Medieval Swords Basic Information no comments
I just wrote another small article about Medieval swords basic information. Please take the time to read it and learn a little bit more about the construction of these swords and how they evolved during the years.
Feel free to leave your comments, i always appreciate learning what you guys have to say..
Practice Swords no comments
Not all swords are made the same and that is why paying attention to details is so important when buying a sword. Bladed weapons are made for different purposes and whereas some are meant to only be displayed, others are suitable to be used as practice swords. Such practice swords must meet certain requirements in regards to materials and safety and therefore it is necessary to pay attention to what kind of sword is being purchased before actually using it someplace.
A practice sword is basically a fully functional sword that can withstand the impact of other objects or weapons and which also has sharp blades for cutting. These real swords can be used for many different purposes, such as for martial arts demonstrations, sword fights, practicing and even competitions. It is always worthwhile to get a good, well made sword if it is to be used because they not only are more resilient to breaking, but because they are easier to handle, are balanced and lightweight enough to be swung without causing any injury.
The reason the blade of a practice sword does not easily break is because it is made of different types of high carbon steel. This material, unlike the stainless steel used for display swords, is flexible and since claying methods results in different strengths the blade is optimized to cut and hit, as well as withstand impact. It is also important that the handle of the sword must be wrapped with a material that will not become slippery when wet with sweat, such as silk or leather.
Finding the right practice sword can be an overwhelming task to accomplish just because of the many different kinds of swords available. There are many websites that sell practice swords and it is worth the while to take the time to look through what is being offered. This way you can get an idea of all the different styles, sizes, weights and categories of practice swords that you can choose from. Not only can you choose between styles such as, for example, Viking or Samurai swords, but you can also decide if you want to use a one or two handed sword. Companies known for making high quality, reliable practice swords include Paul Chen, Thaitsuki Nihonto and Imperial Forge, but there are also many others.
Movie Swords Are Not Just for Collectors no comments
Among the most popular kinds of weapons to put on display are those that are replicas of movie swords. These kinds of swords are popular among many groups of enthusiasts, such as those that are fans of a particular movie, a certain genre of weapons like science fiction or sword lovers in general who want something unique for their collection. Of course movie swords can also become valuable collector’s items and therefore are also suitable for being an interesting form of investment for those that like to collect all kinds of items that have the potential of being worth more than the purchase price in the future.
Since many movies have made use of swords in them, it is possible to find different styles of bladed weapons. There are the pure fantasy based movie swords, such as those from Conan the Barbarian or Elven swords from the Lord of the Rings, but there are also just as many which are similar to or based on real, functional swords. Realistic movie swords and weapons are those such as Rambo movie knives or the Samurai swords from the movie Kill Bill or even the Katana from Samurai 3000. In addition, those that want to stay with a main theme can also collect movie swords that have a certain style, such as medieval or Japanese. Almost all of the movie swords manufactured have stainless steel blades which means that they can only be used for props or putting on display and not practicing with.
As collectibles, movie swords need to meet certain requirements in order for them to have any chance at all of becoming a valued collector’s item. When looking for a movie sword to purchase it is important to not just keep the details and overall look in mind, but also the materials used and whether or not it is a limited edition and comes with an official license. Movie swords that are replicas, but not original and licensed copies, are easy enough to come by and although they may look good on display they will not become valuable. The more limited of an edition a movie sword is, the better it will be and it is also a must for the sword to come with a certificate of authenticity.
The World of Fantasy Swords no comments
Anyone who loves to get caught up in fantasy movies or books should also consider having a fantasy sword collection, if one has not been started already. There are many different replicas of swords from movies, as well as swords that were designed by famous artists to create pieces based on descriptions from books or legends. Not all fantasy swords are made the same and not all have the features of a good collector’s piece so this must be kept in mind before making any purchasing. Although fantasy swords are almost never battle ready and therefore can not be used for fighting, practicing, demonstrating or competing, they are good props to have with you if you are at a reenactment or fantasy movie or book based convention.
Regardless of whether you want fantasy swords that are copies of those seen in famous movies or pieces that were created and designed for a series of fantasy stories, you need to be careful when purchasing items for collections that you want to be valuable one day. Generally speaking, the rarer the sword is the better of an investment it is. All fantasy swords that are replicas or part of a series should be limited editions so that not everyone will be able to obtain one, come with a certificate of authenticity and be made of good materials, such as mirrored or polished stainless steel for the blade, leather or silk for the handle wrapping and non-rusting metals for the decorations, pommel and hilt if applicable. On top of that the company making the fantasy swords should have an official license to do so and if this is not the case then there is little chance of the value increasing.
