Only Knives » Collecting http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:44:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Lord of the Rings Isildur Sword w/ Plaque | LOTR Replica Collectors Fantasy Longsword by United Cutleryhttp://www.onlyknives.com/lord-of-the-rings-isildur-sword-w-plaque-lotr-replica-collectors-fantasy-longsword-by-united-cutlery/ http://www.onlyknives.com/lord-of-the-rings-isildur-sword-w-plaque-lotr-replica-collectors-fantasy-longsword-by-united-cutlery/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:40:22 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9976 Lord of the Rings Isildur Sword w/One of the many legendary and often magical weapons from the Lord of the Rings saga, the Sword of Isildur would make an excellent display piece for the fantasy weapon collector. Less ornate than many LOTR blades, the Sword of Isildur looks like it was built for combat.

United Cutlery produced this 47-1/2-inch longsword and built the weapon with display standards in mind. Quality materials include cast metal pommel and handguard and a grip wrapped with woven leather. The blade itself has the weight of a battlesword but is made from a lower grade of 420 high carbon stainless steel. A blood groove runs down the spine of the blade. Decoration is limited to a simple etching on the base of the blade and a "one tree" symbol cast in the pommel.

Because this is a rat tail tang sword, that blade puts considerable stress on the handle. Trying out the sword on a real target could damage this display quality weapon. United provides a lacquered hardwood wall plaque for display of the Sword of Isildur.

Practical issues aren't unusual with reproductions of magical weapons, and in this case, the technical barriers are more than magical. The sword is too heavy for its light construction and too large for a normal person to grip and swing. Isildur, the wielder of the sword, was no ordinary person. Tolkien described him as seven feet tall and of massive stature. The Sword of Isildur from United Cutlery gets the look right.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/lord-of-the-rings-isildur-sword-w-plaque-lotr-replica-collectors-fantasy-longsword-by-united-cutlery/feed/ 0 Highlander Duncan MacLeod Katana w/ Concealed Scabbard | United Cutlery Scottish Sword Replica w/ Ivory Handlehttp://www.onlyknives.com/highlander-duncan-macleod-katana-w-concealed-scabbard-united-cutlery-scottish-sword-replica-w-ivory-handle/ http://www.onlyknives.com/highlander-duncan-macleod-katana-w-concealed-scabbard-united-cutlery-scottish-sword-replica-w-ivory-handle/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:30:05 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9973 Highlander Duncan MacLeod Katana w/United Cutlery's licensed replica of Duncan MacLeod's katana from the Highlander saga exceeds what you'd expect in a display weapon. Made of hand forged high carbon steel, this comes very close to the quality of entry-level cutting katanas.

Although not as rugged as a sword truly designed for tamashigiri, this replica of the katana used by the famous Scottish immortal warrior compensates with accurate details taken from the actual prop specifications. In the movie, Duncan acquired the katana from his samurai teacher. Ordered to commit ritual suicide because of passing on his swordsmanship skills to a foreigner, Hideo Koto requested that Duncan behead him with his own sword, which Duncan then inherited.

This replica does have the feel of a sword which could do much more than decorate a wall. Forty inches long with a 27-inch blade, the sword is hand-forged and tempered 1045 high carbon steel. That's one of the same grades used for good wushu kung fu blades, able to strike and rebound without being damaged. Although it isn't as tough as a combat quality blade, it could survive light cutting practice unharmed. Since 1045 isn't stainless, some regular maintenance and cleaning with light oil will be necessary to keep the blade spotless. The sword's tsuba and handle are less durable than the blade. To mimic the qualities of carved ivory, United Cutlery cast the ornate dragon head grip from resin. The resemblance to the real material is good.

