The number one complaint about replica swords - be it the Sword of the Dragon which Duncan uses, or the Sword of Ivanhoe which Methos uses. And the number one question fans ask is: "How can I outfit the handles with aluminum blades?"

First of, why do fans ask this? Because they do it on the Highlander TV series and movies to speed up the sword-fights! So if it's good for TV, then wouldn't it make sense to replace your heavy non-battleready stainless steel blade with an aluminum blade, right?

The answer is no! In an article in Blade Magazine's August 1996 edition, Braun McAsh - swordmaster of the Highlander series from Season 4 onwards - details this:

"Only the hilts of the swords are used during filming. The blades are aluminum and are made by [wholesaler] Pro-Cut of Vancouver. The aluminum reduces the weight of the sword dramatically and improves its balance. Since it takes anywhere from three-to-six hours to film a fight, this saves much wear and tear on the actor's wrist and arm. Steel blades are used only for extreme close-ups when the sword is not in use. Aluminum blades nick deeply, so it's necessary to have two hilts and several spare blades for fast changeovers when, after about three phases of a fight, the blade has transformed into a hacksaw. "

If you were to ever use an aluminum blade against a steel blade, the sword fight would last only a few seconds. A well made sword could cut into - if not through - your aluminum sword. Just test it on an aluminum pot in your kitchen. You'll know what I mean! You'll get an idea why each episode goes through 6-10 aluminum blades!

Are there any exceptions to this? Actually, there is. In Japanese sword-training circles, e.g. the art of Iaido or Iaijitsu - which deal with the methods of combat of the Samurai from the drawing of the sword to felling the adversary to resheating the sword, students often use iaito (pronounced "Yai-To"), which are essentially practice swords - furnished like traditionally made Japanese swords - only that the blade is a zinc aluminum alloy. These swords, however, are not made to with stand sparring either - but using such swords for kata practice is viewed by some as a leg up from using mere wooden bokken. There are some martial arts schools that believe that the transition from bokken to a real katana may be awkward for some, and thus using iaito is a more natural way of getting used to a sword.

But fear not. A real sword that is made properly can be a dream to hold and behold. Many sword manufacturers (e.g. Spain's Marto, Martespa, Art Gladius, etc.) did not make their swords for combat, only looks. Thus, things like weight, balance, durability, etc. never entered into the equation. However, that is not to say that all real swords will be heavy and cumbersome.

On the contrary, if you're looking for Medieval swords, then Del Tin swords are some of the top of the industry - all priced within the US$300 range. If you're looking for a Japanese style sword, the HSG has reviewed C.A.S. Iberia's Shinto Katana that is made in China within the US$500 range. These swords - for under or around $500 - are some of the best buys you can make if you want something that can withstand the rigors of stage combat but won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Figuratively speaking, that is!