Cosplaying, especially if you participate in conventions, can be a great way to meet like minds and an even better way to get creative. 

And, sometimes, swords or other mock weapons are a part of the costume. But not all cosplay medieval swords are created equal. Here are some things to look for in one, as well as how to take care of it.

What to Look

There are four main things you should look for in a cosplay medieval sword, as follows: 

• It must be forged from a suitable steel alloy. Stainless alloys can be acceptable but as a general rule you should be looking for steels in the 10XX class like 1095 and 1065. Other alloys like T10 and Damascus, among others, can also be acceptable for a sword.
• It must be tempered. If it is to withstand live cutting practice or be considered battle ready, a sword must be tempered so that the blade doesn’t take a set when bent, or break when struck. 
• It should have a full tang. The tang must be integral with the blade stock, not welded or threaded on, and should run through the to pommel (except in the case of historical or traditional Japanese swords
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If it doesn’t have all three of these features, it cannot be considered a real sword, and must not be used for live swordplay or else it will pose a risk both to you and bystanders. 

The last thing to consider: 

• Historical accuracy and whether or not the sword in question captured the details of the patterns on which it was based. If you’re looking for a historical European sword for cosplay, then the pattern should capture the details of the type of sword on which it is replicated. 

Cosplay Medieval Sword Care and Maintenance

Now that you know what to look for in a cosplay medieval sword, here are some notes for care and storage. 

• Never strike your sword against an opponent’s weapon. It may look cool, but it is dangerous both for you and your partner. Historically, contact between weapons was avoided where possible and if you strike the edge of a sword against another weapon, you will damage it. 
• Never throw your sword, strike it against hard objects like wood or stone, or stick the blade into the ground. This will dull it and cause rust or corrosion. 
• Store your cosplay medieval sword somewhere cool and dry, with relatively low humidity, in order to prevent rust and corrosion. 
• Oil the blade or apply microcrystalline wax periodically to protect the blade. You should also avoid touching the blade if you can. 

Where to Get a Cosplay Medieval Sword

In the market for a cosplay medieval sword, either for cosplay, live action role playing, or as a prop for filming or just for display? Check out what’s offered at True Swords. They carry a wide range of battle ready swords, as well as anime swords and replicas from popular film series like The Lord of the Rings. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly for more information today.

For more information about Yorichi Sword and Wakizashi Katana Please visit: True Swords.