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: 27d 2h 35m

Authentic Reproduction Hand Forged Roman Sword Real Brass Sheath NEW US $85.00   Auction Ends: 2d 16h 45m

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: 26d 4h 13m

CAS HANWEI SCIMITAR SH2354 US $106.57   Auction Ends: 23d 16h 31m

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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Vintage fish gig or trident spear very large US $3.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 1h 50m

3 Prong Trident Spear Tip 6mm US $13.45   Auction Ends: 1d 20h 12m

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   1 Bid Auction Ends: 2d 6h 56m

Star Trek Klingon Batleth 48 Battle Axe Wooden Stand US $52.00   Auction Ends: 6d 19h 39m

The antiqued finish of the high carbon steel axe head looks a little rough, but any good tool looks better when it's seen some use. The axe head already has the slightly pitted look of an axe that caught some waves from time to time. The dark hardwood of the handle adds to the multi-mission look of this old weapon and even recreates the slight curve of the original. Made for throwing as well as for ordinary chopping, the handle curve alters the angle of the flared blade just enough to increase the chances of a good stick.

The very portable Francisca Axe measures only 18-1/4 inches at the handle with a cutting edge 3-1/2 inches wide. Total weight is 1-1/2 pounds, not much more than a large Bowie knife. That small size didn't prevent the Francisca from finding a place in close combat in the Viking era. Either thrown or swung, the axe easily penetrated chain mail armor. CAS Hanwei includes a leather guard for the edge, so the Francisca Axe could be safely tucked in a pack or lashed to gear. Many replica swords aren't durable, but this fully functional axe is the real thing. Don't be afraid to take it on the camping or hunting trip.

See the United Cutlery Black Ronin Tomahawk for a multi-edged modern tomahawk built for target throwing.

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Damascus Steel Francisca Chopping Cutting And Throwing Axe Hand Made US $300.00   Auction Ends: 20d 5h 15m

ANCIENT MEDIEVAL IRON FRANCISCA AXE RARE RT 72 US $599.00   Auction Ends: 19d 3h

High carbon steel and a full-length blood groove or hi marks this sword as a functional cutter, honed to a fine edge and ready for use right out of the box. Although the sword is a Japanese style, it's actually a Chinese make -- hand forged and hand finished at one of China's most famous sword-making villages. Called "the City of Treasure Sword," Lungquan Village and the town's many family forges provided some of China's most well-known weapons over the course of its 2600-year history. This Ryumon sword includes a certificate of authenticity, which verifies its Lungquan origin.

Natural buffalo horn protects the koiguchi or scabbard mouth, and the hardwood grip and scabbard both carry a protective coat of clear lacquer. The sword's grip disassembles if the wooden pegs fixing the wood to the blade's full tang are knocked out. It's possible to rework this sword using purchased fittings and create a more complex katana with bladeguard, pommel, and woven grip, but many who buy shirasaya katanas like the look of this very basic pattern. Even without the usual hardware, the 39.5-inch katana weighs a respectable 1 pound 14 ounces and has a genuine combat quality feel.

A cotton bag protects the sword if you carry it to and from training, and the lacquered display box decorated with the Ryumon dragon offers safe storage for the sword and its accessories.

See this even simpler version of the Ryumon Shirasaya Katana if you're interested in just the basics.

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Withdraw the katana from its sheath and the sageo or cord wrapping of the wooden scabbard becomes the hilt of the smaller wakizashi. Both swords are simple blades of solid high carbon stainless steel, made without blood grooves and uniformly tempered. Fittings and swords are display quality. Testing either sword on real targets could quickly loosen fittings and damage the blades.

Traditionally styled wrappings like these use synthetic cord and other materials to simulate the look of more expensive weapons. Some of the set's metal fittings are plated rather than solid, and some were pressed in place rather than cast to fit. The sword set is still an unusual piece for the collector of fantasy weapons.

This stainless steel sword set won't require more than minimal care to keep the polish of the blades in top condition. The wooden scabbard's coating of black lacquer protects wood and steel from moisture, but storing the swords in a high humidity area could still cause a few problems.

Musashi Miyamoto carried two separate weapons, so this sword set only approximates the weapons he preferred. Technically, it's a better match for the swords of modern ninja movies than for any swords of historical importance.

See the Musashi Daito from Hanwei Forge for a more authentic replica of Musashi Miyamoto's personal battle sword.

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Musashi Daisho Samurai Katana Sword Wakizashi 2 PCS Set US $89.98   Auction Ends: 26d 23h 50m

Musashi Warrior Samurai Katana Sword Letter Opener Set US $13.98   Auction Ends: 29d 4h 20m

The blood grooves or hi fullered along the blade's spine contribute an authentic sound to the blade's swing, and the tempering mark you might think is just decoration is actually the real thing. Musashi Swords tries to build in functional cutting features at an affordable price but does cut back in less critical areas. The overall construction isn't as rugged as a combat model -- the white weave of the ito is sure to pick up stains if the sword becomes more than a decorative piece.

Carbon steel marks a sword as having potential but isn't a guarantee of real quality. High carbon non-stainless blades are more common in functional swords, built for cutting practice as well as display. Most carbon steel has a darker hue than high carbon stainless, but doesn't necessarily present any unusual maintenance problems. Rubbing the blade down with a lightly oiled cloth occasionally leaves a protective film on the steel that prevents oxidation.

Musashi Miyamoto often fought with dual weapons but chose a full-sized katana backed up by a short sword. The hidden knife in this set fits inconspicuously into its own slot in the scabbard and would be considered a shuriken or thrown weapon. Many people think of shuriken as throwing stars rather than throwing knives, but small daggers and steel darts also served that purpose.

See the Musashi Miyamoto Shirakawa Katana for a battle-ready sword in the heroic style of old Japan.

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PRACTICAL MUSASHI MUSHA SEA DRAGON SAMURAI KATANA SWORD US $65.99   Auction Ends: 34m

40 Razor Sharp Hand Forged Japan Musashi Samurai Sword Katana Can Cut Bamboo US $9.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 16h 48m

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: 19d 1h 18m

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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