Any sword you pick up today is the latest result of an arms race that began in prehistoric times. When the first copper daggers were replaced by longer blades of bronze, new and better swords began to determine which nation succeeded and which failed. Swords progressed from bronze to iron, and from iron to steel, with each improvement carefully guarded until surpassed by some other smith with a better idea. It took thousands of years for human technology to advance far enough to create the two-handed broadsword and even longer to develop Damascus steel.
When rifles and pistols became the primary weapons of the world’s armies, the drive behind the evolution of the long blade ground to a stop. Today because of renewed interest in the ancient martial arts, the quality of sword blades again rivals the best of the old weapons. Modern materials are better than anything known in the heyday of the martial sword. Today’s best swords could actually be fit for a warrior king — and available at a reasonable price due to modern manufacturing methods.
Today’s swords come in all levels of quality, from pretty souvenirs to functional replicas and combat quality weapons. We even have swords that until recently existed only in dreams. Fantasy blades based on literary classics or modern computer games have now become art, sculpted in bronze and steel.
Cold Steel’s best work combines modern materials with old ideas and the Cold Steel Sword Cane with carbon fiber shaft is a fine example.
Hanwei Forge’s replica of this old Scottish Broadsword gets the details right and is far more than a wall hanging. It works.
Swords of Toledo created this excellent functional reproduction of Sir William Wallace’s Braveheart Claymore.
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 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 ...
Shirasaya swords like this natural Hand-Forged Katana from Ryumon provide only the basics and leave the finishing touches to the new owners. Ryumon incorporates traditional materials and traditional construction methods in the set and includes a cleaning kit, display box, and informative reference manual.
High carbon steel and a ...
This high carbon stainless steel double sword set from Musashi takes a new approach to the two-sword fighting style of Musashi Miyamoto of medieval Japan. The single scabbard holds both a full-sized katana and a hidden wakizashi.
Withdraw the katana from its sheath and the sageo or cord wrapping of ...
Loosely inspired by the dual-sword fighting methods of legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto of Japan, this modern 39-1/8-inch-long katana with hidden throwing knife is hand-forged from 1040 high carbon spring steel. Musashi Swords rates this economical Zetsutsin katana as a light duty cutter, but the sword is also suitable for display.
The blood ...
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 ...
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 ...
If you're like King Arthur and looking for a good longsword, the Denix Excalibur Sword presents a believable appearance and the solid feel of a real weapon. In this version of Excalibur, you'll find authentic styling appropriate to Arthur's Britain with some concessions to the modern world as well.
Fittings ...
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 ...
Place this three-sword set from Trademark Global towards the top of the list of display-only katana sword sets. Although the swords do have an anime flair, construction is solid and the design really catches the attention.
With full tang blades of 440 high carbon stainless steel, the set of three ...
At last, a steel sword in the Legend of Zelda style that's built solidly enough to believe in. This heavy blade would satisfy Link, the playable main character in the story.
This 37-1/2-inch-long sword's blade comes beveled and polished but unsharpened. Made in a ricasso pattern, the blade has an unsharpened ...
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 ...
King Godfred of the Danes ruled the Frisian Coast of Europe in 800 A.D., wielding the sword that inspired this reproduction by CAS Hanwei. The Godfred Sword from CAS Hanwei could be better than the original.
The Hanwei version uses folded steel to form the blade through a process unknown in ...
The Dark Sentinel Sword from CAS Hanwei could be called a fantasy weapon -- except that CAS Hanwei built it to be fully functional and combat ready. Taking inspiration from the Japanese katana and European dueling swords, the Dark Sentinel seems practical for modern warriors.
With an overall length of ...
Made from solid stainless steel and genuine rosewood, the CAS Hanwei Bird Dog Sword Cane combines elegance and a completely functional high carbon stainless steel sword blade. Whether you're a collector or a swordsman looking for discreet defense, you'll like the Bird Dog Sword Cane.
All parts are high ...
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, ...
The secret of this beautiful katana's amazing speed is the aluminum alloy blade. Designed for the practice of Iaido or "drawing the sword," the Fully Handmade Aluminum katana matches the dimensions of a true combat sword but reduces the total weight by nearly a pound.
The lighter weight allows easier ...
This practical cutting sword from Fully Handmade Swords outfits a blade of Damascus-type steel with traditional fittings of solid bronze. Decoration is minimal, but the art's in the katana -- you'll find this one excellent for tamashigiri cutting practice as well as for display.
The forged 28.3-inch blade of the 42.5-inch ...
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 ...
Longswords with ring-shaped pommels aren't limited to Irish traditions. The ring pommel was a simple and practical solution to sword construction in many parts of the world, known in Germany and Korea as well as in Ireland. If you're looking for an accurate Irish bastard sword, this replica does ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
This shorter straight blade katana from Hanwei Forge recreates the blade favored by the ninja of Japan, who sometimes created useful and easily concealed weapons from large swords broken in combat. The Practical Shinobi Ninja-To includes some of the cost-costing methods features found in Hanwei's larger practical cutters.
No ...
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 ...
I'm never totally against buying a good blade, even if everything else about the sword disappoints. A good craftsman can always refine things if the basics are sound, and that's how I feel about the Death Fang Dark Ninja Katana. I do have some doubts that it was ...
Although it's certainly not a true reproduction of the sword carried by Robin of Loxley, better known to history and legend as Robin Hood, this Gold Edition Robin Hood Original sword may be as close as we'll get to the truth.
In style, the sword resembles Knights Templar ceremonial ...
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