The katana includes a scabbard similar to the one Duncan used for concealing the weapon beneath an overcoat. Made of leather and imitation leather, the quality isn't as good as the details of the sword, but the carrying system does work.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/highlander-duncan-macleod-katana-w-concealed-scabbard-united-cutlery-scottish-sword-replica-w-ivory-handle/feed/ 0 SOG Tomcat Knife 3.0, Carbon Fiber S95CF-N | Collectible Knife Of The Year Award Limited Editionhttp://www.onlyknives.com/sog-tomcat-knife-3-0-carbon-fiber-s95cf-n-collectible-knife-of-the-year-award-limited-edition/ http://www.onlyknives.com/sog-tomcat-knife-3-0-carbon-fiber-s95cf-n-collectible-knife-of-the-year-award-limited-edition/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:46:42 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9955 SOG Tomcat Knife 3.0, Carbon FiberSOG's Tomcat -- the company's first folding knife -- won Knife of the Year in 1988, with innovations that set the bar for large lockbacks. This updated model called the Tomcat 3.0 Carbon Fiber is a limited edition of 450 knives with the same improved features included in the new production model plus high-tech carbon fiber handle slabs.

The Tomcat 3.0 is heavily built for a pocket folder with a large stainless steel bolster and strong stainless steel liners. The strength is the Tomcat's best feature, with higher quality components extending throughout the build. A 3.75-inch VG-10 blade forged in Seki City, Japan and hardened to Rockwell 59 to 60 gives the knife a totally functional clip point shape.

The blade opens with either hand using the left and right thumb studs at the blade's base. The opening system includes some of the best safety features available. This isn't the usual linerlock knife depending on a thin sheet of carbon steel to lock the blade open. SOG's Arc-lock locks the blade both open and closed with a tempered steel rod. Shift the lock to either end of the lever's slot to change the Arc-lock's function. In independent lab tests, this bar-lock supported over 1,000 pounds of force. Few of us will exceed that when using the knife. The knife self-adjusts as the action wears, so with normal maintenance, you can expect the SOG Tomcat 3.0 to perform as well next year as it does today.

Either version of the 3.0 weighs only 6.5 ounces, but that's still a lot of weight to carry loose in the pocket. The Tomcat 3.0 should be handier carried in its black nylon belt pouch.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/sog-tomcat-knife-3-0-carbon-fiber-s95cf-n-collectible-knife-of-the-year-award-limited-edition/feed/ 0 Black Dragon Fantasy Spear for Display | High Carbon Stainless Steel Black Bladehttp://www.onlyknives.com/black-dragon-fantasy-spear-for-display-high-carbon-stainless-steel-black-blade/ http://www.onlyknives.com/black-dragon-fantasy-spear-for-display-high-carbon-stainless-steel-black-blade/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:27:58 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9970 Black Dragon Fantasy Spear for Display Slightly over six feet long, this fantasy weapon doesn't exactly match traditional patterns -- but if your traditions include comic books and anime, you'll find the Black Dragon Spear familiar.

The black steel spearhead catches the eye immediately and includes some extra cutting edges that hint at old halberd designs, combining the chopping blades of a light battleaxe with the piercing point of the spear. The shape is obviously stamped, not forged, and that does detract a little from the look of the 13-3/4-inch high carbon stainless steel spearhead. Edges are ground accurately and enough fine detail is included that the result is a balanced and symmetrical design that looks like it might actually transfer to a combat model.

The two-piece shaft limits what testing owners might do. The two parts of the black aluminum shaft fit together by threading onto a cast metal insert. Although it looks good when properly aligned, the aluminum threads could strip if over-tightened or cross-threaded, so be careful when putting the spear together for display. The spiked pommel and the spear head itself should fit permanently into the halves of the shaft, but neither fitting was made for rough use.

