Picture this: You are 22 years old, newly commissioned, or perhaps a newly promoted NCO. You have a mountain of uniform debt, a car payment, and a new duty station to get to. You look at the price tag of the ceremonial sword or saber—an optional item for your rank at the time—and you make a practical decision.
"I don't need it right now. I'll get it later."
Fast forward twenty or thirty years. You’ve had an incredible career. You’ve led troops, deployed around the world, and hung up the uniform. You have the shadow box, the challenge coins, and the photos.
But there’s a gap. You never bought the sword.
We hear this story constantly at Blades Raised. Many veterans and senior leaders look back with a twinge of regret that they never acquired that ultimate symbol of their authority and service. If that sounds like you, I have good news: It is not too late. In fact, now might be the perfect time.
1. From Uniform Item to Family Heirloom
When you were a young Lieutenant or Sergeant, the sword was a uniform item you might wear once a year to a ball. It was a functional accessory.
Now, looking back on a full career, the sword takes on a different meaning. It is no longer about uniform regulations; it is about legacy. The officer’s sword or NCO’s saber connects you to a lineage of military leadership dating back centuries. It is the physical embodiment of the oath you took.
Acquiring one now isn't "playing dress-up." It’s about completing the narrative of your service and securing a tangible heirloom to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
2. "Is It Weird to Buy One After I Retire?"
Absolutely not. In fact, a significant portion of high-quality military sword sales go to retirees or veterans who finally have the disposable income and the perspective to appreciate the craftsmanship.
You earned the right to own it the day you commissioned or earned your NCO stripes. The timeline of when you buy it is irrelevant. The significance remains the same. Whether you served four years or forty, that symbol belongs to you.
3. Doing It Right: Where to Buy
If you are going to invest in a sword now, do not buy a cheap, unsharpened replica from a random website. You want a regulation-spec, high-quality blade that reflects the standard you upheld while in uniform.
While we do not sell the swords themselves at Blades Raised, we almost exclusively recommend Marlow White. Their reputation for quality, historical accuracy, and customer service is the gold standard in the industry. If you are going to complete your uniform history, make sure the steel is worthy of the service.
4. Giving It a Place of Honor
Here is the most important part: Do not buy a beautiful sword just to leave it in the cardboard shipping box.
You are buying this to display it—to spark conversations in your office, to show your grandkids, to look at it and remember the friends you served with.
At Blades Raised, we specialize in getting that sword out of the box and onto the wall. Our Universal Sword Display is the perfect solution for the veteran acquiring their sword later in life.
Timeless Aesthetic: Available in Walnut, Maple, or Cognac, you can choose a finish that matches your current home decor, rather than a "barracks" look.
Versatile Fit: Whether you buy an Army Saber, a Navy Officer Sword, or a Marine Mameluke, our Universal design cradles it securely.
Personalized Context: Use the custom nameplate to tell the full story. Instead of just your name, engrave your final rank and years of service (e.g., 1995 - 2015).
Completing the Look
You served with honor. You led with distinction. Don't let a frugal decision you made at 22 years old prevent you from owning the symbol of that leadership today.
Go get the sword. We’ll be here to help you display it with pride.
Browse Our Handcrafted Sword Displays
- The Blades Raised Team
