not fancy, but solid, and with a nice balance. since it's viking-style, it could have been shorter, and had a shorter grip, but I know the market does not like short gripped swords in general, so i am not mad about it. I am just a nerd. over all, it is sparring safe, fast, and better than i'd hoped for the money. and good deal, 100%. as always, I got it fast, and with top notch service.