This heavy 29-3/4-inch sword wields a wide, double-edged blade 19-1/2 inches long and 3/32 inches thick. A rat-tail tang extends completely through the turned wooden grip and ends in a threaded pommel of cast brass. Brass also plates the front face of the wooden bladeguard. Made from high carbon steel, the blade shows some signs of genuine hand workmanship. Expect some asymmetry and other small imperfections.

The sheath is hardwood with a leather cover and fittings of brass plate. Rings on the sheath hardware allow suspension from a belt or display on the wall. This sword recreates one of the shortest styles of the Roman gladius, called the Pompeii. Original Pompeii swords were about two inches wide with blades about 20 inches long and an overall maximum length of 25-1/2 inches. Some Pompeii swords were a few inches shorter and weighed about 1-1/2 pounds. Over the years, better metal and improved forging techniques allowed smiths to increase the length of the gladius without decreasing blade strength. Longer swords which kept the parallel edges and triangular point of the Pompeii pattern became known as semi-spatha.

See the Valiant Armory Praetorian Sword -- a different but still authentic ancient Roman sword -- for another hand-forged modern version of the gladius.

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Authentic Hand Forged Roman Sword Real Brass Sheath US $49.99   Auction Ends: 28d 22h 3m

Authentic Reproduction Hand Forged Roman Sword Real Brass Sheath NEW US $85.00   Auction Ends: 4d 12h 13m

This 38-inch sword includes 31 inches of curved steel cutting edge, shaped but not sharpened to allow safer use in dance. The forward-weighted blade shows a short blood groove and a dagger style upswept point. This light sword was swung from horseback in a slashing attack. The hardwood grip surrounds a strong rattail tang and sits solidly between a cast brass cross-guard and a traditionally styled cast brass hawksbill pommel. With high quality materials and historically correct details, the CAS Hanwei scimitar also makes an excellent sword for the collector of ancient weapons.

The kilij was just one of many different types of scimitars used in the Middle East. A false edge or yelman on the upper edge of the flared point increased its cutting ability, and the moderate curve of the blade made thrusts possible but more awkward than with a straighter blade. Other types of Arabian scimitars were formed with even more curve than the kilij. Late in the 18th century, the kilij evolved into a stiffer form with even less curve and a reinforced spine. Turkish styles of scimitars called mameluks became popular in Europe as well as the Middle East. One mameluke -- awarded to Marine First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon in recognition of his heroism during the Battle of Tripoli Harbor -- inspired the sword which is still part of the Marine dress uniform.

For a combat quality scimitar, see the Cold Steel Shamshir Ottoman Sword.

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SCIMITAR SWORD by HANWEI SH2354 NEW US $109.95   Auction Ends: 27d 23h 41m

CAS HANWEI SCIMITAR SH2354 US $106.57   Auction Ends: 25d 11h 59m

With cast metal fittings and black aluminum shafts, the Demon Guardian Trident Spear makes a much better collectible than martial arts weapon. Long weapons are one of the most difficult ancient styles to recreate properly. This one solves the modern problem of limits on shipping length by building the shaft in two pieces which fit snugly together. Instead of simply joining the shaft, the makers put the junction to use. The top section becomes the sheath for a 22-1/2-inch-long lance blade of polished high carbon stainless steel. In the trident form with both sections fitted together, the sheathed blade provides some extra support for the shaft as well.

On display, the trident looks most impressive as a single long weapon. Three tines cut from 420 high carbon stainless steel display beveled cutting edges and double barbs. A cast metal fitting joins the one-piece steel blade to the shaft and provides some appropriate decoration with a grinning bat-winged skull design. Total length of the trident from central point to cast metal pommel is 60-3/4 inches.

Tridents probably began as fishing spears designed to increase the chances of skewering a fast fish and built to hold anything the barbs pierced. In China, many old battlefield weapons also took inspiration from common farm tools like pitchforks. That made the transition from peasant to soldier less difficult, since the same basic movements could apply to either trade. Sometimes called Tiger Forks, the military trident aided travelers by preventing attacking beasts from getting close enough to do damage.

