One great thing about a sword is that it makes a nice piece of home decoration. You don't have to keep it locked up, it can be right on the wall where you can grab it if someone kicks down the door. For people who don't want or can't have a gun readily accessable, a sword is better than nothing. You can find one to fit in with about any cultural or historical heritage you may want to display. Samurai swords, military or ceremonial are all available. Big trick is to avoid cheaply made junk. Budget for a nice one and you will have a family heirloom. Maybe even buy a real antique in servicable condition.
A couple of years ago I read a book about the Japanese Yakuza (organized criminal syndicates). There were some interesting old men interviewed in the book. It seems that right after WWII, there were a ton of guns and swords available, no matter how hard McArthur tried to disarm them. One old gangster said something to the effect that the perception when facing a man with a gun is that if he shoots you, it's over. He acknowledged it's not true, but it's what went through his mind. Facing a man who has a sword, he sais, puts a primal fear into you because you don't think you will meat a fast end, you know you will just bleed and bleed. End result is people are more inclined to run from a sword where they may make a go for grabbing the gun. Just his anecdotes, I don't know if I buy it, but that's food for thought.
If you want a nice sword, by all means grab the 1917 reproduction or a nice Katana. I think for overall 'practical' big blade ownership the machette is the way to go. They are widely used all over the world as weapons and as tools. That way, even if you never need it as a weapon, you can still use it to clear brush. Way more likely to clear brush than you are to need a sword.
The humble hatchet is another must have item. One of the most needed outdoor tools. Weapon potential is obvious.
