sword n.
1. a weapon consisting typically of a long, straight or slightly curved, pointed blade having one or two cutting edges and set into a hilt
2. an instrument of death or destruction

Well golly gee, that first definition just delves right to the soul of the sword, doesn't it? Screw that, there's more depth in their second try, but it's still so pedestrian and mainstream, not to mention naive. I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but I know what words come to mind when I hear the word 'sword': beautiful, craftsmanship, power, bravery, epic, ancient, strength, honor, etc. The sword is so much more than a simple piece of steel, and I guarantee that anyone who has ever held a sword recognizes this. Obsolete as they are, swords have more character than any other form of physical/sculptural art I can think of. The combination of personal artistry imparted by the bladesmith and the inherent social perceptions of the sword can create almost an aura that even those who have no special interest in swords can sense.

I have an almost innate love of swords. When I was younger, I was a rabid fan of the Thundercats cartoon, and broke countless plastic swords in the process of acting out the role of Lion-O. I have a book filled with sketches from my youth of designs and drawings of swords and blades of all sorts. I still have the first shoddy wooden sword I constructed; what craftsmanship - two pieces of crisscrossed particle board, "sealed" around the cross guard with a combination of duct and electrical tape. It's still as solid as ever. Also, my senior project in high school was a comprehensive study of the cultural significance of sword design. Yes, I passed.

I picked up my first sword at the age of 11 and since then it's been an endeavor of mine to establish a formidable collection. Most of what I've amassed so far are fantasy pieces and replicas, but as I've matured so has my tastes in swords. I am dead-set on my next purchase being a period Venetian Schiavona, but I fear that's a ways off. I love being in college, but it leaves no room for that occasional $5,000 antique blade you've had your eye on. For now, my sword collection will remain stagnant, save for those given as gifts (a rare occurrence anyway).

I mentioned the Venetian Schiavona being at the top of my wish list. Other swords only appearing in dreams of my future collection are a 17th century flamberge rapier, a Scottish basket hilt, a hanger (so sue me, I like hangers), a nice kukri, and generally any authentic Japanese blades including tachis, katanas, wakazashis, and hopefully someday a full daisho. And maybe, if it's even possible, a bokken made/used by Miyamoto Musashi. That's a stretch, but a kid can dream, can't he?

The following pages contain pictures and a little commentary on a few of the swords in my collection.

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