Can You Make A Sword Out Of Gold?

Swords remained the weapon of choice for battles until guns replaced them. However, the tool’s magnificence never diminished, with swordsmanship remaining a niche skill people practiced for years to perfect. There is no doubt that skill is elementary for winning a duel, but the results also depend on how you make a sword.

Artisans and researchers have spent years determining the best metals and alloys for swords. Of course, gold has also been a topic of their study, but it has failed to give promising results.

This blog will explain how effective it is to make a sword out of gold and provide some maintenance tips.

To see some amazing swords to hang in your house or to use the next time you cosplay or dress up as a knight just click here.

Can You Make a Sword Out Of Gold?

Although you can make a sword out of gold it wouldn’t be able to be used as a sword. Making a sword out of gold will give you an accessory or display piece rather than a weapon.

There are several reasons why gold is not a suitable metal for crafting a real sword, and the top ones are mentioned below.

Heavier in Weight

Gold is a heavy metal; hence, making a sword out of it would be impractical. While several sword types are bound to be heavy, making them with gold would further increase their weight, affecting the wielder’s flexibility, response time, and overall performance.

Soft Composition

The metal has a soft composition, making it difficult to maintain its sharp edges. The purpose of a sword is to pierce or cut the enemy’s flesh, but a gold sword would quickly lose its sharpness after exchanging a few blows.

Hence, any piercing or sharp weapon made of metal will become ineffective on the battlefield.

Malleable and Ductile

Metals like gold, silver, and copper are malleable and ductile, which means they change shape quickly. This trait makes them perfect for making jewelry, decorations, and accessories but bad for weapons.

The last thing you would want is for your sword to get bent out of shape after getting trapped under a heavy object. It is much better to get swords that retain their form and remain practical.

Best Materials for Making a Sword

Although gold is not the best material for swords, several others can help you get the desired effect. Following are the most commonly used metals or alloys for swords:

1095 High Carbon Steel

The 1095 high carbon steel is one of the best alloys for making swords. It is sturdy, reliable, and exceptionally durable, making it ideal. This material is hard and resistant to shape changes, which means it can sustain under significant duress.

The only drawback of this material is that it is highly susceptible to rust. Therefore, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it remains damage-free.

Spring Steel

Spring steel is another sturdy alloy for making swords and a recent invention. This material is sometimes considered even better than high carbon steel because of its shock absorption capabilities. Additionally, it is harder than its carbon counterpart and durable, making it an exceptional choice.

Another trait that makes it a popular choice is its flexibility. Unlike high carbon blades, spring steel blades can easily change shape and return to their original form.

Common Sword Types

The best part about swords is the sheer number of their types. Swords became the weapon of choice across several cultures throughout history but several developed unique designs. Following are some of the most common sword types (you may recognize a few names if you are a fan of the Zelda franchise):

• Shortsword
• Longsword
• Gladius
• Claymore
• Rapier
• Cutlass
• Kodachi/Wakazashi
• Broadsword
• Shamshir
• Scimitar
• Katana
• Estoc
• Basket Hilted Sword
• Hook Sword

Mentioned above are only a few different sword types. These are the most famous, but the actual list is far more extensive.

How to Care for a Sword

Even being one of the most lethal weapons in history cannot save swords from damage and disrepair. The weapon needs consistent maintenance to remain in the best condition, especially if it is being actively used (unlikely in modern times).

Following are some tips for maintaining a sword:

Protect it Against Humidity

Most swords are susceptible to rust, so it is best to keep them as far away from moisture as possible. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid humidity. The best solution is to store your sword in a container that does not have any more than 30% humidity.

Such controlled environments can help you minimize damage and keep your weapon in the best possible condition.

Clean Your Blade after Every Use

Cleaning your blade is the most critical part of maintenance. You will need to clean it after every use if you want to be extra careful and prevent damage.

The cleaning process is also critical, so you must abide by the following instructions:

1. Always use a lint-free cloth to clean grease and other impurities. Take care to only use one direction when cleaning the blade and avoid to and fro motions.
2. Use lacquer thinner when cleaning swords with gunk that refuses to go away. You will need to put the thinner onto the lint-free cloth and gently rub the relevant part of the sword.
3. Always oil your swords before storing them to protect them against the moisture in the environment. You can use mineral oil as an affordable option or choji oil for your Japanese swords.

Avoid Skin Contact with Blade as Much as Possible

Human skin has body oil and salts that are corrosive to swords and damage them. Therefore, avoid touching your blade directly as much as possible to avoid damaging it.

Final Thoughts

In short, gold is not the best material to make a sword unless you only want a harmless one for decorative purposes. You need to use high carbon steel or spring steel if you want a real sword. You may not get an opportunity to use it, but you get to keep the real thing as a prized possession.