If you’ve just secured a Yorichi sword or some other anime cosplay sword from our website, congratulations; you are now the proud owner of some of the finest-quality, highly detailed replicas available. However, if you are planning on taking your replica to a convention, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips to avoid issues. Here are our high-level notes for safety and more.

Before visiting a convention, it is imperative to review the rules and regulations of the convention, and to bring only convention-approved replicas. Some conventions only allow EVA-foam or plastic sword replicas. You should never bring a steel replica to one of these conventions or else you risk confiscation.

Where steel replica anime cosplay swords are permitted, they must generally be inspected at check-in; many conventions require blades with a dull edge and rounded point, and many require the prop to be peace-bonded, which means that the sword must be zip-tied to its scabbard to prevent it from being drawn, though there are also other methods.

You should also inspect all anime cosplay swords before bringing them to a convention. The edge should not be sharpened and the tip should be rounded. Run your fingers over the spine to make sure there are no burrs present. Ensure that the sword fits properly and snugly in its sheath, and check the pommel, guard, tassels, and other hardware, fittings and other components. If these are loose they can be dangerous in a crowd of people.

This one isn’t so much a suggestion for those that are traveling to conventions, but as a general rule, you should not use any anime cosplay sword for live practice unless you expressly know that it is a battle-ready sword. By battle ready, we mean that the sword must be made from an appropriate alloy, be properly tempered so as to avoid chipping and breakage, and have a full tang, so that it can withstand the rigors of being drawn, swung, and contacting a target. Using an anime cosplay sword for live cutting practice, if it is not battle ready and is only suitable for display, is highly dangerous and can result in damage to the replica, bodily injury, and worse. Do not use replica swords that are only intended for display for live cutting practice.

If you visit a convention where steel anime cosplay swords are permitted, and may be drawn, make sure you handle the sword safely at all times. Best practice is to keep the sword sheathed unless posing for a photo. Do not draw and swing the sword; inform bystanders before you draw it, draw deliberately with both hands, and agree with your photographer on the pose and location before you draw the sword.

Always get permission from bystanders before you draw your sword and make sure you handle it deliberately as well; swinging it around carelessly is a quick way to have it confiscated or to be removed from the convention. When you have the sword unsheathed, move carefully, and keep the tip pointed either up or down, and in front of you. Do not rest the sword over your shoulder if it is unsheathed, as a quick or careless turn will sweep the tip in a wide arc.

When you are done displaying, showing, or photographing your anime cosplay sword, inform bystanders that you are sheathing the blade and do so slowly and carefully. And, unless you are specifically displaying or posing with your anime cosplay sword, keep it sheathed and at your side at all times.

Do not brandish or thrust your sword in open spaces, including hallways, corridors and entryways. This is a big reason that convention attendees have their props or replicas confiscated, or worse, why they get expelled from events.

Convention rules may vary, but make sure you read through them ahead of time. Print off a copy of the rules and regulations and keep them on you if possible, and when in doubt, call ahead and ask questions so you are double sure of what is, and is not, allowed. Never engage in mock combat. This is unsafe, even with plastic-bladed replicas. With steel replicas it is much more dangerous than you think. Even a dull steel blade with a rounded tip can inflict serious injuries if carelessly handled. Not only is mock combat generally expressly forbidden at conventions, it is dangerous. Do not take the risk that you will have your replicas confiscated, be ejected from the event, or worse.

Discretion is the better part of valor, remember, and a loose, clearly visible blade is likely to cause alarm, if not at the convention, then in transit or in your hotel room. When you are not carrying the sword, the best advice is to transport it in an opaque case that is well padded. This keeps the sword concealed and will help prevent alarm. The same goes for when you are in your hotel room or wherever you are staying. Keep the sword cased, and in a closet, under a bed, or stored somewhere else that it will not attract attention.

Use an actual, hard-sided transport case. Don’t just wrap your sword in a plastic bag or shroud, as this may create the impression that it is an actual weapon, which can cause alarm and confusion in crowded places. An actual transport case will keep it covered, concealed, and if padded, will keep it protected as well.

Hopefully you found this guide helpful even though it was brief. If you’re here for a new anime cosplay sword for your next event or convention, check out our collection; we carry replicas of Yorichi swords, Tanjiro swords, Lord of the Rings swords, and much more. Get familiar with our catalog and if you have any questions, get in touch with us directly.