In the modern era there are a couple of things that a sword can be used for. In certain parts of the world swords are still considered part of the weaponry carried by soldiers in the course of battle for hand to hand combat techniques. Some military branches of service in certain countries still carry these instruments when dressed for inspection or parades in front of high powered dignitaries of local and foreign governments. They do not actually carry them onto the battlefield; they are more or less window dressing to complement the dress uniform the soldiers are wearing for the event.

The majority of civilians that own a sword have them as part of a personal collection. Some of them specialize in finding nothing but swords from around the world to include in their collection. They scour the far corners of the world in search of a very specific type of weapon that will help them complete their collection. These individuals are very serious about their desire to obtain these relics and often spend top dollar to have the opportunity to own the items they desire. For them the colleting of these weapons is more than just a passing hobby.

In some societies the sword is still viewed as a status symbol, or an object that verifies the authenticity of the individual owning it as a reward for an accomplishment. Swords of this nature are often presented to the recipient in extravagant ceremonies that involve honoring the traditions of the culture within the society. In these regions, receiving a weapon of this nature under these circumstances is part of the ingrained heritage associated with the people and their long history of using an instrument of this nature effectively in battle. They are displayed within the occupant’s residence to signify to others the achievement they have accomplished.

In this day and age a sword can also be used as a prop on a movie set. Producers from around the world make movies depicting the historic battles of ancient antiquity associated with a specific time and people. The swords they use while filming are completely harmless and do not pose a threat to any of the actors on set. Safety precautions are always in place to minimalize any possible personal injury. These items are created to look as authentic as the actual weapon; however they are dulled and tested to ensure no risks exist.

Swords can also be given as a gift. Souvenir shops around the world near major tourist attractions often carry a replica sword that is native to the region. These can make great gifts for family and friends, especially if they have a special interest in weapons, history or the region being visited. These replicas are seldom as dangerous as an authentic model; however the majority of them can still pose a potential risk to human life as they are manufactured from metal with a sharp point at the tip of the blade. The blade edge may not be sharp but it will still do damage if used aggressively.
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