How to Collect Swords

Collecting swords is an old tradition that people do for different reasons. Some want to follow an era they are passionate about, fulfill an interest in the swords used in famous movies or have a desire to own collectible swords that may increase in value over time.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide if you are going to collect swords from one era, time period, or part of the world. You can collect swords from whatever you want and have no rhyme or reason for it. Sword collecting is an individual choice.

2. Designate a place to display your swords. This can be a room esspecially for them or on the walls of your house in different rooms.

3. Look at several places to find the swords you wan tto buy. You can find them in many places including estate sales, online or live auctions, shows specializing in weapons, and from other collectors.

4. Inspect the sword before purchasing it no matter how much or how little money it costs. Sometimes a cheap sword is a cheap sword and not worth having. Other times it will be an antique and need to be assessed for damage prior to handing over your money.

Tips & Warnings

• There are seven basic types of sword collecting: Japanese swords, Asian, Indonesian, European, small 18th Century swords, Ceremonial swords, and hunting swords.
• If you plan to hang your swords on your walls, buty the proper sword-hanging hooks so they don't get damaged.
• Remember that sword collecting can be a long process, especially if there is a particular sword you are interested in.
• Don't buy a sword you don't want just because it has a low price on it.
• Do not clean or wipe your sword with anything abrasive. They do make metal cleaning products for swords.

[dukethepcdr]

on 5/30/2008 Also decide if you feel that having "real" swords is important to you before you buy any. If you decide that you want to collect swords that could actually be used in a sword fight, be sure to ask the salesperson what kind of metal the sword is made of. If it is not made of 1065 high-carbon steel with an HRC of 50 or more then they are 'wall hangers' and though they look cool, they would not be safe to fight with as they might splinter, crack or even break if they hit another sword with any kind of force.