Heron-mark sword

From A Wheel of Time Wiki

A heron-mark sword is a rare type of sword. Only men who have complete mastery of the sword are given the privilidge of carrying a heron-mark sword.

Tam al'Thor became a blademaster while serving in the army of Illian. His particular sword's black scabbard displayed a bronze heron. The sword itself was very slightly curved and sharp on only one edge. The hilt was worked with a bronze heron and another was etched into the steel blade itself.

Other heron-mark swords may only contain the heron on the blade, or only on the hilt, or the blade will be straight or otherwise may vary.

Heron-mark swords are rare, but far more important is the prestige attached to them. A heron-marked sword is the symbol of a recognized blademaster.