There are 4 types of metals used in modern sword construction: Iron, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Cast Steel or Alloys. Use and care are different for each.
Iron Swords
Iron was used shortly after Mankind developed civilized, community dwellings. The
Iron Age It followed the Bronze Age and iron weapons were a vast improvement to the bronze
axes from that period. Meteoric iron was sought whenever possible because it
typically consisted of alloys that were tougher than the iron mined from earth. The Iron
Age spanned the ancient civilizations. Greeks, Romans and Vikings used iron for their
weapons. There is mounting evidence that their skills at pattern welding (the 'Damascus
steel" process) allowed them to produce very high quality weapons from this
relatively soft metal. The Weapons Emporium does not produce iron weapons. However, if you
are lucky enough to have one of these, please follow the instructions for Carbon Steel
Swords below.
Carbon Steel Swords
Carbon steel is the most authentic sword material today. It was used during the medieval
and renaissance periods and is still used today. The main problem with carbon steel is
that it rusts. So, maintenance is really about keeping your sword blade out of contact
with moisture or the air. You can do this by keeping a light coat of oil or gun grease
(available in most sporting goods departments) on your blade. You should not store your
sword in a sheath because moisture can form anywhere the sword contacts the sheath.
Typically, this will be at the thickest point of the blade (down the middle) and along the
edges. We store our private collection of swords in their sheaths and oil the
liberally. If you choose to store your sword in a sheath, then you should check on
it periodically. Keep you sword away from humid environments. An inside closet is
best if you are storing it away from sight. You can also display your sword with our
decorative sword hangers in order to enhance your castle's interior. Sword hangers
keep the sword away from harmful contact and the rust it brings. Do not lay your sword on
a carpet for an extended period of time. Even an overnight rest on a carpet can yield rust
wherever the carpet touches the blade. Every point of contact is a potential place for
water to condense. If rust develops on your blade, you should clean it off as soon as
possible. The longer you wait, the deeper the rust will pit you sword. If you clean it
quickly then you can usually restore the original polish. Any brass or metal cleaner will
work for carbon steel. A light sandpaper (600 to 800+) can be used for deep rust, but this
will leave scratches in its place. If you have a buffer attachment to an automatic
screwdriver or drill, that will clean it up and restore the polish quickly.
Stainless Steel Swords
Stainless Steel is one of the most common metals used in high quality cutlery today.
Stainless steel has the desired flexibility and hardness required to handle tough
treatment and keep an edge. It requires very little care. Most "wall hanger"
swords are made of stainless steel. However, stainless steel can be used for high quality,
battle worthy swords. If there is bronze on the handle, you should put a light coat of oil
or grease on it to protect it from deep tarnishing. However, the blade will not easily
rust. Stainless steel can rust if it is in direct contact with water. But it is easily
polished away and restored to its original shine. Anytime you handle a Stainless Steel
sword, you should wipe all of the fingerprints off of the blade and rehang it. If you
don't have a fine set of sword hangers, please browse our selection. You can polish the
blade annually if you wish, or you can let it hang for years without worry. We carry a
fine selection of Marto and Gladius Stainless Steel swords, made in Toledo, Spain.
Cast Steel or Alloy Blades
Cast steel and alloys are used on decorative or theatrical swords. Cast steel is not
flexible like forged carbon steel or stainless steel. That means you cannot bend the blade
back and forth. Cast steel will bend once, but if you try to restore it to its original
form, it will break rather than bend back. That is why we forge and temper our real
swords. Cast steel usually will not rust, but it should be kept clean. If you are hanging
a cast steel sword (and they are great for this), you should give it a light coating of
gun grease and then you can rest secure. It will look authentic on the wall and feel
authentic in your hands. It just won't be very useful for actual combat. If you don't plan
to fight with your sword, cast steel is an affordable way to create a medieval look
without spending hundreds of dollars. Our Armaduras Swords and decorative daggers are cast
steel.
Sword Safety
We do not recommend displaying sharp weapons if children or guests have access to them.
YOU SHOULD TREAT A SHARPENED SWORD LIKE A LOADED GUN. There are very few laws related to
swords. It is very important that everyone who owns a sword behaves in a mature manner so
that our freedom to collect these historic items is not reduced. You would not let a child
play with a kitchen knife, so don't let them have access to a sharpened sword. Also,
guests love swords. If you hang one of these in your home it will get a lot of attention.
I only display unsharpened swords in my home. My rule is that I do not take a sword down
from the wall when there is more than one other person present. Even an unsharpened sword
can do a lot of damage if you swing it recklessly. Lamps, vases, picture frames, couches,
and spouses will appreciate if you and your guests control your enthusiasm. I have an
armoury in my home where I will take guests for a personal tour through history if they
want to see the sharpened swords. I do this one person at a time. If you display a
sharpened sword, please do it in a bedroom or study, rather than a living room or common
area, or take some of the edge off of the sword.
The Weapons Emporium does not condone the use of sharpened swords in swordplay. Some groups do this, and professionals can do this with less risk if everyone follows the fight rules. If you intend to use your sword for swordplay, please buy a semi-sharp sword or take the edge off to reduce the risk of accidental cuts. Unless you intend to hurt someone, you should not need a cutting edge.