My first sword was a cheapo stainless Confederate cavalry saber when I was a teenager. I had it hanging above my bed in front of a Rebel battle flag. I later in life learned that it was a piece of crap as a sword, but I cut it up and made several small knives for my friends. Stainless is okay for small knives and daggers, but not for a sword. But....it was my dream blade at that age. :D ....McM