[Regia-NA] Qualifying a sword

[Wulfhere se Treowryhta]

What is the process for qualifying a sword for combat? Is there some 
standard tests for blade durability or perhaps a specified steel? I'm 
thinking that nickel alloy carbon steel used for saw blades would be 
fantastic in the right thickness. Very stiff but it will bend before 
breaking.


   I sincerely don't want to "pick anyones pocket" but for those of us 
in the states, getting good practice/combat blades is a frightfully 
expensive process. I have a close friend who owns his own machine shop 
and my company has a 2200watt CO2 laser that can cut steel up to 1/2" 
thick with very little disruption to the metal structure. I priced M2, 
which is one of the more expensive alloys I have seen, and it's still 
less than $50 for a blade.

   Any help, greatly appreciated.