SZCO Supplies 21-Inch Antique Hand-Forged Carbon Steel Sword– Leather Wrapped Handle & Sheath

For $35 you can’t expect everything, but this is definitely a good buy at that price. It will need significant sharpening, but takes and holds a very sharp edge. The sheath is nothing special, but will work to store it in. Could be used for a Renn Faire costume, a work knife you don’t have to worry about the looks of, or a cheap gift. Bought 2 and have no regrets. Edit to add: Have done some torture testing on one of the blades. Hacked through several 4 inch limbs, followed by chopping up a couple frozen water bottles. Edge was not damaged and would still slice paper and shave hair. It was ground to 25 degrees on a Worksharp with 240, 1000 and 6000 grit. The blades do require regular oiling to keep the metal from rusting. The sheaths have held up adequately, but are nothing special. The wrap on the grip will need regular attention, or replacement if used much - but is easily replaced. For me, black paracord has worked well. In use, they are very light and quick blades. They do well in cutting tests, easily going through water bottles, heavy cardboard, or wet newspaper rolls. The tip is not at a great angle for thrusts, and the abrupt change of angle at the 'curve' of the blade makes them poor at driving through targets. Overall, I am still very impressed with these for the price.

It's all rough and purdy, and the general style is as it appears in the pictures... but the curve - and by that I mean the absolutely grotesque angular turn about 3/5 up the otherwise straight blade - is almost too ugly to even want to pull it out for display lol. I wish I was being hyperbolic or nitpicky, but this thing simply is NOT the gently sweeping, smoothly bent piece they used for the glamour shots on Amazon. It's so haphazardly crimped you can still see the lumps on the spine, and I'd bet money it's a weak spot. That is definitely not ideal in a type of blade whose striking point is traditionally at or near the apex of the curve. Maybe I just lost the cheapskate lotto this time, but if they all are like this I can't help but recommend you look elsewhere unless you are indeed looking for an angular decorative piece.

This blade is a solid cast and sharpened piece. It is a Dussack Cutlass which, was a popular common-mans sword from the 1500's through the golden age of piracy. This sword is a GREAT rustic accessory for your rennaisance festival weekend. I plan on swapping out the leathers for something a bit more rustic and personalized. The sword itself looks great and is better than most rennaisance swords under the $200 range. As for practicality, it is sharpened and I'm not certain if I would trust it to hold for reenactment battles. I have no good way to test the durability. I would err on the safe side and consider this a really good value costume accessory. Also, read other reviews by people who have tested durability.

Blade is twisted 10 degrees above the curve. Terrible quality control. Don’t expect it will cut, and if it does it will stick.

The only thing holding this piece back from 5 stars is the underdeveloped grip. My wife loves her first sword! Definitely a steal at the price!

The sheath could be better, will probably just trash it.