How did knights feel about their sword in the Middle Ages?

The sword for each knight was not just an item of weaponry, but also a personal symbol, which was used more to show belonging to the order and attitude to the post of chivalry than as a weapon: the alloys used in forging swords were not strong enough to withstand although would be a few fierce battles. Nevertheless, each knight considered it his duty to take care of his sword, polish it on his own and not allow outsiders, even squires, to take care of it.