I've never understood the idea that swords are obsolete. In the mid-90's about 20% of Rwanda's population were killed in organized massacres; the weapon of choice was the machete. There are plenty of parts of the world (and neighborhoods in our part of the world) where bladed weapons of sword-like characteristics are as likely a threat to encounter as anything else.
David Sims
"Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum." - Terry Pratchet
My opinion is, in all likelihood, worth exactly what you are paying for it.