What is a "battle ready" sword?

Battle ready swords - what makes a sword battle ready? If you have spent any time on the internet you know that nearly every sword dealer has stamped the phrase "battle ready" on a large number of swords.

A battle ready sword is a sword that has a forged high carbon spring steel blade and full tang (The tang is the part of the sword that runs through the handle to the pommel). A full tang is narrower than the blade but should be as thick as the blade, and nearly as wide as the grip that it runs through. It is also one with the sword, not welded on to the blade. Most sword failures occur at the tang, which is the thinnest and weakest part of a sword. Unless kept oiled or waxed a spring steel blade will rust. Remember not all so called battle ready swords are created equal! The different brands and characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses will be covered in a later post.

The sword does not need a sharp edge to be battle ready, and just because a sword does have a sharp edge does not mean that it is battle ready. There are many stainless steel swords with sharp edges, but they will still break or bend if used to cut or fight with. A battle ready sword with a dull edge is usually meant to be used in theatrical combat and is dulled for safety. Sharp battle ready swords are designed for practice cutting. Be aware, some battle ready swords though called "battle ready" will fail if used to cut or hit another object.

A decorative sword (also known as a wall hanger) is usually made out of stainless steel and has a rattail tang (very thin rod running through the grip to the pommel). Stainless steel is very hard and makes a good knife, but when used to make a sword its characteristics will allow it to bend and stay bent or break if hit against an object. Stainless steel does not rust.

Some people may never use there sword, but want the reassurance that the sword they have hanging on their wall could be used.

More to come on what to look for when choosing a sword, and how to choose the sword that is right for you.