Woah, awesome idea :)

I took no offense spellcaster, I very rarely take offense to anyone online. I was merely stating you could have worded it in a nicer way. In truth, you just reiterated what I already wrote, but in a more demeaning way.

Unbalanced, there is a problem with your idea that no one has brought up. If you decide that the sword is an ethereal item SEPARATE from your body, you risk it turning into a familiar and gaining individuality. I have never actually experienced this, but I take great care to ensure that this sort of thing doesn't happen with my wand (I know it's a little paranoid, but I still worry). Whenever you just put your energy into something, you need to be careful. I would recommend "keeping" the sword with you whenever possible. The sword should be an extension of your essence, not something that you just charge up and leave.