Knife enthusiasts don’t need much of a push to step over the boundary between user and collector. Any number of things could catch the eye — a maker’s name and a good price, or a new approach you haven’t seen before. You get intrigued and add a knife to your assortment. Take a martial arts class, and suddenly you have an urge to acquire weapons — new interests generate new needs.
Most of us collect accidentally, but Collectors do this systematically, acquiring information on the history of both manufacturers and models and searching out either antique bargains or modern good investments. Gauging potential worth is a real art, with some pieces gaining value and some fading out of favor. Considering that baseball cards and comic books now bring hundreds of dollars in spite of an original value of ten cents or less it’s interesting to think about the possible price of today’s limited edition fantasy swords a century from now. Sometimes it’s all about finding the right piece, and sometimes it’s just a matter of holding on to what you have.
Whether you’re interested in the preservation of real history or in owning the swords representing Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings fantasy realm, there’s a blade to match your fancy. The new concepts that constantly flow into the marketplace are a rich source of unique knives and weapons we may not see again. Stuck away in an attic generations after we’re gone, any one of them could be someone’s million dollar find.
Puma has such a reputation for quality and persistent value that some collectors own hundreds. The Puma Wapiti is a fine knife with great potential.
For nostalgic reasons as well as because this is an excellent replica sword in terms of worksmanship consider the Jo Shelby Saber, a piece of nearly forgotten history.
No one has time to learn every weapon in the Shaolin arsenal, so those who train in those arts become collectors of the weapons we don’t know. The combat version of the Shaolin Monk’s Spade is a fine example from that unusual tradition.
Fans of the Gladiator movie starring Russell Crowe will remember and admire this type of sword. Heavy but very efficient, the gladius became one of the main weapons of the Roman Legion's infantry. This Trademark Global Roman Sword recreates the old design in modern hand-forged steel.
This heavy 29-3/4-inch sword wields ...
Scimitars like this CAS Hanwei version made the mounted cavalry of Arabia some of the most feared warriors of their day. Patterned after the Turkish scimitar known as the kilij, this detailed and accurate reproduction only reaches performance quality.
This 38-inch sword includes 31 inches of curved steel cutting edge, shaped but ...
The Demon Guardian offers two weapons in this display version of a uniquel battlefield trident. Leave it in one piece as the trident, or unsheath the hidden lance for dual weapon action.
With cast metal fittings and black aluminum shafts, the Demon Guardian Trident Spear makes a much better collectible ...
The modern Bat'leth simplifies the ornate Sword of Kahless, the legendary Klingon hero who forged the first Bat'leth from a lock of his own hair dipped in lava. Or, if you don't believe in legends, the Bat'leth was created by martial arts expert Dan Curry who designed the Klingon ...
The Double Dragon Evolution Fantasy Sword from General Edge carries an unusual secret, but it's the sword's intricate design that really draws the eye.
This display sword is actually two blades in one. The main sword is 33-1/2 inches long overall and beautifully designed. The high carbon double-edged stainless steel blade ...
Made by United Cutlery, the Confederate States of America Rifle Sword honors the famous rebel General Robert E. Lee. The piece looks like a muzzle-loader rifle from Civil War days, but it's actually a sword cane.
Slip the barrel of the rifle away from the gunstock and you'll ...
The Jin Tachi Oriental Master Sword from General Edge matches some aspects of the traditional Japanese cavalry sword but adds an unusual curved grip. While it's not historically accurate, this unusual sword would look great in any fantasy weapon collection.
Tachi were the longswords of the Japanese military -- some ...
This isn't the full-sized version of the sword swung by Crateros in the film Alexander -- but it's an accurate scaled replica with the quality construction of a good Bowie knife.
Manufactured by Marto of Toledo, Spain, the Dragon Sword of Crateros measures 17-1/4 inches with pinned burlwood handle slabs and ...
One of my favorite Case pocket knives, the Trapper seems just right for the pocket and the hand with a simple shape that fits the palm securely and two practical blades perfect for every situation. Ron Yellowhorse adds Navajo workmanship and symbolism to these Case Trappers, but includes a few with ...
Produced in limited quantities from one to 500, the Yellowhorse Whittler knives from W.R. Case depend upon traditional Navajo craftsmanship as well as proven Case pocket knife design.
The Half-Whittler knives created by Ron Yellowhorse offer the most striking patterns, using such rare materials as slabs cut from fossil mammoth teeth to ...
If you're a fan of the Final Fantasy story, you may recognize the Trademark Nodachi Sword. This hefty weapon was the favorite of the story's main character, Prettz. If you haven't seen the story, VHS may be your only chance to see "The Legend of the Crystals" in the U.S.
Prettz, ...
The Premium Crusader Sword shows realistic features not always found in a display weapon, along with just enough fantasy embellishments to set it apart from the crowd. You'll be able to take this longsword to both re-enactments and fantasy combat events.
There are enough traditional marks on this weapon for an ...
Everything's a little different about the Yellowhorse series of Case collectible knives, but there's enough familiar Case styling in them that you'll find them comfortable instead of just artistic. Using the Case Saddlehorn knife as a basic pattern, David Yellowhorse created many one-of-a-kind knives as well as several limited edition runs.
