Where is a good place to buy a sword?

Answer 1

That really depends a lot on the type of swrod you are looking for and the intended use. For example, a Katana (japanese long sword) can be a display piece (costing a few dollars) a Iaido sword (costing a few hundred dollars) to a tamashegiri ready sword made the traditional way but outside of japan (costing between a few hndred toa few thousand dollars) or a traditional sword made in japan the traditional way (both new or antiques) costing from several thousands to your imagination is the limit). Email me what type of sword you are looking for and I can recomend some sites. Good luck

Answer 2

I can add to what deuce has said, as although I no longer actively practice sword, In addition to WMA (historical european swordsmanship) have also done japanese, and had some chinese jian and european saber techniques taught as well.

Albion is probably the best of the bunch if you don't want to wait forever (I don't have much faith in cold-steel).

As far as japanese goes though I could reccomend www.swordstore.com for thier custom blades (I don't own one, but I have heard good things from someone who has).

I would reccomend www.bugei.com, but I have heard only bad things about them (extreme order delays and "not as good as they used to be" quality) recently, I had a good experience with them but that was MANY years ago around 6-7 years ago.

Unfortunately I have never looked into purchasing a chinese jian or a saber.

Whatever you do stay the hell away from swordsonline.com (if they still exist) or any store that is selling a blade for less than $500 (you can find a deal, but your average sword is going to be more than that, if it is a katana expect $800 for a good sword).

If you are just looking for a blunt sword for some blunt sparring practice then there are a number of other low quality sword types.

The one thing about del-tin to watch out for is that some of them have "rat-tail" tangs (a skinnier tang that will cause the sword to snap from the hilt because it is not as think as it should be). I have never experienced it, I don't know anyone that actually has first hand, but have heard complaints of it through people I used to train with that they heard from others- take it for what it is worth- if anything. Examine it and send it back if there is a problem, and make sure you can (the smith stands by thier work).

Do not buy any sword that has Stainless steel, it is a wallhanger and not real (unless of course you are just looking for a decoration and not an actual sword- then it doesn't matter).

Answer 3

I'm personally pretty biased against Hanwei. They have some issues with consistency with their blades, some being about as floppy as a cooked noodle and others being stiffer than rebar, all for the same type of swords.

Since I'm not into Asian swordsmanship but into the European stuff, I highly suggest you look up the following swordmakers:

Christian Fletcher
Albion Armory
Angus Trim
Cold Steel
Antiche Del Tin

These people make excellent swords which can come sharpened on request. They all use very good steel in the construction and having seen some of their blades used for cutting tests, I can vouch for their efficiency.

Answer 4

China or maybe Japan.swords in the U.S.A.or cheep imitations.only a sword that is hand crafted by folding the metal is worth having,all others are just junk.

Answer 5

Hanwei swords are generally regarded among the best, although they tend to be the most expensive.

Answer 6

Hanwei's are pretty good for use and display. I have a Hanwei Katana...just dont expect to chop through bamboo with the thing or abuse it.

Answer 7

who are you going to kill? cause i know a guy that can do it for 50$ just to save you the trouble.

Answer 8

https://www.wholesalesword.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=271&gclid=CJqetbbYz4kCFR8iIgodaBZw4A