Why Should I Get a Fantasy Sword?

Many collectors have an extensive array of medieval swords, but don't understand the reasoning behind the fantasy collectables on the market. The fact is, swords were tools. Their design was for pure function. In the armies of the day, swords were the equivalent of today's AK47. There was very little in the way of variety and aesthetics took a back seat to simplicity.

The technology of the times didn't allow for mass-producing quality blades. Additionally, the time required to make a sword that was more than just a blade with a handle and crossguard was such that only the very rich could afford an ornate sword. In today's world very few people need a sword for survival. We collect because we love the graceful lines of a blade, the shimmer of steel. This opens our options to the more fantastic designs in bladeware. Fantasy swords and knives get noticed by people who normally have absolutely no interest in blades. For those of us who are serious collectors, this is great. We all have friends who roll their eyes when we start talking about how the size and shape of blades evolved with the advances of technology. These same friends will perk up and start asking questions when they see the Black Legion Battle Axe or the Sword of Vaelen displayed on a coffee table, or hanging proudly above the mantle.

This is the true power of the fantasy blade. Let's face it, as much personal satisfaction as we get from our collection, we all want people to notice and enjoy our collectables. The fantasy blade makes this happen by raising the interest of people who don't collect or study the history of blades. A person might not know the difference between a sabre and a claymore (or even care, for that matter), but they are sure to be interested in and curious about an ornate fantasy sword. The "cool factor" of such designs is what allows us to spread our love of blades to pelple who have never given it much thought.

Serious collectors learn the history of medieval swords. We learn how designs came to be, and what challenges each design was meant to overcome. It's a rare pleasure to handle a faithful replica of a weapon that changed the course of history and was instrumental in spread of a given culture. We all pride ourselves on our knowledge of classic blade design, but we shouldn't allow ourselves to be limited to historical designs. Remember, our community grows every time someone takes an interest in a sword collection. Since fantasy swords create this interest so effectively, no collection could really be complete without a few good fantasy blades.

BladeMaster Steve is a staff writer at HeavenlySwords.com, your online retailer and importer of high quality medieval swords. For great deals on fantasy swords visit them today!