Sword replica

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Sword replicas may be produced as a singular reproduction of a specific historical sword, e.g. commissioned by a museum, or they may be produced commercially in series, again either based on a specific sword, a certain historical type of sword, or an original design loosely based on historical precedents. Functional quality reproductions even when produced in series may be priced in the USD/EUR 1,000 to 2,000 range or above, while cheap factory produced swords may range around USD/EUR 100 to 200.

The purpose of the replica may be either exhibition (educational museum replicas, or simply decorative "wallhangers"), or practical use (historical fencing, combat reenactment, kenjutsu/battōjutsu or test cutting).

In the case of decorative replicas, the product need not be able to withstand the physical stress of actual use, resulting in lower cost. Such decorative look-alikes are also pejoratively referred to as "sword-like objects" in jargon, especially when falsely advertised.

Swords intended for historical fencing on the other hand should ideally come as closely as possible to historical weapons (but remain unsharpened to avoid injury). Swords used for test cutting are sharpened, and are often heavier than their historical counterparts, since added weight improves their cutting effect at the expense of agility (c.f. the historical executioner's swords). Swords used for combat reenactment often have rounded points to reduce the risk of injury, and are also often much heavier than their historical counterparts.