Kids' creativity, as measured by the most recent Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking scores, has been sliding since 1990, most noticeably among our younger students. Reduced music and arts education is cited as a key factor.
I like to use the 'demolition grade' blades. They ll cut wood, metal, plaster, wire, or pretty much anything you d care to throw at them. They're made from decent carbon steel that will take and hold an edge rather well. When bought in packs of a dozen, they can be had for about a buck each.
To make a sword, the smith twisted and hammered iron rods until he had made a gleaming, sharp-edged blade. A good sword would not snap in battle. Viking smiths also made iron nails, rivets to hold a ship together, spurs for horse-riding, locks and keys, arrowheads and belt buckles.