Apart from the shape of the weapon, there's little decoration on this spear except for the cast metal dragon emblem bonded to the throat of the shaft. The spear seems quite realistic if you've spent much time in the virtual worlds of gaming and will make a nice addition to your collector's wall.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/black-dragon-fantasy-spear-for-display-high-carbon-stainless-steel-black-blade/feed/ 0 Bud K Celtic Spear w/ Clyde Caldwell Art Print | Fantasy Savage Pole Weapon Collectiblehttp://www.onlyknives.com/bud-k-celtic-spear-w-clyde-caldwell-art-print-fantasy-savage-pole-weapon-collectible/ http://www.onlyknives.com/bud-k-celtic-spear-w-clyde-caldwell-art-print-fantasy-savage-pole-weapon-collectible/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:18:17 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9967 Bud K Celtic Spear w/ Clyde CaldwellDefinitely a nice display piece for those interested in fantasy weaponry, the Savage Celtic Spear from Bud K. appears too advanced to be truly savage. The worksmanship is artistic, not crude nor functional.

Pole arms must be one of the most difficult of the old weapons to duplicate well today -- or at least to ship economically. A single shaft of straight-grained hardwood still ranks as the best handle material for quality long arms. This replica with black aluminum shaft and decorative Celtic cross-shaped spearhead must disassemble for shipping. That's the primary weak point -- any other weak points pale compared to it.

Re-assembled with a cast metal spacer threaded in the joint, the shaft of this six-foot spear is sturdy if you can resist testing it much. For display or for more ceremonial uses, the spear is well made and has an authentic look -- at least in New Age Celtic terms. The spearhead resembles Celtic weapons from gaming history more than any counterpart from old Europe. No one skimped on steel in this spearhead of 440 stainless steel. Cut from one plate of high carbon alloy, the blade reaches 15 inches in length with a strong tang reinforced by cast metal ornamental fittings. Central to the design is the Celtic cross medallion fastened to the hub of the main blade and two smaller axe-blade wings. The lower end of the spear's shaft holds a cast metal spiked pommel.

An 18-inch by 24-inch collectible art print by fantasy artist Clyde Caldwell is included with the Savage Celtic Spear and shows the weapon in the hand of a savage warrior princess.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/bud-k-celtic-spear-w-clyde-caldwell-art-print-fantasy-savage-pole-weapon-collectible/feed/ 0 British Military Commando Knife, WWII Collectible | Forged Fairbairn Sykes Dagger Replicahttp://www.onlyknives.com/british-military-commando-knife-wwii-collectible-forged-fairbairn-sykes-dagger-replica/ http://www.onlyknives.com/british-military-commando-knife-wwii-collectible-forged-fairbairn-sykes-dagger-replica/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:16:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9949 British Military Commando Knife, WWIIDesigned by William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes just prior to WWII, the Fairbairn-Sykes combat dagger was first produced for the British Army in 1940. Built to the specifications of these two veterans of the Shanghai Municipal Police, the dagger design first produced by Wilkinson Sword became the most popular Allied commando knife of WWII. Many other companies produced their own versions such as this replica forged in Sheffield, England.

The Fairbairn-Sykes dagger evolved through several patterns, but changes included only minor refinements. The ricasso, or unsharpened section at the base of the blade, was replaced by sharpened diamond-cross-section blade all the way to the cross guard. Blade length varied, and this 11-3/4-inch model with 7-inch blade is a little shorter than some. The WWII version allowed penetration of three inches of heavy clothing and several inches of body beyond that, using the Soviet Army Greatcoat as a target standard. Although Fairbairn went on to design a second type of combat dagger, many professionals preferred this first design. The older version of the commando dagger saw continued use by many military forces long after WWII ended.

This Parkerized dagger of high carbon steel uses a ridged metal handle over a rat-tail tang, held fast by an end bolster peened solidly in place. The non-reflective black coating extends to all parts of the knife, including the stainless steel blade guard. You'll appreciate the sleek black leather belt sheath almost as much as the knife.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/british-military-commando-knife-wwii-collectible-forged-fairbairn-sykes-dagger-replica/feed/ 0 Musashi Koga Ninja Katana | Full Tang Black Carbon Steel Tanto Sword w/ Stand & Boxhttp://www.onlyknives.com/musashi-koga-ninja-katana-full-tang-black-carbon-steel-tanto-sword-w-stand-box/ http://www.onlyknives.com/musashi-koga-ninja-katana-full-tang-black-carbon-steel-tanto-sword-w-stand-box/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:04:50 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9964 Musashi Koga Ninja Katana The Musashi Koga Ninja Katana Sword comes with plenty of interesting extra features. Some lend the weapon a little of the technical mystique that gave the ninjas their unusual reputation. The full tang sword is strongly built but lacks some of the refinements of combat quality weapons.

