Best Modern Swords: Guide to the Best Type of Sword

Swords have slashed and thrust their way through centuries, shaping history through battles and single combat. Developing from the dagger during the Bronze Age, they have continued to change and evolve into masterpieces that have represented individual civilizations across the world. Swords are as individual as the people who carry them. Here are some tips on what to look for when you’re buying a sword.

Things To Look For When Purchasing a Sword

Buying a sword is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You are investing in either a beautifully crafted weapon, a stunning display piece or a head-turning cosplay accessory. Those are some of the reasons people purchase swords.

Display or Function

The first thing that needs to be taken into consideration when purchasing a sword is display versus functional. Are you looking for a sword to use or just as a decorative item to wear or display? Beware because just because a sword is beautiful on the outside does not mean it won’t cut you if you’re not careful. However, there are swords that you can buy that have a blunter edge because they are really only meant for display. Let me make this point really clear. If you buy a sword that is functional and sharp, but you abuse it instead of treating it with respect, it will disappoint you. In otherwords, I do not recommend banging it against a tree to see if it will cut the wood. There are so many other fun things you can try it out on like watermelons. That being said, here are some other things that need to be considered when purchasing a sword.

Blade Steel

How much are you looking to invest in your sword? The value of the sword is most often based on the construction of the blade and the material it’s constructed out of. If you are just looking for a display or costume piece that is relatively inexpensive, then you can purchase a basic stainless steel sword. Stainless steel is highly rust resistant, so, for display, it’s an excellent choice. But do remember, that if you get it and then decide you want to use it as a functional sword, it may not meet that need. You can spend just a little more and get a sword of high carbon steel, which is better quality, and would be both functional and displayable. The Cadillac of blade materials is Damascus steel. Not only is it strong and holds an edge really well, but the signature pattern on the blade makes it stunning. I would consider a sword made of Damascus steel to be the ultimate dual purpose sword, so, it really is worth considering, even if it is on the higher end of your budget.

Sword Style

Once you decide to what purpose you will be using your sword, then, take a look at the different variety of designs and ornamentation that can be found. To me, that’s the fun part. I believe you can find almost any color of scabbard and handle wrapping. The hand guard at the top of the blade, is also crafted in a variety of designs. So, go ahead and choose the sword that fits your personality, style and budget.

Maintenance

How much effort are you willing to put into maintaining a sword? People will buy a good quality sword and then let it languish. If you are buying a fully functional, high carbon steel sword, you need to be prepared to take care of it. Don’t be surprised if it’s dull when you go to use it again after asking it to perform over and over again. After a while, the blade does need to be properly sharpened if you want it to continue to perform at its very best. Don’t be surprised when you see rust on the blade after you have sliced up watermelons and then put the blade back without properly cleaning it. Folks, all steel will rust if not taken care of and that is a fact. It says nothing about the quality of the steel or blade. So, when you purchase that sword, also make sure you get a sword cleaning kit and sharpener, as well. If you want your sword to take care of you, take care of it.

Katana vs Tactical Sword

Again, it all depends on your reason for purchasing a sword as to what you are looking for out there on the market. But, for the most part, swords fall into a few categories: katana, historical replicas and tactical. Let’s just focus on katanas versus tactical swords, since historical replicas usually fall into the realm of the sword collector.

What is a Katana?

The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai in feudal Japan. It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular tsuba (guard). The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton. The blade is usually about 27 1/2” in length and is sheathed in a saya (scabbard), which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat not necessarily for blocking or clashing. The art of using a katana is still practiced today in martial arts schools.

What is a Tactical Sword?

A tactical sword has been the evolution of traditional sword designs, using modern innovations to give them a tactical advantage in today’s world. They are primarily built for function, so the look is going to be clean and sleek, usually with a black handle or blade. Also, used for the handle will be muted colors like desert tan and olive drab. Think military.
Whether you choose a traditional katana or a modern tactical sword, buying a sword is an investment of both your time and money. Make sure you think about it carefully so that you will be happy with your purchase.

Recommendations

Combat Commander Thai Gladius

The Combat Commander Thai Gladius Sword is absolutely combat ready with penetrating power hidden in a non-reflective finish. Now, this is a sword with a really strong personality and profile. It features a 1065 carbon steel blade with a black, hard-coating finish, which makes it practically impervious. When you hold this sword in your hand, you will find the grip to be comfortable and completely slip-free. The handle is crafted of textured and ridged nylon fiber. The Thai Gladius is definitely a sword to be reckoned with.
Key Features:

• This modern, tactical sword is definitely combat-ready with penetrating power hidden in a non-reflective finish.
• It features a 1065 carbon steel blade with a black, hard-coating finish, which makes it practically impervious.
• The handle is crafted of textured and ridged nylon fiber for a comfortable, slip-free grip.

