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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The Hibben Immortal Knife features a 15-9/16-inch, double-edged willow leaf blade of high carbon 420J2 stainless steel, polished to perfection. The knife's rat tail tang passes through a chrome-plated cross-guard of solid cast metal and terminates in a matching spiked "skull crusher" pommel. Ornamentation on the cross-guard emphasizes its rectangular shape and contrasts with the spiral hand grip of synthetic amber bone. Three sets of barbs near the base of the blade show the same symmetrically-ground false edges as the main part of the sword. It's a well-balanced short sword with a very lethal appearance and would make a fine display piece. Each section of the knife shows fine detailing -- such as the silvered wire braid inlaid in the spiral grooves of the knife's grip.

The black stitched leather belt sheath, embossed with fantasy symbols and reinforced with black lacing, also shows the outline of a Gil Hibben Bowie knife on the security strap. No display stand is included with the purchase, but showing off this short sword shouldn't be a problem. This one's good enough to keep where people can look at it closely.

See the Gil Hibben Dragon's Lair Sword for another fine collectible from United Cutlery.

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GIL HIBBEN IMMORTAL GOLD LIMITED EDITION KNIFE SWORD US $121.00   Auction Ends: 29d 15m

Gil Hibben GH2041 THE IMMORTAL 2007 Gold Edition Knife US $159.95   Auction Ends: 18d 19h 8m

Avoloch wields three blades of 420J2 high carbon stainless steel with all three set in a cast metal hilt. The curved grip ends in a wicked, spiked cast metal pommel and is wrapped with woven black leather. Forward of the hilt is an un-sharpened section of blade called a ricasso, also wrapped with black leather strapping, which allows two-handed power and fast strikes during close combat. The compound sweep of the polished blade follows the Elven pattern familiar to most from Tolkien-style movies and games.

The 43-3/4-inch-long sword is only 1/8-inch thick, less than a practical combat steel sword but in keeping with the concept of Avoloch. The Avoloch sword, according to the legend, was forged from magical mithrodin, a metal with the hardness and strength of the best high carbon steel but with only a fraction of the weight.

Decorated with engraved runes and antiqued for a more authentic look, the Avoloch Mithrodin Sword comes with a certificate of authenticity from United Cutlery. The base of the blade bears the Kit Rae trademark, and an autographed art print of Princess Enethia brandishing the sword is included.

For another version of the collectible Avoloch Sword, see the Kit Rae Avoloch Gold Edition -- a limited run of 300.

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KIT RAE AVOLOCH MITHRODIN SWORD KR0038 US $138.95   Auction Ends: 28d 16h 29m

United Cutlery Kit Rae Avoloch Mithrodin Sword KR0038 US $108.95   Auction Ends: 3d 19h 17m

While it's still only a replica sword, that's hard to remember when you look at the fine layered pattern of the forged high carbon Damascus steel blade. Tempering isn't of the same high standard as the old combat katana, but the steel in this 42-inch-long katana would draw attention in any century. This limited production piece from United Cutlery shows the same attention to detail that impressed us in their other forged steel reproduction of the Sword of Hiro. Some of the traditional materials used here include genuine rayskin for the handle's wrap, woven leather for the ito grip, and cast brass for the starburst tsuba. All this lends authenticity to the piece. It's a satisfying match for the weapon designed for the TV show.

Included with the full tang sword is a black lacquered wood sheath intended to be slung over the shoulder, not worn at the waist. Buyers also get a wooden display stand and a black cloth pouch for storage. Only 1000 of these swords were made, and each blade is laser-etched with a serial number -- the number is also displayed on the stand. A certificate of authenticity accompanies each sword.

Another good sword for the fans of Hiro is the less expensive but still accurately detailed Hiro of Heroes Replica Katana.

