A few years back I worked in the security industry, we had it rammed home to us on several occassions, that a bladed weapon is very effective, and distances can be closed quite rapidly...Faster than you can draw a gun in many cases.
I have a very large collection of bladed things myself. Insofar as swords go, I prefer my paired Rapiers when there is room to move, and for limited room, I also have a Cutlass (but a machete would do the same thing). Other swords in my collection include a two handed Broadsword and a Ninjato. I did years of martial arts of various forms, including Italian and Spanish fencing (sword training).
For home defence, however, I think the original inhabitants of this country were onto something with a weapon called a 'Nulla Nulla'. I have one that lives beside the bed. Then again, so do the swords, Buckler (small shield) and most of the other bladeware...


Mick