The sword is given to commissioned officers. Don't have to pay for it.
It used to be engraved, but now it's just got some real poor quality printing of your name. This fades off after a while.
FYI The ceremonial sword also used to be made of silver. At least my father's sword was, cos when it rusted it turned green from oxidisation. It's heavier and better made all round. Those were the kind of swords you can be proud of.
My sword is merely plated and the plating is flaking off after 7 years. The quality of the blade has decreased over the years and it can't even cut a cake properly. The gold plating on the hilt is starting to go too even though it's been kept in a cupboard since commissioning. The newer ones are good for roasting big marshmallows though. SAF trying to stinge nowadays i guess. Don't play with your sword in front of SAF personnel until you ORD though. Once you get your pink IC back, you can do whatever you want.
