Since I am not a sword collector, the Busse swords look good to me. They look functional and tough. Cold Steel makes some pretty ones, but they are quite expensive. I don't know how good they are. I have a Windlass Viking sword for ritual purposes and LOR Sting, just because I thought it was pretty. One day, I may get a real sword. Museum replicas claims their swords are "battle ready" but I have never actually used the Viking sword. Edited: I forgot that I have two Condor Combat Machetes that I think could actually be used as short swords. They look gladius-like.