See the Tiger Fork Trident Spear for a martial arts training version of the Chinese military trident.

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5 Pronged Barbed Antique Trident Fish Spear Fishing Tool Prong US $9.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 17h 17m

LEGO Gold Trident Spear Minifigure Weapon NEW US $1.00   Auction Ends: 22d 4h 39m

For either reality, this massive four-foot-long blade of high carbon stainless steel definitely satisfies the Klingon craving for sharp steel. Three padded and leather-wrapped hand grips allow a bewildering array of stances and applications. Loosely based upon old Asian weapons like the deer antler knives of hsing yi, the bat'leth could become the basis of a real martial art. Don't regard this one as a toy.

According to the Klingon Imperial Weapons Guild, the four principles embodied by this bat'leth and other traditional Klingon weapons are simplicity, strength, power, and danger. The one-piece steel construction certainly provides simplicity and strength, and the weapon's tricky balance and multiple points add genuine danger even if you're just trying to get the feel of this unusual sword. It's probably wise to hold back on the power.

For costume applications or display, this Bat'leth shows accurate design and details, although at 48 inches from point to point, it's larger than the average Klingon swords -- which are individually fitted and usually measure about 39 inches across. Some fans of the Star Trek saga prefer titanium for faster action and lighter weight, but this more affordable high carbon stainless steel version feels even more lethal.

See the Deer Antler Knives for an inexpensive training version of the weapon which probably really did inspire the Klingon Bat'leth.

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COSTUME KLINGON COMMANDER SWORD BATLETH BRASS RING COAT OF ARMS STAR TREK WORF US $9.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 4d 2h 24m

Star Trek Klingon Batleth 48 Battle Axe Wooden Stand US $52.00   Auction Ends: 8d 15h 7m

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 has a sculpted shape with a central fullered blood groove and an ornamental ricasso forward of the hilt. In combat swords, the ricasso provided an extra handhold for faster action in close fighting, and also parried an enemy's strike. The Double Dragon embellishes that portion of the sword with laser-etching and decorative barbs. None of the edges of this sword are truly sharp, but the detailed blades and barbs are finely shaped and dangerous even if they're not honed for true cutting.

This fantasy sword's grip and cross-guard of cast metal show a dragon scale pattern with an antiqued finish. The scales of the grip provide a solid handhold, not just artwork. Wings of the blade guard are high carbon stainless steel. Two dragon heads form the cast metal pommel of the sword, and the spike at the base is actually the hand grip of a small dagger in the shape of a miniature sword. The dagger is actually useful even though it's only letter-opener size and quality, and may spend more time on the desk than sheathed in the Dragon Sword.

The Double Dragon sword comes with mounting hardware and a hardwood display plaque.

See the Gil Hibben Dragon's Lair Sword for another fine collectible dragon fighter's blade.

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33 Fantasy Dragon Evolution Steel Sword w Wall Plaque US $39.99   Auction Ends: 20d 20h 47m

Slip the barrel of the rifle away from the gunstock and you'll find a high carbon 420 stainless steel sword blade 27-7/8 inches long. Full length of the sword/rifle including the sheath is 41-1/2 inches and matches the standard infantryman's rifle of the Confederacy in size and in most details. Mechanisms on the rifle are not truly functional even though both the trigger and the flintlock actually move. The flintlock lever can be pulled back and locked and then released with the trigger. Fittings on the piece are cast metal. The gunstock and the brace of the rifle barrel are both genuine hardwood. A strap allows the CSA Rifle Sword to be slung over the shoulder, but you may want to replace the black nylon with good leather appropriate to the period. An image of General Lee decorates each side of the stock of the sword cane.

The rifle which inspired the CSA Rifle Sword was the 1853 Enfield, one of the most common muskets used in the War Between the States. The hidden sword blade is ramrod straight and single-edged with a fullered blood groove along the spine of the sword. As either sword or cane it's a little awkward, but the combination of rifle and sword makes an interesting display piece. You'll probably not find many collector's items like this one.

Civil War buffs may also be interested in the General Jo Shelby Cavalry Saber.

