I suppose the requirements of a 'good' be-heading sword would include a two handed hilt. A 'heavy' blade, carbon steel with a 'v' edge and 'clipped point' The sword's balance would need to be 'top heavy' to aid the downward stroke. Axes were the norm. in Britain's earlier history....and a sword, such as I described above, would have 'axe-like' qualities. The advantage over the axe is the fact that with an axe,the weight is 'concentrated' at one end and it would be easy not to strike cleanly
