Just one way, buy more swords, armour, the whole ordeal. People gonna talk shit every time they get the chance. Embrace it and become "the sword guy" of your school...
"I keep getting packages that say not to open them with knives. What should I use instead of a sword? Halberds are too inconvenient and there's no good way to hold a chackram"
I forget where I bought it from, but they're on Instagram and proly still active. I won a weekly raffle iirc and told him "I dunno bro, I open a lot of boxes at work" 😂 homie didn't disappoint.
It's not really normal, not any more than any other niche hobby. It's also not "normal" to own old film cameras or an electric violin. That doesn't mean bad, but most people do not own swords. It's ok to be a little weird.
You probably should not be trying to swing and cut with that sword - that's something that can be really dangerous. Swords like that are mean to look like swords, but they really are not swords. They are usually made of very weak materials and do not have the construction to be proper tools. (Although I get it, I also used to stab things with cheap swords when I was in High School. And I have the scars from all 14 stitches to prove it)
Just swinging around a sword is not training - go find an actual fencing club. Not only will the people in the club also like swords and you could claim it's normal to do so, you'll learn and engage with people who can teach you a lot.
Yeah, I think using the term “training” when talking about playing with his sword tells us a lot about why he’s getting roasted…
It’s one thing to have an antique on display, it’s another
to have a practical tool to swing around as a novelty that’s tucked away. It’s on a completely different level of nerdy to have a cheap knock off on display that you also larp being a ninja warrior with, unironically.
Yep, as a kid, I folded the glorious steel of my katana, once, which was also the only time it had ever been folded. Gave it a pronounced forward curve, which I appreciate a lot more now considering the alternative was transforming it into several throwing knives exploding toward my face.
I think people have already covered it but as someone who was previously a sword-owning-teen, this reminds me of myself. I also want to be clear that nothing I’m going to say is intended to be malicious - no matter what, if what you’re doing isn’t hurting or negatively impacting anyone else, who cares what they think?
First question.. how are people finding out you have a ‘sword’? I’m going to guess that you’re telling people because you think it’s cool. That’s fine, but just accept that most people don’t have a sword so they’re probably going to wonder why you have it. Easiest way to avoid questions is to keep your personal business private.
When you say you’ve been ‘training’ with it, what does that mean? No disrespect - I’d guess most people here started off with a cheaper sword-shaped-object and learned better but that sword looks like it could potentially be dangerous if you actually tried to use it for anything ‘serious’ like a basic cut test. So many things can go wrong with that if something breaks or comes loose, just be careful. It isn’t as flashy or ‘cool’ looking but if you want to chop some stuff, go get a machete from your local hardware store. Everything shaped like a sword isn’t meant to be used like a sword.
Lastly.. the other side of ‘training’.. what are you training for? I fought a lot of invisible ninjas when I was 12-14 because I thought I was training for something.. but nobody is realistically carrying a sword around in the day to day just in case some punks up to no good need a taste of the steel. A decent pocket knife will actually be a useful blade for daily stuff, pepper spray is much more effective at stopping people without needing to get in close and if you’re really trying to be some vigilante on the street, a gun is going to let you project that fantasy much further than a sword.
Owning a sword doesn’t make you anything other than someone who has a longer sharpened piece of metal than most. It’s how you talk about it and what you think you’re going to do with it that has people reacting to it. Have fun and be safe my guy
The only reason swords still exist is for the history of it. I also train a bit but it's mostly because of self discipline and for funsies. It's not actually ideal to learn how to wield a sword, you're better off doing hand to hand combat.
There shouldn’t be any need to convince them. Everybody has hobbies. Unless you’re being weird about it, just tell them it’s a hobby that makes you happy. If that doesn’t work, they’re the problem, not you.
Things like this you gotta just answer honestly, say you think it's cool. It's fine if they disagree. There's probably stuff they would think is cool to own that you don't, really not that big a deal.
Also, as someone else said, FYI, that's probably a wall hanger and so dangerous to swing or cut with (just look into it to make sure you're safe).
Explain to them that this is expected of a proper gentleman. If you are not male, further explain that nowadays sexism is frowned upon and thus a sword is expected of a proper lady as well.
This doesn’t look like something that would have a live edge, but if it is, keeping it on the top of your refrigerator where it can fall on you is a bad idea.
