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Functional Swords – Real Battle-Ready Blades for Collectors and Practitioners

Hand-forged carbon steel swords made for cutting practice, stage combat, and martial arts.

At Reliks, our functional swords, also known as "battle-ready swords" are real weapons forged with the same techniques used by historical swordsmiths. Each blade is properly heat-treated, tempered, and balanced for authentic handling. Whether you train in Tameshigiri, Iaito, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, or Western Martial Arts (WEMA), these swords deliver the strength and resilience demanded by serious practitioners.

Collectors will also find historically accurate designs from the medieval, Viking, Japanese katana, and renaissance eras, each created by respected makers such as Hanwei, Legacy Arms, and Kingston Arms. Explore our full line below and discover the perfect sword for display, practice, or performance.

What Makes a Sword “Functional”?

A functional sword is not a replica made only for display, but a a fully tempered, sharpened, and balanced weapon capable of cutting suitable sword targets. The blades are crafted from high-carbon steels such as 5160, 1060, or many other 10xx steels and mounted with solid tang construction to ensure durability during training or test cutting.

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Choosing the Right Functional Sword

If you’re new to sword collecting or martial arts, start with a battle-ready katana or European longsword designed for your practice style. Each sword type has a distinct geometry and balance, suited for different techniques and forms of cutting. You can compare durability, weight, and flexibility among leading brands right here at Reliks.

Functional Swords for Every Discipline

From Japanese katana to European arming swords, our functional collection includes blades optimized for:

  • Tameshigiri practice and Iaido training
  • Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)
  • Stage combat and choreography
  • Collectors seeking historically accurate reproductions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most of our functional swords come sharpened or have a sharpening service available and are fully capable of cutting sword targets such as tatami mats, bottles, or pool noodles. Some models can also be ordered unsharpened for safe martial arts practice or display.

Most functional swords are made from high-carbon steels such as 5160, 1060, or numerous 10xx carbon steels. These steels are heat-treated for the right balance of hardness and flexibility, allowing them to withstand the rigors of real cutting practice.

Yes, functional swords are legal to own in most areas across Canada and the United States. However, laws can vary by province or state, so it’s always best to check your local regulations regarding transport, public carry, and import restrictions.

A battle-ready sword (or functional sword) is forged from high-carbon steel with a full tang and properly heat-treated for strength. These are made for cutting and martial training. Decorative swords, by contrast, are made for display only and are not heat-treated or balanced for real use.

Yes, many functional swords can be used for stage combat when properly maintained and inspected before use. Always ensure that blunted or unsharpened versions are used, proper safety equipment is worn and you have received proper instruction for choreographed performances to maintain safety for all participants.