What is the best?

by Marshall
(Concordia, Kansas USA)

Paul,

First of all thanks for putting up this great site. Lots of great info.

You have lots of practical hands on experience cutting with many different styles of swords from many different eras and cultures. This experience qualifies you as an expert of sorts.
I'm just curious what your comments are in general about how all these different types of swords compare/contrast as weapons. Does anyone type of sword stand out to you as a better weapon? More lethal? Are some of them better at some things? What is the best combat sword of all time, in your opinion? Are the more modern swords better weapons, more deadly? Or are some of the old designs just as good? How do western medival swords compare to the eastern ones? Which is better?

Thanks,

Marshall