Modern Swords

What is a tactical sword?
A tactical sword is a modern production sword built for handling rather than for the display case. The word is a marketing label, not a historical sword class, and you will not find it in a museum catalog. In practice it means a sharpened blade, often with a darkened or coated finish, a synthetic grip that stays put in wet hands and a sturdy sheath. Many are updated versions of old patterns such as the Spartan sword, the gladiator sword, the broadsword and the Kindjal.

Are modern swords real swords or just for display?
Many are real, sharpened swords, and many are full tang, meaning the steel runs the full length of the handle. They are made to be handled, carried and displayed. They are not reproductions built for sparring, and they are not designed to take hard impact against other steel. For drills and sparring, choose a training sword from our Practice, Training and Stage Combat Swords.

What is the difference between a modern sword and a historical sword?
A historical sword reproduces a specific period piece, with attention to its proportions, hilt materials and finish. A modern sword takes an older pattern and rebuilds it for current use, with darker finishes, synthetic grips and a more practical scabbard. If you want a reproduction of a particular medieval or renaissance sword, see our Historical Swords. If you want an old pattern that handles like a modern tool, stay here.

What steel are modern swords made from?
Steel varies by model. The Battlecry Grosse Messer uses 1065 high carbon steel, as does the Honshu War Sword, and the Honshu Single-Handed Broadsword uses 1060 high carbon steel. The Honshu Spartan Sword and Gladiator Sword are stainless steel, and the Damascus Talon is Damascus steel. High carbon steel is tough and takes a keen edge but needs a thin film of oil to stay free of rust. Stainless resists rust with less care. Check each product page for the exact steel and construction.

Should I choose a short sword or a broadsword?
Choose by how you will use it. Short swords such as the Honshu Spartan Sword and Gladiator Sword are quicker to carry and easier to manage in close quarters. Broadswords such as the Honshu Single-Handed Broadsword, with its 30 3/8 inch 1060 carbon steel blade, give more reach and weight behind each stroke. If you are unsure, start with a short sword.

Can modern swords be used for camping and outdoor work?
A heavy blade can clear light brush, but a sword is rarely the best outdoor tool. A knife, kukri or machete is lighter, safer to carry and easier to control for camp work. Think of a modern sword as a piece for collecting, display, test cutting and occasional trail use, and keep a purpose built blade for the chores.

Are modern swords legal to own and carry?
Laws on owning and carrying swords vary by state, county and city, so check your local rules before you buy. Ownership is generally allowed, but carrying rules are often stricter. We ship only within the United States and Canada, and some items cannot ship to certain states; restrictions are listed on each product page. For a starting point on how blade laws work, see our guide to US knife laws, which covers knives rather than swords specifically. We cannot give legal advice.