where to get (quality) swords?

[Second Amendment Liberal]

as a history buff, i've always had an interest in swords and am considering getting one. however, searching the internet all I can find is "fantasy swords" like from star wars, lord of the rings, video games etc.

I don't really have a special type in mind but am leaning towards a katana, gladius, knight sword or dao if possible. I do want a nicely made sword, not something made in china or made of zinc.

 

[Ben86]

I know a great place: http://www.swordsofmight.com/

There is a clear distinction on his website between fantasy and usable swords.

 

[vicdotcom]

http://ecmas.info/category.sc?categoryId=4

East coast martial arts has a sword dealer specializing in japanese made swords. Some modern but fighting quality sword some are authentic antiques (but still battle quality). Some range in the 10k + area. Here are a few on the website. But there are plenty more in the store for serious buyers.

 

[JShirley]

Look for Himalayan Imports. Not as polished as from other sources, but most of their swords are the next thing to indestructible.

John

 

[7X57chilmau]

I'll second H.I.

Sometimes a little crude, fit and finish is not like that found on the real high dollar swords, but everything I've seen from them is entirely serviceable, robust, durable, capable.

I've seen a few Paul Chen blades too that were quite nice. There was money involved, tho...

J

 

[Piraticalbob]

If you're on a budget, Museum Replicas has a line of weaponry made by Windlass Steelcrafts of India. Reviews of the Windlass Steelcrafts weapons are mixed; some like them, some don't. They are reasonably priced and of reasonable quality.

If you want something a little better, try Arms & Armor or Albion Swords. The prices, as well as the quality, will be higher than Windlass Steelcrafts.

 

[Mp7]

Himalayan...

sure does look good online.....

not only the swords... EVERYTHING
looks quite impressive.

i´d like a bowie like this.

but the swords look great too

...if i only had enuff reasons to order one or two

 

[7X57chilmau]

I've seen a couple of their (HI) kukri's and a sword.... I was fairly impressed. Until I heard the price. Then, I was REALLY impressed!

 

[Macmac]

I do some F&I, Fur Trade and other re-enacting, and found a celtic sword I bought here.
http://www.militaryheritage.com/

This one because there wasn't any chrome
http://www.militaryheritage.com/images/broadsword2.jpg

and this one because at times it carries over to who I am at that instant

http://www.militaryheritage.com/images/s_epee2.jpg

I have no clue how to use a sword, and so I have never hacked or slashed at a thing with either of these.

 

[Leadhead]

Lot's of info here,
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/

 

[callo685]

coldsteel.com is good
check it out: Scottish Broad swords, navy cutlasses, etc
http://www.coldsteel.com/swords.html

They have sweet demonstration videos too

 

[hso]

We've had extensive discussions on quality swords here in the past and all that info is searchable.

The brutal truth is that most swords you pay under $200 for are trash and unsafe to try to use. The other brutal truth is that what one fan may consider a great sword may be trash to another person with more experience.

swordforum.com is possibly the best place to learn about swords, but Bladeforums has a sword forum and sword-buyers-guide, already mentioned, is a good place to do a quick look.

If you want to save some time I could sell a tachi I have to you. Only $15,000 and I'll pay for shipping.

 

[sixgunner455]

That's kind of you to cover the shipping, hso, but what about the insurance?

 

[alaskanativeson]

I'll second the recommendation for Paul Chen. I have a Ko Katana in 9260 that is very tough and has no problem with slashing through some of the scrub here.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Try http://www.armor.com for a wide selection of high-quality Western swords.

 

[hso]

sixgunner455,

Ohhh, I'll cover the insurance, but it won't be at the discount price for a fellow club member.