I was slightly disappointed in the sword when the first thing that happened was one of the decorative tips on the guard cracked right off in my hand. I was sad to see that the metal used in the construction of the guard wasn't steel, as a sales rep of MR had told me, but a cheaper, cast metal. The blade is obviously hand forged and hand ground, which is good, but the blade can not stand up to a blade of Starfire caliber. I will say it feels strong and well put together in the hand. Still looking forward to buying the other pieces of the costume, but I'm definitely making my own hidden blade.