> You can't design a sword that can be used safely by the untrained. No weapon can be
This is a really weird argument, since weapons are used in combat, which is not 'safe' by definition.
But if you do want a weapon that the untrained can use without much chance of hurting themselves, look to a spear. It was the go-to weapon for untrained militias from the time history began up to gunpowder taking over - and even then, bayonets are stuck on rifles to turn them into spears.
A counter that applies to almost every comparison the opposition brings up. Further, swords don't have an easy solution to stop problems that fits in a comment or two in this same thread. ;)
This is a really weird argument, since weapons are used in combat, which is not 'safe' by definition.
But if you do want a weapon that the untrained can use without much chance of hurting themselves, look to a spear. It was the go-to weapon for untrained militias from the time history began up to gunpowder taking over - and even then, bayonets are stuck on rifles to turn them into spears.