Each knife ...
On the fringe between total custom work and very limited edition runs, these knives are truly one-of-a-kind but belong to a small family of specially created artworks. If you've seen every knife Case ever made, look again.
The Case Yellowhorse knives with Damascus steel blades use familiar Case knife types as ...
Case's 25th Limited Edition series starts off with a classic favorite, the Texas Toothpick. This time the knife displays unusual crimson jigged bone handle slabs and fancy Limited Edition etching on the blade, but you'll also find the familiar styling and practical features expected of this well-tested design.
The long taper ...
Part of a limited edition of only 500 knives, the commemorative Dale Earnhardt, Jr. gift set from W.R. Case includes a stylized Case Trapper knife and an enameled Zippo lighter from the company which now owns W.R. Case. This collectible gift set will look great on display, but the knife ...
If you're a fan of the hit 2010 movie Clash of the Titans, you'll appreciate the accurate details of this licensed replica of the Perseus Sword carried by Sam Worthington in his role as Perseus, a god reborn as human. Check out cheap knockoffs if you want, but ...
To battle the gods, you must have a god-like weapon like the Perseus "Sword from the Gods" by NECA. This licensed reproduction of the prop sword wielded by Sam Worthington as Perseus in the hit 2010 movie Clash of the Titans matches the original in details and in construction.
The ...
Perfect as a costume accessory at an anime convention, this entirely wooden sword in the style of Rangiku Matsumoto's Haineko blade avoids the complications of real steel in modern public places. Keep the genuine blades at home.
This all-wood reproduction measures 39-1/2 inches overall and sports a silver-painted wooden blade 27 inches ...
Wenger of Switzerland holds the current Guinness World Record for the Most Multifunctional Penknife, and the Wenger 16999 is the reason why. With 85 tools and a total of 141 functions, the Wenger 16999 includes nearly every option ever offered by either Wenger or its sister company, Victorinox. Obviously ...
The M6 isn't part of the Swamp Rat Knife Works current production but is sometimes available in new or used condition as a pre-owned knife. Made from SR101 high carbon steel, the M6 has the superior edge-holding ability of older carbon tool steels and makes up for lower corrosion ...
In the European fighting traditions, the term "sword breaker" referred to a strong parrying dagger with special steel teeth along the blade that caught and twisted the enemy's blade. Disarming the opponent or simply blocking the strike happening more often than actually breaking an attacking blade. In China, ...
United Cutlery sponsors a Fantasy Knife of the Year series designed by former Alaskan hunting guide Gil Hibben, and this Immortal Knife was 2007's featured blade. No longer in production, the knife was limited to only 3,000 pieces. Each knife includes a sheath and a Certificate of Authenticity autographed by ...
The details of this replica Bleach sword should accurately match the personal weapon of the story's main antagonist -- Sousouke Aisen, one-time captain of the 5th Division Soul Reapers and the creator of the Hollows.
The sword called Kyo-ka Suigetsu presents its ordinary form as a katana with a distinctive hexagonal ...
This pristine white katana replicates the Sode no Shirayuki magical weapon borne by Rukia Kuchiki of the Japanese manga Bleach. The physical form of her potent sword is a normal katana with a hilt colored brownish-red, but the shikai or second stage weapon is a lustrous, pure white.
This Rukia ...
The concept is right -- Batman was fond of twin blades. This double-bladed Bat-style sword tries to replicate that tricky idea with a result that's practical only for display but does include some interesting design features.
The two blades ride in an over-the-back black leather scabbard tooled to friction-fit the ...
These Demon Bones Hand Claws would even make Wolverine of the X-Men jealous. Although current Zombie Hand Claw technology hasn't become truly practical for ordinary survivors of zombie-producing plagues, this Skull & Bones-themed punch dagger adds drama to any fantasy weapons collection.
This 17-inch-long Zombie Gear fist claw sprouts three ...
Made in the German knife-making center of Solingen, this stiletto-type pocket knife is functional as well as beautiful. Although it looks like an automatic, it's a slip joint with some interesting extra features.
The blade shape of the 440A high carbon stainless steel gives the Medici the deadly look of a ...
This small, rapier-style side sword lacks the intricate Masonic symbols of most modern Knights Templar blades and may be more in keeping with the older Masonic concept of the sword. The Tiler's sword was originally depicted as a functional blade put to use in guarding the doors of the ...
This Tachi Gunto sword from Handmade Swords combines modern high carbon steel with traditional hand forging and clay tempering techniques. The fully functional and combat ready blade seats in a metal-sheathed scabbard inspired by the dress swords of the modern Japanese military.
Instead of the traditional rayskin-and-cord grip and lacquered ...
Designed by Tommy Hart, one of Case's master cutlers, the Russlock 1953L was first available in 2000 and is one of the popular Many Case designs are currently being considered for the Case "Vault." Beginning in 2008, the Vault program retires selected knife patterns for a period of ...