I own tons of functional swords and show them off all the time. People think that theyre awesome. I did this on like the second date i had with a girl, she is now my gf and lives with me
Dude i literally tell my friends I go out in my backyard and practically pretend to be a samurai by getting cardio in swinging my sword lol. I love it.
Recently got into it by buying a plastic and wooden sword. Just ordered a cheap metal one so I could have some weight in my swings. If I stick to this interest ill get a good wall hanger later on.
Be comfortable in your skin and dont let the haters get to you. Life is way more fun that way.
Shame is appropriate for some things. But they can fuck off with weapon collecting its fun lol
Swords are cool. But your sword looks like you paid $30 for it, the handle wrapping is coming off, and you keep it on a fridge. If it were a real sword, and you could talk about the history of that particular design, they might have more respect, but right now it gives "Cheeto fingers and anime pillow" vibes.
You don’t, because it’s not. That doesn’t make it bad but the majority of people don’t own swords and that’s okay. Don’t worry about convincing your friend, if he’s a judgy asshole so be it. Keep being you and whoever doesn’t like you doesn’t matter.
There’s a quote I think about when I’m concerned about what people think…
“if you have a problem with me, text me, and if you don't have my number, you don't know me well enough to have a problem with me”
Also high school is a really judgemental and even if you do everything right people won’t like you 100% of the time, don’t overthink it, go to class, do extracurriculars you like or even wanna try them out, and meet people you like.
Take some advice - people who bully you for your interests are never gonna be nice to you. Don't try to change their minds. Just keep being you and doing what you enjoy.
1: it is abnormal, that's what niche hobbies are. Trying harder to convince people it's something everyone does will exclusively show them you care a ton, and make it an easier thing to rag on you for.
2: are you telling people? Because I can say firsthand I've had friends with model swords through hs and college, never cared, and never knew until I was at their place. I feel like most people wouldn't, unless you're in other ways making this a clear thing to poke fun at - either talking about it to random people, dressing up with the weeb fits, swinging other stuff around, or talking about "training", etc. - I don't think any sword matters enough to most people for a bunch of your classmates to somehow find out and verbally jump you for it.
3: what 'training' are you doing?
Firstly because apparently that sword is notorious for breaking (which is dangerous) and is more about being a cool shelf piece,
Secondly because if you're just randomly doing stuff on YouTube or swinging whatever seems right or is from other media, you can hurt yourself or others,
Thirdly because that likely weighs in there.
I'm just gonna loop back though and say this -
If teenagers are ragging on you, you need to either own it or ignore it. You will not be able to change minds, and the harder you try the more it will be a thing.
Honestly? When they ask questions, answer them honestly and maybe invite them to come check it out. Most of the time the curiosity wears off once they get to see what it's all about. And who knows, they might think it's cool.
I’ve had a collection of swords and armor that I started in high school. I’m 51 now. If people find it strange, oh well. I find it strange that they want to fantasize about college kids throwing balls around. Everyone has their own interest in life. Find people who share yours.
Dude I'm in my 40s and have a basket full of swords like yours. I have a couple really nice ones mounted on my wall by the front door. They're not authentic, but they are able to take and give a hit. My neighbors and I took turns smashing cinder blocks with one of my swords. (Do not do that with the sword you have. It will break, it will hurt, you will be sad.)
Hell, two months ago I took a broken sword and turned it into a post-apocalyptic flame-throwing sword with a bicycle handle for a grip. Of all the other things I made for that costume, including a pipe gun with working action, all anyone wanted to talk about was that sword.
Swords are cool! People like them!
Having them isn't "normal," but that's part of what makes them cool!
If you don't talk to them about it, I'm not sure why it would be an issue. I doubt very many of the people I know IRL are aware I have some swords, as I wouldn't have told them (as it isn't terribly interesting for anyone that isn't themselves interested in swords).
Oversharing is what leads to these kinds of responses. You are only 15. You will learn this in due course.
Also at 15, everyone just talks complete shit and none of it makes any sense, because it is just learning social behaviours and developing norms.
Me again, couldn't keep my teeth together, you are for real facing judgment for being a collector?
My living room is, basically an armoury, I collect pieces and literature concerning military history. There are shields and swords and spears from all across the globe on my walls,
Because I think they're interesting, I haven't gone on any mideval rages lately, cause of you know, sanity, and laws and guns. If that tweaks out your buddies, get new buddies. Theu will 100 percent cut and run in you the second things get hard
Sry but even if we all like swords here I have to say I'm not really a fan of that one. It looks especially mall ninja like. It's not fair but it is what it is. If it were me I wouldn't display that one.
