The term battle ready sword is one of the most important in the sword industry. Here are some of the most important questions surrounding this term, answered.

What Makes It a Battle Ready Sword?

A sword may be battle ready if it is made from an appropriate alloy, treated with a suitable temper that will protect it against shattering or snapping when used, and constructed with a full tang that is integral with the blade stock.

Can You Use a Battle Ready Sword for Cutting?

Yes, in all respects a battle ready sword is “real” and can be used for anything that swords have historically been used for. This includes cutting practice.

Are Most Sword Replicas Battle Ready?

No, the vast majority of swords manufactured today are replicas, also known as “wallhangers” because they are made to a much lower standard of quality than a true battle ready model.

They are often made with soft stainless steels, unedged, untempered, and sport thin, welded tangs that can’t weather the rigors of live use.

These replicas are good for one thing and one thing only, display, and they should never be put to any live use.

Be careful about purchasing a modern sword that is not expressly labeled as “battle ready” because if it isn’t, you should not use it for anything except display.

What’s the Purpose of a Sword That Isn’t?

As stated, the only legitimate purpose of a sword that is not battle ready is for display. That said, there are some truly stunning replicas ornamented with precious metals, jewels, and other decorations that are quite beautiful as pieces for display purposes.

Do Battle Ready Swords Come Sharpened?

Often they do come sharpened but a sharp edge is not an indicator of whether a sword is battle ready or not. If you have any questions ask the seller, as sharpening a sword properly is quite a job that cannot be undertaken as easily as sharpening a much smaller knife.

How Sharp Should a Battle Ready Sword Be?

Except in limited cases, not nearly as sharp as you might think. Some swords are kept nearly razor sharp for demonstration, but as a general rule, the grind and edge of a sword are a lot more obtuse than those of knives.

This is because swords carry much more power and swinging a very sharp sword into a target would likely damage the edge. At the very least, it would necessitate much more frequent sharpening.

Many swords are kept with edges that are sharp but not razor sharp, similar to what you’d get if you completed the edge with a stone that had a grit somewhere between 400 and 600 grit.

Are There Any Special Care Requirements for Battle Ready Swords?

Whether you get a high-quality gladius sword or Viking sword replica, there are some special care considerations that you will need to observe.

First, since most battle-ready swords are not made with stainless alloys, you will want to clean off your blade after every use, then dry it and lightly oil it to protect against corrosion.

The sword should also be stored out of its scabbard, somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, which can damage leather, wood, and other components of the hilt.

Where Can You Buy a Battle Ready Sword?

If you landed here because you’re in the market for a real, battle ready sword, visit True Swords. They carry one of the largest collections of real swords in the industry, and offer replicas based on a variety of modern and historical patterns.

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