Model 05170 in the W.R. Case Slimlock series features real mother-of-pearl handle slabs and a BG-42 high carbon stainless steel blade. Be sure to order by model number, since Case manufactures seven different versions of this commemorative knife -- each with different types of handle materials.
Designed to pay tribute to ...
If you're looking for the true Sword of Brom, the quest becomes complicated. Brom, the mysterious old storyteller who befriended the young Dragon Rider Eragon in that epic story, actually carried two.
This sword that might be considered Brom's everyday personal weapon isn't flashy -- the 41-1/2-inch longsword has the subdued ...
The Sword of Durza has an evil and twisted look about it, appropriate for the blade favored by Durza the Shade. A powerful sorcerer who became possessed by the spirits he summoned, Durza becomes one of the most dangerous opponents of the Dragon Rider Eragon.
The 41-1/2-inch Sword of Durza ...
Bud K's Red Dragon Scimitar holds an interesting secret. By itself, the Red Dragon is distinctive and appears lethal -- but in a pinch, this blade can become two fantastic weapons.
The striking, ruddy red, high carbon stainless steel blade of the 33-1/2-inch sword carries the elegant sweep ...
This reproduction of the personal katana of Grimmjow Jeagerjaques, an evolved hollow or demon from the Japanese manga series Bleach, faithfully reproduces the details of the ordinary version of Grimmjow's magical sword. When the sword of this high-ranking member of the Army of Arrancar does transform, it changes Grimmjow as well.
The ...
The Samurai Zabimaru Katana accurately replicates the ordinary form of the magical weapon wielded by Renji Abarai in the popular Japanese manga series Bleach. Though sometimes described as having a red handle, the sword's normal form is actually black-handled as shown here. Only during transformation does the color shift ...
Sold brass fittings accent this fine high carbon steel katana from Handmade Swords. No corners were cut on looks, but the blade is only rated a practical entry-level cutter. Considering the sword's excellent appearance that's hard to believe.
Plum blossom designs dot the lacquered hardwood scabbard of the sword, adding just ...
The Plum Blossom Practical Wakizashi from Handmade Swords is such a nice piece of work that it's hard to believe it's only an entry-level cutter. Even entry level cutters can be great swords when they're done right.
Nothing on this sword looks out of place. Usually when cost cutting measures are ...
Even though this is a smaller version of the William Wallace sword than the more authentic replicas of that famous claymore, the distinctive appearance of this historical reproduction blade gives it character others lack.
Brass fittings and dark leather wrap make all the difference, accenting the polished high carbon stainless ...
When you've purchased a beautiful sword, whether it came from a fantasy realm or a historical background, it's natural to want to try it on. Usually we get as far as picking up the scabbard, because modern clothing isn't equipped for tucking in swords here and there. ...
Built like slim machetes, these Twin Ninja Swords from Trademark Global should be treated with respect. Although they aren't combat quality steel, they're certainly good enough to do harm.
One sheath of strong nylon fabric holds both swords and can be conveniently slung over the back. Unlike some ninja ...
The Resident Evil Double Kukri Set from Trademark does resemble the backup weapons of Alice, the amnesiac bio-weapon who battles the infected zombie hordes and the mysterious Umbrella Corporation in the many Resident Evil video games and movies. Milla Jovovich's martial skills made the knives famous as she ...
Trademark's King of Yue Sword superficially resembles the famous Sword of Goujian but isn't accurate in details. Workmanship more closely resembles modern Chinese movie replica swords.
The 32-1/4-inch-long sword combines a one-piece blade guard, handle, and pommel of cast brass with a broad double-edged high carbon stainless steel blade. ...
Collectors take note: the Trademark Red/Black Ninja Sword could be a real sleeper. Few swords out there have a worse reputation, and that may contribute some genuine historical value.
Marketed originally as a ninja sword "that's a real weapon, not a toy," the ad campaign turned out to be ironically ...
The Linder Racing Red Razolution straight razor from Linder's traditionally styled product line offers a perfect shave for the skilled user. Made from high carbon Solingen steel, the Razolution series follows the guidelines of manufactured razors from the years prior to WWII. With this historical example to work from, ...
Trademark's Premium Handmade katana could be a good blade, but origins are uncertain and the quality of some parts is marginal. It's an interesting display sword and potentially something more, but the testing is up to you.
The full tang katana blade shows a full length hi or blood ...
Trademark's display-quality Original William Wallace Sword has the look and feel of the real thing. The leather scabbard allows carrying the full-sized claymore on the back and makes it usable as a costume piece as well as an interesting collector's sword.
William Wallace -- portrayed recently by Mel Gibson in the ...
The Trademark Legendary Sword's decorations and style represent a fanciful weapon from another time. Intended for display only, the Sword of the King of the Britons includes a polished hardwood wall plaque with brass mounting hardware, but no scabbard.
Pommel and cross-guard, both of solid cast metal, display emblems of ...
The Hanwei Practical Tanto offers the martial artist a dependable cutting weapon designed with the same functional quality as CAS Hanwei's more traditional swords. Substitutions of modern materials for the traditional components lower the cost of the Practical series.
What's most important hasn't changed: blade quality. The hamon or tempering ...
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