Combat Commander Thai Nagi

The Combat Commander Thai Nagi Sword also features a sharp and ready 1065 carbon steel blade with a black, hard-coating finish. The defining difference between it and the Thai Gladius is the upswept profile of the blade. It’s really an incredible and powerful slicing weapon. The textured, nylon fiber handle has the secure and comfortable grip that’s a must for any functional sword. The sleek, modern design of this sword makes it a tactical dream weapon.
Key Features:

• The sleek, modern design of this sword makes it a tactical dream weapon with incredible slicing power.
• It has a battle-ready razor-sharp, 1065 carbon steel upswept blade with a black, hard-coating finish.
• The textured, nylon fiber handle has the secure and comfortable grip that’s a must for any functional sword.

Honshu Sleek War Sword

The Honshu Sleek War Sword is an exceptional functional sword in our Honshu line, which continues to be one of our most popular brands. The no-nonsense blade is made of 1065 manganese steel, also with a hard, black coating, and is good and sharp. The TPR injection handle is textured for that slip-free grip you absolutely need and its as sturdy as they come. The Honshu War Sword is built for hard use and up to any challenge.
Key Features:

• This modern, tactical sword is built for hard use with its no-nonsense design and engineering.
• It has a razor-sharp blade made of 1065 manganese steel with a hard, black coating, making it exceptionally strong.
• The TPR injection handle is textured for that slip-free grip that you absolutely need and it’s as sturdy as they come.

Shinwa Black Knight Katana

The Shinwa Black Knight Katana has a formidable tanto blade, hand-forged from black Damascus steel by master swordsmiths using proven, centuries-old techniques. An exclusive, closely guarded secret process gives the black Damascus its amber lines which swirl over the steel. Like a steel snowflake or fingerprint, the patterning on no two blades is exactly alike. The handle is wrapped in faux ray skin and black cord with brass dragon menuki. The cast metal, square-shaped tsuba features a relief design that depicts a menacing dragon in extraordinary detail. The magnificent sword slides smoothly into its black, lacquered wooden scabbard, accented with black cord-wrap. This heirloom-quality katana is built to be treasured by generations of your descendants - your legacy preserved in hand forged black Damascus steel!
Key Features:

• It has a black Damascus steel blade, hand forged by Shinwa’s master swordsmiths using proven, centuries-old technique.
• The cast metal, square-shaped tsuba features a relief design that depicts a menacing dragon in extraordinary detail.
• The magnificent sword slides smoothly into its black, lacquered wooden scabbard, accented with black cord-wrap.

Sokojikara Pearl Zen Katana

The Sokojikara Pearl Zen Katana is a masterpiece of traditional Japanese swordcraft at its finest. Seasoned artisans skillfully handcrafted the 1045 high carbon steel blade using the centuries-old clay tempering process, which gives it an impact-absorbing spine and one of history’s sharpest edges. The very traditionally designed katana has a genuine rayskin wrapped handle with red cord-wrap and brass menuki. The tsuba is also crafted of brass with an antiqued patina, accented with intricate relief floral designs. The sword’s scabbard is beautiful black, lacquered wood with an inlaid, mother of pearl dragon design, accented with red cord. Brandishing the Pearl Zen Katana is a historical, near-epic experience that defies description. You just have to experience it for yourself!
Key Features:

• Seasoned artisans skillfully handcrafted the 1045 high carbon steel blade using the centuries-old clay tempering process.
• The very traditionally designed katana has a genuine rayskin wrapped handle with red cord-wrap and brass menuki.
• The sword’s scabbard is beautiful black, lacquered wood with an inlaid, mother of pearl dragon design, accented with red cord.

Shinwa Green Dragon Black Damascus Shirasaya Sword

A Shirasaya, “white scabbard”, is a plain wooden Japanese sword consisting of a scabbard and hilt and used when a blade was not expected to see use for some time and needed to be stored. It was designed to tightly seal keeping oxygen out while providing a protective skin around the katana blade. The Shinwa Green Dragon Black Damascus Shirasaya Sword embodies traditional Shirasaya style and grace in a modern day production. It has a hand-forged, black Damascus steel, blade with unique and striking blade patterns, each one with a one-of-a-kind look and feel. The hardwood construction from end-to-end with its hand-painted black finish also features an eye-catching green dragon motif, giving this shirasaya tons of flare. The full-tang blade is secured with traditional means and can be removed for care or display.
Key Features:

• It has a full-tang, hand-forged Damascus steel blade that has been tempered to a razor’s edge.
• It is hardwood construction from end-to-end with a black hand-painted finish that features a dragon.