Think about that military sword. Maybe it's yours, earned through the rigors of commissioning and carried as a symbol of your leadership. Maybe it belonged to your father, your mother, or even your great-grandfather – a tangible link to their legacy of service. Where is it right now?
For too many, the answer is predictable: stored away in a dusty case, tucked under a bed, in the back of a closet, or perhaps leaning precariously in a corner. It’s kept "safe," perhaps, but is it truly being honored?
That sword, whether an Officer's sword, a Chief's cutlass, or a service academy saber, is more than just metal. It's a symbol of immense dedication, sacrifice, authority, and tradition. Leaving it hidden away isn't just a missed opportunity; it's almost a disservice to the story it represents.
Your sword belongs on the wall. Here’s why displaying it matters, and how to do it right.
Why Displaying Your Sword is More Than Just Decoration
Honor the Legacy: Whether it's your own career or that of a family member, displaying the sword is a powerful act of respect. It visually acknowledges the commitment and sacrifices inherent in military service.
Spark Meaningful Conversations: A sword on display is a natural and impressive conversation starter. It invites questions and provides an opportunity for you or your loved one to share stories of service, bridging the gap between military experience and civilian life. This is especially important for veterans transitioning to new careers or communities.
Preserve & Share Family History: For heirloom swords, displaying them keeps their story alive. We've had the honor of creating displays for swords carried by multiple generations of the same family – in one incredible case, a single sword served three generations! We crafted three distinct, personalized nameplates to honor each service member, mounting them alongside the sword. This transforms the display into a living family chronicle.
Inspire Future Generations: A mounted sword display isn't just about honoring the past; it's a powerful symbol that can inspire the future. That persistent reminder on the wall keeps service to country in perspective. It can encourage younger family members to consider their own path of service and leadership. Moreover, it will inspire any young American who sees it, making a lasting impression about the value of commitment and duty.
Elevate Your Space: Let's be honest – a properly mounted sword display is a very unique and impressive piece of wall decoration. It instantly adds character, history, and a sense of gravity to an office, study, or living room, changing the entire aesthetic in a way few other items can. It makes a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.
A Symbol Deserves Respect: These aren't mere decorations; they are symbols earned through significant effort and tied to solemn oaths. Displaying them with dignity reflects the respect those symbols inherently command.
The Dangers of Improper Display
Before we talk about the right way, let's address the common mistakes:
Leaning it in a Corner: This is unsafe. Military swords are heavy; if one were to fall, it could cause serious injury, especially to children or pets. Furthermore, leaning it casually doesn't honor the military heirloom.
Generic Wall Hooks: Using simple hardware store hooks might technically hold the sword, but they often provide inadequate support, risk scratching the blade or scabbard, and simply look cheap. It visually diminishes the significance of the sword itself.
Leaving it in the Case (The Default Choice): Under a bed, in a closet – this is the default, "safe keeping" option for most. While it protects the sword, it completely hides its story and significance. Out of sight, out of mind.
The Right Way: A Dedicated Display Built with Respect & Security
A symbol this significant deserves a display solution that is purpose-built, secure, aesthetically pleasing, and respectful. That’s precisely why Blades Raised was founded. Here’s what makes a dedicated display the right choice:
Precision Fit & Unyielding Security: A quality display is designed to securely cradle the sword without putting stress on delicate parts. At Blades Raised, we own examples of every regulation sword to ensure our designs offer a perfect, secure fit for the specific model, whether it's a Mameluke, a service academy saber, or a CPO Cutlass. You can trust it will hold fast.
Quality Craftsmanship: Your sword is made with precision; its display should be too. Handcrafted from quality woods and beautifully finished right here in Pennsylvania, our displays provide a warm, elegant contrast that enhances the sword itself. This is heirloom quality for an heirloom item.
"PCS-Proof" Mounting for a Military Life: Military life means moving. Our displays feature a simple, incredibly sturdy French cleat mounting system. This makes installation easy, ensures the display hangs perfectly level, and crucially, makes it simple to remove and reinstall securely in your next home – perfect for a career on the move or that final retirement relocation.
Personalized Storytelling: A custom-engraved nameplate transforms the display from a holder into a tribute. Adding names, dates, ranks, or meaningful quotes permanently connects the sword to the individual and their specific story of service – or even multiple generations, as we've seen.
Focused Aesthetics: Our designs are intentionally clean and minimalist. The goal is to keep the focus entirely on the sword, letting its history and craftsmanship take center stage.
Taking the Step: From Closet to Centerpiece
Your military sword or heirloom is a piece of history, a symbol of leadership, and a testament to service. Don't let that legacy gather dust in the dark. Give it the place of honor it deserves. Choosing to display it properly doesn't just change the aesthetic of a room; it actively keeps a story alive and inspires others.
Ready to give your heirloom the place of honor it deserves?
Explore Our Universal Sword Display (Fits Most Swords)
Browse All Handcrafted Sword & Saber Displays
Let us help you bring that symbol of service out of the closet and onto the wall, where its story can continue to inspire.
- The Blades Raised Team
