OT: list of swords or yeah right, a guy who's barely played any RPG is gonna make one

[Puke]

look for weapons lists from fantasy role playing games. I remember an extensive list of weapons from AD&D second eddition players option book. other games will have similar things, and they will include weights.

of course, functions are an entirely different matter. Japanese swords are very different from western ones, even though the length and weight and single cutting edge of a sabre might be comparable to a katana, the shape and metalurgy make them entirely different animals. there are major distinctions in geometry, ethnicity, and function, that just dont show up with length and weight.

rapiers are devastating, but you would not want to issue them to the infantry. cavalry men need a heavier blade than a footman. a thrusting point can better defeat some kinds of armor, and a crushing edge (most european swords didnt really cut, as much as crush over a narrow surface area) is better against others.

and that does not even touch on pole weapons or blunt weapons.

All told, I think I'd prefer to be shot in a modern conflict, than hacked up in a medieval one.