Looking at all the various swords for sale online can make you feel a bit like a kid in a candy store. But if you are looking to buy authentic replica swords online, it can be a bit harder to get what you really want than it otherwise might first appear?

Sure, if you are just looking for an ornamental sword to hang on the wall ? it's pretty easy. Just look around for a sword that takes your fancy, don't spend much more than US$50 and your chances of getting what you want are good?

But if you are like me when I first started my sword collection, you might not know that there is a world of difference between an ornamental sword that you hang on the wall and a REAL sword that you can actually swing through the air or cut things with!

The reality is that the vast majority of swords for sale on the internet are what experienced sword collectors call "sword like objects". Even just swinging one of these swords through the air is asking for trouble, and may the gods help you if you try to cut something as simple as a cardboard box! More often than not, the swords handle will break, the blade will shatter or worse still, come flying off like some demented helicopter blade at a speed of just over 40mph (trust me, voice of experience here!).

The fact of the matter is that if you are looking for a REAL sword, you need to start your search looking for what online sword sellers refer to as a "battle ready" or "functional sword."

Unfortunately though, not all sword sellers are scrupulously honest in their description of a battle ready sword? And quite often, this description is applied to swords that are anything but "functional".

Essentially, there are three main characteristics that all REAL swords have in common. And those characteristics are:

• They are made of high carbon steel, NOT stainless steel.

• The swords have been properly heat treated to ensure they are not too brittle and not too soft.

• The sword has what is called a "full tang". In other words, the metal insert that goes into the swords handle is forged as part of the sword, and not welded on afterwards.

Of course, not all "functional" swords being sold online accurately describe if they have these characteristics. Luckily though, there is a fairly easy way to determine if a sword is REAL or not. And that is by only buying swords made by a well known and respected sword manufacturer.

In my opinion, the best "bang for your buck" swords are all produced by 3 companies ? Windlass Steelcrafts, Generation 2 and Paul Chens Hanwei Forge. All of these manufacturers make good quality REAL swords at prices around the US$150 to $200 mark.

While you might think that this is a lot to pay for a sword, especially when compared to the cheap swords being sold online for $30 or $40 ? the reality is that you are not comparing apples with apples. And believe me, for this price range you can get some very mean, strong swords that you would be proud to show off to your friends.

For more information on how to select a your first real sword, as well as reviews, test cutting results and everything else you need to know about buying swords online, check out my website. http://sword-buyers-guide.com