I don't have any yet and I would love to own an AK47, SA80, Barrett 82, Sawn off shotgun, MP40, Sten,Bren, Vickers, Maxim, a few swords and some other weapons.
So you're putting yourself in as much danger as the person you use it on.
I've seen those cheap "Swords" snap just from swinging them in the air, not even hitting anything. Sent a 6" long piece of sharpened steel about 10 yards through the air and head level.
Also seen them break just from tapping the blade on a table. The holder of that sword ended up with about 20 stitches to close the gash on his arm.
It just as easily could have been his eye.
Cheap junk blades are for hanging on the wall and looking at.
Anyone that uses one for anything else is an idiot.
440 stainless steel is what most cheapo blades use.
It's often used for knives and surgical tools because it doesn't rust, and it works great for shorter blades.
The issue is the stainless properties are caused by Chromium in the metal. The grain bounderies between the steel and the chromium create weak points in longer blades.
I do ... a S&W; and a Glock. It is better to have and know how to use and not need it then to need it and not have the capability or the know how. We don't all live in Mayberry if it even exists anywhere.
And building an AR-15 now. Missing two parts to have the lower half completed, then it's time to start building an upper.
Can you buy a sword, or a piece of cheap metal shaped like a sword?
There's a big difference.
It all comes down to type of steel, heat tempering, etc.
Blade making is both art and science, and if the creator is lacking in either department, the creation will share those flaws.
I've seen those cheap "Swords" snap just from swinging them in the air, not even hitting anything. Sent a 6" long piece of sharpened steel about 10 yards through the air and head level.
Also seen them break just from tapping the blade on a table. The holder of that sword ended up with about 20 stitches to close the gash on his arm.
It just as easily could have been his eye.
Cheap junk blades are for hanging on the wall and looking at.
Anyone that uses one for anything else is an idiot.
440 stainless steel is what most cheapo blades use.
It's often used for knives and surgical tools because it doesn't rust, and it works great for shorter blades.
The issue is the stainless properties are caused by Chromium in the metal. The grain bounderies between the steel and the chromium create weak points in longer blades.
http://www.sword-manufacturer...
That is a link to an excellent write up on the subject.
There are several Brands that make quality swords, but all of their products are in the $200+ US Dollar range.
Many are $500-$1500.
If you spend even just $100 on a tool you intend to use to save your life, I have to wonder why your life is worth so little to you.
That said I have a Basket Hilt Broadsword I paid just $99 for, but it was on clearance because they discontinued that style.
It's still a $300+ sword.
Know more than one person that bought swords from yard sales for under $20, that were actually $200+ cutting rated swords.
I lived with $20-$50 kitchen knives for years, and thought they were fine.
Then I got a $150+ chef knife for christmas one year. I gave my other knives to Goodwill.