If you need a prop for a sci-fi con that will pass inspection by Security, this will do fine. If you want something to duel with, look for a training sword. This is stiff enough to hang on a belt, and that's all I needed when I bought this for my Ser Jorah Mormont ("Game of Thrones") costume. Some people have complained about paint flaking on the grip  and mine had the same issue. My solution was to wrap the grip with athletic tape and paint the tape with flat latex paint. Problem solved, and it feels better in my hand now that it has some texture on the grip.  The hilt is shorter than it should be, and so is the grip. It fits in my adult hand more like a one-handed sword than a bastard or broad sword, but for a generic mediaeval sword, it works.  See pics for comparison, and to see the massive box it came in.