The simpler blade construction holds back the potential of the 40-3/4-inch Musashi Ninja Katana. The 27-inch straight katana blade with tanto point is good carbon steel, not stainless, and hand tempered. With no hi or blood groove, the movement of the sword is quiet. The katana's non-reflective black coating adds to its stealthy quality. Double pegs in the hardwood handle could be removed if repairs were needed. The ito is functional but not authentic, using black nylon as the woven grip.

Other fittings like the square tsuba of heavy copper come closer to traditional construction. The overall effect is good and maybe just a little too polished -- reflection from the lacquered black wooden scabbard might be a telltale clue from the shadows. Just how functional the snorkel tube in the scabbard may be is something to be tested carefully. Underwater sabotage efforts might ruin some parts of this interesting sword set. As a display sword, the weapon's fate is secure since it comes with a simple black wooden display stand and a lacquered storage box. Using it for cutting practice could get mixed results, but the Musashi Koga Ninja Katana is certainly not a cheap toy. This katana should be sharp right out of the box, and with some careful touch-up will only get better.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/musashi-koga-ninja-katana-full-tang-black-carbon-steel-tanto-sword-w-stand-box/feed/ 0 Fantasy Bleach Izuru Kira Sword, Hook Blade | Japanese Anime Wabisuke Zanpakuto w/ Display Plaquehttp://www.onlyknives.com/fantasy-bleach-izuru-kira-sword-hook-blade-japanese-anime-wabisuke-zanpakuto-w-display-plaque/ http://www.onlyknives.com/fantasy-bleach-izuru-kira-sword-hook-blade-japanese-anime-wabisuke-zanpakuto-w-display-plaque/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:57:41 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9961 Fantasy Bleach Izuru Kira Sword, HookThe strange sword you see here is the magical counterpart or zanpakuto of the merely physical sword called Wabisuke. In the popular manga Bleach, this unusual weapon is wielded by Izuru Kira, one of the more popular characters in the series.

Growing up in the world just beyond this one, Izuru Kira occasionally came to the world of the living for training but has spent much of the Bleach saga as a lieutenant of the Gotei 13, a high faction of the Soul Reapers. As do the other characters in the Japanese anime series, Izuru Kira wields a sword which has two common forms and a third which most of the Soul Reapers warriors have not yet mastered. The first common form of Wabisuke -- the Pentitent One -- resembles a simple katana, but when activated by the shikai command, the weapon transforms.

This reproduction of the zanpakuto form of Wabisuke stays close to the details of the anime weapon. The sword's overall length of 36.5 inches does not include the hook of the blade. The feeling of the weapon is heavy and unbalanced. High carbon 440 stainless steel forms blade and tang, and the sword grip or ito is woven black nylon cord. In keeping with the details of the weapon in Bleach, the outer edge of the blade is unsharpened. Oddly enough, the edge of the blade lies within the hook.

Izuru's swordsmanship skills are excellent, and he has no qualms about applying his Wabisuke's special powers. On each strike, the sword of his opponent doubles in weight. After a few of those blows, the weight of the enemy weapon brings the opponent to his knees. Hooking the blade of Wabisuke around the neck of his foe ends the contest.

