European swords
European swords include many historical and styled forms: single handed, hand-and-a-half and two handed swords, Viking and Scottish designs and basket-hilt forms. The category combines decorative replicas, collectibles and models with another individually stated purpose. A period or type in the name indicates inspiration but does not prove a particular manufacturing method.
Examples include Cold Steel Two Handed Great Sword, Hanwei Sir William Marshall Sword, Scottish Claymore and Viking swords. Brands in this category include Hanwei, Windlass Steelcrafts, Cold Steel and United Cutlery. When choosing a specific model, consider its construction and intended use rather than the brand alone.
How to choose
The first task is to distinguish display purpose from any use stated for a particular item. Compare length, weight, balance, guard and grip construction, pommel and scabbard. Do not assume that every sword described as historical shares the same steel, sharpness or degree of period accuracy.
- single, hand-and-a-half or two handed form
- model-specific dimensions, weight and balance
- blade, guard, grip and pommel construction
- scabbard, stand and display requirements
Care and storage
Display requires a stable stand or mount suited to the item weight and dimensions. Protect blade and metal fittings from moisture and care for leather and wood separately. A heavy sword should never be hung from an improvised fixture.