battle ready

by Rolf
(Norway)

I really like a good replica sword - and I am always looking for the best value for my money when buying one.

One must not go to cheap or you will end up with something very disappointing -but too expensive will break the bank and can lead to disappointments too.

So serious reviews like the SMG and others are valuable information. "Torturous" durability tests and handling tests are always interesting to see. Hopefully more buyers out there will tune in to this service and consumer wants will lead to even more and better products becoming available.

But to the point (hehe) - I want all my pieces to be more or less historically authentical - but not as much as I want them to be "real" weapons that can hold an edge and take use and wear, be it either chopping cardbox targets in the garden OR delivering blows and making parries in a real fight. Not that I EVER intend to be a part of one. But knowing that it WOULD stand up to battle if it had to is a big part of what makes a sword attractive.

So I would like to see more tests still - firstly a parry test :
were the blade is tested against attacks from other swords or weapons on the edge and the spine-and plenty of them. Consecutive parries against another blade-also a fine way of testing what the edge of the other weapon can be expected to do.
I realize the expense involved for vendors -but like the armours of old -sold with a dent in the breast- plate were the mandatory musket bullet test had made its impact - how about a video detailing more of what is meant by stating the product as "battle ready" .

Secondly -the attack test .
What kind of attacks can the sword be expected to perform? What about damage from parries,armour etc .