Looking for a serviceable one handed sword and a shield. They don't need to be show-worthy but need to be durable and able to take abuse. Until i stared reading the forums here I was thinking badgerblades.com would be the way to go in the sword department. But from the sounds of it those swords aren't looked on very highly. So I'm looking for something that will hold up in steel on steel (or steel on hardwood) contact. While not feeling like I'm wielding a club or axe.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-Dan