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Tachi were the longswords of the Japanese military -- some literally too long to actually use. The longest known was a ceremonial odachi 3.7 meters in overall length. Combat tachi averaged several inches longer than the katana, but the 43-1/2-inch overall length of this imaginative weapon exceeds most real tachi by about a foot. Most of the extra length comes from the decorative curved grip of hardwood wrapped with brown cord. The 27-1/2-inch-long blade of high carbon steel is straighter than most tachi blades. Curved swords were more efficient at slashing and made better sense in the hands of cavalry. Straighter piercing blades like this one were the weapons of foot soldiers.

The fittings of antique bronze and leather do a better job of matching the old patterns, and the natural finish of the hardwood saya or scabbard adds to this sword's fine appearance. Tachi like the Oriental Master sword were worn suspended from an obi or sash, hanging with the cutting edge down. Katana, the swords of the ground fighters, were worn edge up.

Tachi Gunto swords became the dress swords of the Japanese military in WWII and used a similar but more functional pattern. For a modern replica of the finest Tachi Gunto, see the Tachi Gunto #505 from Handmade Swords.

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Master Dragon Samurai Sword Set w Display Stand US $50.99   Auction Ends: 6d 18h 9m

new Kengo Master of Bushido Blade 3 playstation 2 Way the Warrior samurai sword US $28.62   Auction Ends: 28d 20h 32m

Manufactured by Marto of Toledo, Spain, the Dragon Sword of Crateros measures 17-1/4 inches with pinned burlwood handle slabs and a matching polished hardwood scabbard. Marto created this replica weapon in two styles, so fittings could be either antiqued nickel silver or polished bronze. Details include a cast metal dragon pommel, which also acts as part of the hand grip. The design of the sword is faithful to the movie prop sword wielded by Rory McCann as Crateros, one of Alexander's allies in the 2004 Oliver Stone production. McCann's role was based on the historical figure Craterus, a Macedonian general who served under Alexander the Great. The real Craterus outlived his leader, eventually dying on a battlefield near the Dardenelles of Gallipoli, Turkey, when his charging horse fell and crushed him.

As a bonus feature, Marto of Spain includes a miniature version of the Dragon sword which rides in a side sheath on the hardwood scabbard. The smaller knife measures only seven inches in length and lacks the dragon pommel. The small blade does copy the style of the larger sword and is made from the same materials.

Marto produces many other excellent replica weapons, including swords patterned after weapons in the Highlander series and from the movie Conan the Barbarian. For a good replica sword in the Conan style, see the Conan the Barbarian Father Sword.

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Case XX David Yellowhorse Trapper Set US $544.99   Auction Ends: 29d 1h 5m

CASE XX Yellowhorse Big Cat Lion Trapper 1 1 Knives US $499.95   Auction Ends: 28d 20h 28m

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 accent inlays of nickel silver. Other inlay choices include semi-precious stones including turquoise, jet, and suglite. The Seahorse Whittler knives may look simpler but offer detail in the style of David Yellowhorse. Many include complex inlays of antique bone and fine scrollwork on bolsters and chevrons. Some versions include handmade or hand-hammered blades, while others feature polished stainless steel whittler knife blades with the etched signature of David Yellowhorse on the main blade.

Half-Whittler knives are only 3-1/4 inches long when folded with one large clip point blade and one penknife blade. The larger Seahorse Whittlers carry three blades. The main blade of the 4-inch-long Seahorse Whittler is a straight-edged Wharncliff blade with two smaller blades in penknife and coping patterns pivoting from the rear bolster.

Knife collectors will certainly find something of interest in this wide selection of unique or limited edition knives. Price varies considerably, but all the knives are very well made. Whether an individual knife came from a series of ten or a series or 500, it's still a work of art.

See the Bob Loveless Beretta Skinner for a good limited edition fixed blade.

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CASE Yellowhorse Antique Seahorse Whittler 1 15 Knives US $264.00   Auction Ends: 28d 8m

CASE XX Yellowhorse Antique Whittler 1 25 Pocket Knives US $259.95   Auction Ends: 29d 13h 8m