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How to Tell the Difference Between a Real Sword & a Display Sword

Many weapon enthusiasts and collectors find swords fascinating because they represent some of the earliest weapons used by mankind. In addition, swords are shown as companions of fierce warriors in dramatic, period movies and martial arts films. Embarking on collecting them, however, can prove challenging if consumers insist on owning genuine swords. Functional swords are hard to distinguish from display items if buyers are not properly informed. Finally, using a display sword as you would a real sword can prove dangerous, if not fatal.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of your weapon. According to sword scholar Colonel D.H. Gordon, a real sword is at least 20 inches long. Swords between 20 and 28 inches long are considered short swords. Swords longer than 28 inches are long swords.
- 2
  Find out what metal your sword is made from. Real swords are made from strong metals such as carbon steel and iron. Display swords are made from cheaper stainless steel. Stainless steel allows display swords to be mass produced and therefore sold to a wider group of hobbyists and collectors.
- 3
  Check for the printed words "tempered" or "heat treated" on your sword. Even a sword made from carbon steel may not be real if it was never heat treated. Exposing the blade to direct heat adds to the strength and durability of carbon steel.
- 4
  Look at the blade's metal insert into the sword's handle. This is referred to by professional sword manufacturers as the tang. The tang should be full insert, not partial, for the sword to be real. A full tang makes the sword functional.
- 5
  See if you can classify your swords. Many authentic, functional swords have straight double-edged blades. If your sword is bronze and looks like it is half sword, half sickle, it may be an authentic Egyptian sword used traditionally to behead war captives.
- 6
  Learn the name of your sword manufacturer. Authentic sword makers include Masahiro, Darksword Armory, Cold Steel, Albion, Hanwei, Arms and Armor, Cheness, Windlass Steelcrafts, Valiant Armoury, Deepeeka, Musashi and Strongblade.

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