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SWORD OF HIRO FROM HEROES UC2558 UNITED CUTLERY LICENSE US $99.00   Auction Ends: 5d 11h 37m

United Sword of Hiro Heroes TV Show Licensed UC2558 NEW US $118.95   Auction Ends: 15d 12h 44m

Fittings on this 42-inch-long katana are not gold. Made from cast yellow brass or brass plated metal, the kashiri (end cap), menuki (grip decoration), and tsuba (blade guard) give the sword good balance and extra strength. With age, the brass will discolor and only a patient polishing restores that first gloss. That might be a problem if you want those fittings to keep the look of gold, since the detail of the pieces will be tough to access. From a practical viewpoint, it doesn't affect the sword's quality.

The katana's full tang is the foundation for a hardwood slab handle covered with rayksin and decorated with the brass menuki ornament. This gold version of the Black Kogane uses gold-colored nylon cord for the ito or woven cord hand grip. The black hardwood sheath's sagao is custom designed from nylon rope, nylon cord, and leather.

The primary feature of the Kogane Tachi Sword would of course be the 1060 high carbon Damascus steel blade. Hand forged with many layers of this good tool steel, the blade has resilience and strength that does exceed that of single-layer blades. A blood groove or hi runs the length of the blade. The hardness of the steel could range anywhere from 56 to 60 on the Rockwell scale -- this blade is not edge-tempered in the traditional way, but the Damascus steel compensates well for all that corner-cutting on materials and processes. The kanji etched in the blade actually interprets as "United Strong Steel," which is the best thing you can say about this beautiful modern sword.

See the CAS Hanwei Kami Katana for an example of a traditionally constructed katana with an even better Damascus steel blade.

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United Black Kogane Dynasty Forged Tachi Sword Damascus UC2580 US $200.00   Auction Ends: 1d 19h 5m

UNITED Knives Black Sword Kogane Dynasty 4125 W Scabbard Damascus Knife UC2580 US $215.73   Auction Ends: 13h 57m

The white scabbard and grip, offset with polished metal fittings, include many traditional features as well as high-tech characteristics taken from the movie. Double fullers run the length of the high carbon stainless steel blade, and the sword's full tang rests in a traditionally styled hardwood grip overlaid with real rayskin. Instead of the old-fashioned woven cord ito, the grip's binding is a wrap of white leather. There's enough extra metal in the construction that the sword looks a little heavy.

Along with the katana, new owners receive a matching display stand with separate racks for the white hardwood scabbard and the unsheathed sword. The stand's emblem matches the red insignia etched in the katana's blade. The hexagram from the I Ching or Book of Changes symbolizes the interaction of K'an or water with Li or fire. The two elemental forces don't mix well, and the characters Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes didn't either. At times close friends and at times bitter enemies, the two members of the Arashikage Ninja clan created much of the story's drama through their constant rivalry.

This numbered replica of the sword wielded by Korean martial artist Byung-Hun Lee in his role as Storm Shadow comes with a certificate of authenticity.

To see the sword's counterpart, visit the G.I. Joe Snake Eyes Sword.

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GI Joe Storm Shadow Katana Sword Damascus US $189.00   Auction Ends: 26d 14h 50m

GI JOE STORM SHADOW KATANA FROM UNITED CUTLERY US $149.95   Auction Ends: 20d 19h 20m

In keeping with the high-tech appearance of the movie's blade, the full tang of the high carbon stainless steel sword is housed in a skeletonized lightweight handle. Some other features are more traditional, like the full length blood groove, but no traditional katana comes with the short section of serrated cutting edge that's one of the trademarks of the Snake Eyes blade. Decorations are sparse -- the hardwood scabbard is bound with wire wrapping, and on the blade of the katana is a red symbol from the Book of Changes which means Water Over Fire.

The sword is definitely not a toy and is capable of inflicting real damage; it's meant for collectors, not children. A simple wooden stand is included, with space for separate display of both sword and scabbard. Each katana in the collector's edition series receives a unique serial number, and a certificate of authenticity accompanies each sword.

The original weapon had to be of weapons quality to survive the routines Ray Park performed in the film. Park found the role challenging even though he was already a martial arts expert -- to prepare for the role, the actor studied wushu movements and the comic books which inspired the movie in order to get the action right. The Snake Eyes Sword from United Cutlery was also created with determined attention to detail.

For another G.I. Joe sword from United Cutlery, see the Storm Shadow Katana.

