For best performance, store them as you would a steel sword when your equipment is not in use: in a cool, dry environment and resting flat or hanging by the crossguard. Heat, humidity, and resting a weight ontop can all cause the blade to bend and take an undesired set. Treat it well, and this tool will serve you for years with almost no maintenance.The Purpleheart Type III synthetic longsword was designed for use inthe study and training of approximately late 14th century to early16th century two-handed longsword fencing. Examples include Fiore deiLiberi, Sigmund Ringeck, and Joachim Meyer.