ElB's Small Sword Stash

I find that unusual. From what I’ve read here on the forum people tend to go the other way, such as suggesting “for only few dollars more you can get an antique...”.  That may be true but I’ll stick with the repos. For one if I found an antique in a condition that I would feel confident in using, I wouldn’t for fear that I’d very possibly damage it. I’ve been down that road when I collected antique military firearms. In essence with a good antique sword I would be buying an expensive wall hanger. If I found one that was in a condition that I wouldn’t mind banging it around, more than likely I wouldn’t trust it. If I restored it I’d probably be back to square one. So I’ll stick to repos with all of their faults and take whatever out play with it, cut with it, or whatever, and enjoy. Not that I have no feelings toward my swords, abuse them, or am careless. I tend to baby them, come to think of it I have no memory of damaging one other than cutting scratches or dulling. I just feel more comfortable, and enjoy more, swinging a replaceable sword than an irreplaceable antique. There are others that will disagree.

Thinking on it I do remember causing some wear, especially on the grip.  It seems like other places as well but I cannot give a specific example at the moment.  I have in many cases taped my grips to hide or reduce the wear.  I find rescue tape ideal for this as it moulds to the contours well and lacks adhesive.  I found by spraying the tape with flat black paint aids in the appearance by eliminating the shinny plastic like finish.