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GI GI JOE MOVIE SNAKE EYES PROP REPLICA KATANA SWORD US $179.99   Auction Ends: 24d 12h

GI Joe Snake Eyes Katana Sword Damascus US $189.00   Auction Ends: 26d 14h 47m

The Double Shadow has the "energy blade" look that's part tuning fork and part dagger and makes good visual sense in a strange way. The 5-1/2-inch blade is divided into two parts, each with a hollow ground cutting edge, and does look as though it could emit force as well as stab. The very heavy bladeguard and spiked pommel are of the same 420 stainless steel as the blade, and the grip is silvery wire with a tight spiral twist that's wrapped in even layers around the tang.

Although the knife can be sharpened, the blade design is not a strong one, and the 420 steel isn't of the best practical quality. Components were designed for display, and the steel was chosen for corrosion resistance and beauty rather than tensile strength and edge-holding. Hibben's maker's mark is stamped on the blade. The Double Shadow knife comes with a custom-fitted leather sheath.

Hibben's knives are favorites of many collectors, and the series he designed for United is still one of the company's best.

See the Gil Hibben Rambo Bowie for a closer look at one of Mr. Hibben's most famous knives.

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Gil Hibben Double Shadow Dagger Knife by United Cutlery US $49.95   Auction Ends: 5d 12h 32m

Gil Hibben Double Shadow Knife GH0453 NEW US $39.95   Auction Ends: 17d 4h 28m

The HTF Recon isn't a minimal hunter/skinner. Mr. Hibben worked in Alaska as a big game hunting guide for several years, and the experience shows in this 10-inch-long heavy hunting knife with 5-1/4-inch blade. It certainly has the heft needed for big game. The drop point blade has an exaggerated convex cutting edge well designed for slicing and skinning and a jimped section on the blade's spine for thumb pressure. The tactical aspect of the knife is a little harder to detect. The drop point features a false upper edge for better penetration, and the oversized dropped bolster and heel could be as much punching weapon as grip insurance. The grip design keeps fingers inside the guard -- a concept not always standard with Hibben designs. Capping off the rat tail tang with a steel hex nut makes the knife a good striker as well as cutter.

The Recon is a knife you'd be proud to show off around the campfire or display at home with a high polish on the 420 J2 high carbon stainless steel and a finely detailed laminated wood grip. That's a little shiny for a tactical knife. This is actually much more a hunter's knife than a recon weapon. Even though the 420 steel will need some loving upkeep to stay razor sharp, it's a knife to treasure.

The HTF Recon comes with a custom fitted belt sheath of top grain leather.

Gil Hibben also designed a larger hunting blade, the Alaskan Survival Knife. Although it's a little unusual for a hunter/skinner, you may like it.

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Gil Hibben HTF Recon Knife GH5001 NEW US $46.95   Auction Ends: 28d 17h 49m

GIL HIBBEN HTF RECON BOWIE KNIFE by UNITED CUTLERY GH5001 NEW US $56.95   Auction Ends: 29d 2h 1m

This knife concept evolved from a knife used in trench warfare in WWI. Although the construction isn't as sturdy as that combat knife, the same rules apply -- and this particular model has held up to rough tests successfully. The combination grip and knuckle-guard is cast around the blade, not mechanically fastened to it. There should be no chance of the handle coming loose, although the knife could be damaged in other ways. Chances are good that your hand would break before the knuckle-duster does. The guard of the original pattern guaranteed that the knife would still be in your hand if you were knocked unconscious. Don't expect comfort.

The 9-inch-long fixed blade Black Sentry packs a 5-inch spear point blade with false upper edge. The hollow ground 420 high carbon stainless steel is blackened to eliminate reflection. That wears off quickly if the blade is honed, but even though the knife isn't of the best edge-holding steel, the limited use it will see should make the sharpness last and last.

The Black Sentry Trench Knife comes with a friction-fit shoulder harness and sheath built for concealed carry. Alternate systems include belt loop and boot clip.

Check out the 1918 Knuckle Duster Trench Knife for something more reliable. It's the granddaddy of the Sentry and still considered one of the best combat knives ever made.

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