Been collecting since Middle School.
Started with the cheaply made, way over priced, rat-tail garbage ([a href="http://www.kitrae.net/fantasy/sota_new.html" target="new"]kit rae[/a] swords, etc.) because I was a stupid kid who didn't know any better, and they look cool.
In High School I started learning about types of steel and construction techniques. I started shopping around for good western swords but good deals were very hard to find. Once I finally got internet at my house though and was exposed to the vast quantity of sellers about there with really good stuff and low prices my collection exploded, as I saved up money.
I have a few Cold Steel Swords I got as close-outs, design changes I find retarded on their warrior series and dragonfly series made the pre '08 swords 1/4 to 1/5 the MSRP. I paid $200 for my [a href="http://www.coldsteel.com/dragonflysword.html" target="new"]Dragonfly Wakazashi[/a], my favorite, was over $700 MSRP.
I just recently got a United Black [a href="http://www.trueswords.com/united-black-damascus-golden-kogane-tachi-samurai-sword-p-5152.html" target="new"]tachi[/a] and while it's anything other than traditional it is well made.
I collect more than just swords, I also have axes, and knifes of all shapes and sizes. I'm at about 12 swords, 5 actually functional high carbon battle-ready; and around 50 knives, none of my knives are 440 Stainless (my kitchen knifes are even 1050).