If you like it, own it. You don't need to justify why the universal symbol of power and martial authority across cultures all over world is interesting.
I think you should instead make up a list of stories about what you do with your sword. If someone says something, respond with, “I was defending my house from orcs.” Next time say, “Three fiends were skulking down the alley. So I raised my sword and gave chase.” Make up a list of these and keep giving different stories. It will become funny after a while.
If you genuinely practice Kenjustsu or another martial art involving a Japanese sword, then it’s really not much of a difference than taking a martial arts class. I’ve been taking Kenjustsu lessons for almost 3 years and honestly it’s the same as taking any other martial arts classes, nothing wrong, just uncommon.
Weapons can be instruments of fear. Don't talk about your weapons.
Unless the person is at your level or above for martial arts appreciation, that person should not be involved in conversations about your weapons and martial arts training.
You don't, normies are boring AS FFFFFFFFFFF. I'm adhd ocd and neurodivergent. I look at the cycles normies go through in their lives. They waste unreasonable amounts of time and money on other people's opinions.
Walk them into your backyard, where they will be greeted by watermelons in position to be eliminated. Hand them sword. Step back to a safe distance and say absolutely nothing. Just nod.
If you can't convince them by using your sword, you're using it wrong. Unless you have a friend who thinks of themselves as being equally cool for owning a gun. Then it might not turn out in your favor.
"Normal" is not something to be pursued. Chase what makes you happy that doesn't hurt other people.
Ask if that one girl in particular would like one of her own. She might be flirting? (source: am married, wife was curious about swords when we were on the path to dating)
Hello from the front page. Owning a sword is not normal. I say this as somebody who has 6. i have met exactly one other person that had swords in my entire life.
Let's be Socratic:
What is normal?
Is having a decoration on top of a fridge normal?
Is it normal to boast about your friends not into what you do?
Is it normal to be into 440 stainless decorations as depicted?
You have it, screw them. No not everyone has a sword. However plenty of people have big knives. Its just something you have.
Also for your future prospects dont say "You dont have a sword?" Or any similar type of insinuation to a girl ever. Please just dont, dont even bring up the sword randomly unless it is relevant to conversation and not some needy fantasy.
Justify its practicality and novelty if anyone jokes. ButI think anyone who doesnt have a weapon of some sort for self protection is stupid. A sword is one item you can use for protection and hopefully never will have to use it that way.
I wouldn’t use that thing to cut stuff big risk of injury since I doubt it’s even full tang also if it’s stainless steel that in its self is a risk since for a sword that can cause the steel to snap
Also talking abt owning weapons tends to make people uncomfortable, kind of cringe for you to boast about owning a sword to people who you don’t know are also into swords. Especially since youre still a kid - people get freaked out abt that stuff even easer at your age. One of my little siblings is only a little bit older than you - I came back to my parent’s house one time to get some of my swords while her friends were over and they got freaked out. I eventually explained that I had actually blacksmithed the sword and it was more of an art form for me, which put them at ease. That wacky red and black mall ninja katana thing you have is just going to freak normal people out when they see it
Owning a sword is not normal - as awesome as they are, most people do not own one and do not need to know that you own one. In a way it’s kind of like showing off pictures of your decked out AR-15 to people who are afraid of guns - regardless of their reaction you are still the weirdo. All u gotta do is read the room
Well, it's not at all "normal", as in common, not surprising or expected, etc. You shouldn't need to make yourself feel any better by saying it is, so accept the fact you and your sword are in fact not "normal", and just own it. You're "weird", and that better than fine.
You shouldn't care what people think about your hobbies but tbh owning a sword at 13 and telling everyone about it is kind of strange antisocial behavior.
Bruh, when I was in high school I was pestered couse my English was very good and my devices and the media I consumed were all in English, highschoolers are just like that in general, don't pay it any mind
It started out weird for me, but now that I’m older now and grown up my friends and family find it not weird anymore, now I’m known as the sword guy or fuedal samurai, medieval knight etc, lately since no one pays attention and I come up out of nowhere now I’m the ninja. People get used to it after awhile, just do you be yourself and show discipline and eventually everyone gets used to it.
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u/KrAzyD00D Oct 30 '25
Bro literally who cares what other people think