My sword is a samurai sword made the old fashioned way.
It is razor sharp and is used with extreme care.
I just don't understand the practicality of the heavy medieval sword. The samurai sword is much faster to use and is most likely the superior weapon.
That heavy sword slowly evolved into the faster, thinner rapiers that were good only as a thrusting weapon. It was firearms that finally replaced the swords. The History Channel has a show on Axes, Swords, and Knives where the techniques on using the heavy blades like that are demonstrated. I have actually met the man demonstrating the techniques, and read his textbook. He teached classes in Western (sword) martial arts in Houston. I feel that a Samauri sword and style is better, but there is a lot that can be done with that broadsword by a master that you will never see watching theatrical western swordfighting.
The practicality of the broadsword was that in battle, it was just as desirable to break a bone as it was to slice thine enemy to bits. There very often wasn't time to swing a lighter weapon accurately. One shot needed to be effective no matter where it hit.
As steel making improved and edged weapons got stronger and better able to hold an edge, they got smaller and lighter.
Still...I agree with you...nothing compares to a tachi forged in Japan in the 15th century.