This replica is too unbalanced for safe use and should stay on the lacquered wooden wall plaque that accompanies the sword.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/fantasy-bleach-izuru-kira-sword-hook-blade-japanese-anime-wabisuke-zanpakuto-w-display-plaque/feed/ 0 Assassin’s Creed II Altair Sword Replica | Majestic Medieval Fantasy Sword w/ Engraved Hardwood Handle, Leather Sheathhttp://www.onlyknives.com/assassins-creed-ii-altair-sword-replica-majestic-medieval-fantasy-sword-w-engraved-hardwood-handle-leather-sheath/ http://www.onlyknives.com/assassins-creed-ii-altair-sword-replica-majestic-medieval-fantasy-sword-w-engraved-hardwood-handle-leather-sheath/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:54:00 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9958 Assassin's Creed II Altair SwordThe virtual assassins among us will appreciate this straightforward battle sword. Visually, this display-quality weapon is a good match for the best weapon in Assassin's Creed II.

Carried by the assassin hero Altair as the game begins, Altair soon loses the rights to this high-level weapon as a result of breaking the tenets of his order. Much of the later story involves his efforts to regain his former status and the best sword ever to grace a Persian assassin's fighting hand. The sword only becomes available to Altair the master assassin after he rebuilds a suffering blacksmith's ravaged shop in the latter part of Assassin's Creed II.

Shorter than many weapons in the game, the Altair sword is only 31 inches long with a blade length of 24 3/4 inches. Ground with a diamond cross-section, the blade shows a short ricasso or section of unsharpened steel at the blade's base. That's not an error -- this stronger portion of steel often took the force of a blocked blow and is true to the design of the game's ancient weapon. Cast metal forms the winged skull handguard and the claw-shaped pommel, with a grip of polished hardwood decorated with symbols of the order.

Although it's an accurate reproduction of the Altair sword, the Assassin's Creed Altair Sword is not ruggedly made. The 440 high carbon stainless steel could be damaged by target cutting, and some of the decorative work is fragile. The soft-sided leather sheath is nicely made, but be careful not to damage it when sheathing the sword.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/assassins-creed-ii-altair-sword-replica-majestic-medieval-fantasy-sword-w-engraved-hardwood-handle-leather-sheath/feed/ 0 Empire Wheel Samurai Sword, Battle Ready 239 | Japanese Masahiro Katana, Fully Handmade w/ Scabbardhttp://www.onlyknives.com/empire-wheel-samurai-sword-battle-ready-239-japanese-masahiro-katana-fully-handmade-w-scabbard/ http://www.onlyknives.com/empire-wheel-samurai-sword-battle-ready-239-japanese-masahiro-katana-fully-handmade-w-scabbard/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:37:28 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9841 Empire Wheel Samurai Sword, BattleThe Masahiro Empire Wheel Samurai katana goes well past display quality, giving collectors and recreational users a beautiful weapon capable of tamashigiri, or functional cutting practice. The details of this starter level sword from Fully Handmade will impress blade lovers.

Fully Handmade does produce traditional hand-forged blades using the old and very complex Japanese method of layering and folding different types of steel into one multi-talented blade. The model #239 is not one of those, having been built with a much simple and more modern forging process. The full tang sword blade of high carbon steel -- not stainless steel -- does undergo considerable hand polishing and hand sharpening, but is forged from one bar of single layer stock. The blade does have a long hi or blood groove on each side and is also fully tempered, but the hamon is hand polished and doesn't represent the actual tempering process.

This is still a good cutting katana, built with pride and attention to detail. Traditional materials include genuine rayskin laid over the hardwood handle and wrapped with a black ito grip of Japanese cotton. The signature of the swordsmith who made this katana will be found etched on the blade. Other decorative touches are very simple and strong enough to be functional -- the brass tsuba's multi-spoked Empire Wheel motif lends some flair to the sword's look but still provides strength.

At 2-1/2 pounds without the sheath, this 42-1/2-inch katana is both fast and well-balanced. Kept sharp and swung accurately, it will give satisfying action on tatami mat targets and other traditional training tools. Storage box, maintenance kit, carrying bag, and wooden display rack all come with the sword.

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