Swords are, without a doubt, cool. They are also deadly weapons, but since we thankfully don't see them in Real Life in that context, it can be an easy fact to forget. With the prevalence of 'backyard cutting' and similar pastimes, it's easy for someone's mishandling of a sword to cause a tragic injury to themselves or to someone else. Here are a few things to keep in mind; if you've read our page on gun safety, some concepts should be familiar.
This page is not meant as a substitute for learning fencing from a qualified instructor. Any injury or property damage incurred is solely the responsibility of the person handling the weapon, and neither TV Tropes nor its editors can or will assume any liability.
1. Even if you're handling a practice sword, treat it as though it were a live blade. This rule informs all of the below.
2. Swords should, without exception (we won't get into half-swording techniques and the like, that's for the European swordsmanship and kenjutsu pages) be held firmly by the hilt. Don't grasp a sword by the blade; for one, oils from your skin can damage the steel; also, a careless mistake can leave you with fewer fingers than you started with.
3. If you drop a sword, do not try to catch it, just step back and let it fall. You can clean off dirt, mud, grass, etc. It isn't worth risking injury.
4. When carrying a sword, maintain awareness of where the blade is in relation to you at all times. Ideally, keep it within your peripheral vision, or at least close to your body.
5. Following from the above, pay attention to who and what is around you. The radius of danger is wider than you think it is.
6. Before using a sword, inspect it as well as any accompanying protective gear. If anything is compromised for any reason, replace it.
7. Do not spar or perform partnered drills without aforementioned protective gear.
Later on, you should switch to heavy fencing gloves (or your tradition's equivalent) if you decide you're serious about taking up the sword. The ones used in HEMA are separated into three portions: the thumb, index and middle fingers, and ring and pinky. A layer of hard plastic encases your hand and fingers on top of the glove portion.
The next thing to acquire is a gorget to protect your throat, then a cup and chest protector. Forearm, shoulder, shin, and other items can come last.
