That may be your opinion, bannockburn, but some of us appreciate the graceful lines of a sword and other blades. The elegance and simplicity in design, which can be enhanced with engraving, while still keeping the blade looking like it was a weapon of war. I should say at this point that my collection of blades (of various types) is over a dozen, ranging from a kriss dagger, to a two-handed scimitar, to a longsword, to a scythe, a naginata, and several katanas, one of which came in a set with a wakizashi and tanto. Sure, none of them are actual combat weapons, but that's only because a) I can't afford them, and b) I don't want to bother with the possible paperwork for legally owning them.