had to double-check, thought I was in the Wings forum for a sec..;) most of the swords I see are about 25-35" or longer, depending on type and purpose. Calvary swords are longer, because you're swinging from a horse. Some of the Japanese companion swords (the one you use once you've lost) are a lot shorter. Anime swords are measured in feet; though they probably weight upwards of a hundred pounds in real life, this is anime after all..;) The Greeks had a spatha which was eventually down to 'kitchen-knife' size, the gladius was a bit longer than that, though known as a short sword. Anything longer than about 35" was commonly one-and-a-half or two-handed swords, like the claymore, etc.
(note, all measurements are 'mark 1 eyeball', haven't actually researched it..;) I'm impressed, my Wings knowledge is bumping against the 'how do I move 'a' over so I don't select it when I'm working on 'b'' level. Looks like I have a way to go

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)