good Housekeeping The 16 biggest controversies in Hobby Lobby's five decade history Business Insider Lost trades: The industrial origins of crafts and hobbies National Science and Media Museum Druid City Makerspace offers room for people who create arts, crafts Tuscaloosa Magazine Business Intel: Salem Hobby Shop Roanoke Times Arts and Crafts Are Experiencing Surge in Popularity Amid COVID-19 Smithsonian Magazine
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