Fantasy swords do not always include the scabbard, because their main purpose is to be put on display. Some collector’s editions of fantasy swords include a wall plaque so that you can easily hang it up and put it where it is easily seen, but even if a plaque is not included they are easy to purchase. There are also stands and racks that can be purchased to properly hold you collection of fantasy swords.
Hellboy II Weapons no comments
The sequel to Hellboy had many unique weapons in it that are now being replicated for fans of the movie and for collectors. The Hellboy II weapons are replicas of what was in the movie and so they are great for collectors of movie items, but due to the unique design collectors of fantasy weapons will also love to add these weapons to their collections. Generally speaking, Hellboy II weapons are eye-catching and make great display pieces.
There are three main Hellboy II weapons available. There is the Prince Nuada spear, and the Hellboy II sword that includes the Prince dagger. Hellboy II weapons are not suitable for those looking for battle ready, fully functional swords since they are meant to be put on display and are not capable of withstanding the impact of another weapon or object to be cut. With a plaque any of the Hellboy II weapons look incredible, especially against a black background so that the details of the blade and wrapping can better be seen.
There are three Hellboy II weapons that are collectible items. All are limited editions and exact replicas of the movie weapons made by Master Cutlery and no more than 5000 will be made for the world market. The maker has the official license to reproduce the weapons from the movie so you can be sure that you are getting the real thing and not just any copy. For the collector this means that you will have to purchase quickly as long as supplies last, but in return the replica weapons will also be more valuable in the long run. The Hellboy II sword actually comes with the daggers and so it is a great value for the money and makes completing the collection even easier.
The Hellboy II weapons are also well made and flawless in their quality. The blades are made with stainless steel, but look shinier because of the mirror finishing. The handle and wrapping is also well done and ornate with all the details. The plaque that comes with the replica weapons is black and makes it easy to display the Hellboy II sword, speer or dagger. For those that love movies swords & props, these are items you won’t want to miss.
Scottish Swords - What Type are Looking For? no comments
This is just a small post to inform you that i have finished writing an article about the various types of Scottish swords that are available on the market.
Whether you are a sword collector or just proud of your Scottish origins, these are just amazing collectibles. Read the following articles to learn more about these amazing weapons.
Article: The Various Types of Scottish Swords
Explore the Variety of Medieval Swords no comments
When people think of the Middle Ages, then medieval swords are one of the first things associated with this period of time. There is good reason too, since swords were an essential part of life during this time period. Medieval swords are not all the same though, and they vary according to era, use and country or region of origin. There are basically enough kinds available of swords for every collector, taste and purpose.
The best thing to do once you are interesting in owning medieval swords is look at various websites that specialize in weapons. Many have a special category just for these swords and often have a wide variety available. There are, for example, two handed swords, katanas, cutlasses, rapiers, sabers, short and long swords, as well as flamberges or straight swords. Before deciding what kind of sword you want there are some things that have to be determined.
First of all, you have to know why you need the medieval sword, because many other factors are dependent upon this answer. For participating in medieval reenactments or sword fighting demonstrations you will need a medieval sword that is typical for the country and time period being displayed. For such reasons it is also necessary to have high carbon steel blades that is sharp and battle ready so that they don’t break while using them. This is important, not only because it is saddening to lose a great sword, but also to prevent injuries from broken pieces or a sharp broken edge of a blade. The materials used for the hilt, hand guard, pommel, decorations and handle also have to be of robust, high quality for medieval swords used for battles or demonstrations that take place outdoors so that they don’t rust, get lost or get ruined.
Collectors of medieval swords have a much easier time and have many more options open to them. If swords are to be put on display, then you can also purchase replica swords that have stainless steel blades since they will not be used. Collections can be limited to a country or particular era during the Middle Ages, or it can show the complete array. Important is that they are kept safe, out of reach from others and mounted correctly.
Viking Swords in Today’s Times no comments
The Vikings were a group of Scandinavians who were merchants, explorers and pirates that were active from the 8th to 11th centuries. They were also known for their fighting expertise and of course swords played an important role. Viking swords can still be purchased today and there are many reasons that someone may want this particular weapon.
The Vikings played a major role in history during the Migration Period and so did their unique swords. Any Viking swords will have to include certain features in order to be put into this category and among the most important characteristics are a large, rounded pommel, a length of approximately 37 to 49 inches and patterns on the blade’s surface. Any collector of unique or historical swords should know all of this so that they can purchase the right weapon to complete a collection or add to one.
Viking swords make great displays, because they are ornate and the hilt and pommel are different from many other swords that have been seen throughout history. Especially the pommel should stand out since Viking swords had large ones that had elaborate decorations on them. The hilt is also unique because it is small, simple and always meant to be held with one hand. These swords can easily be mounted on plaques or stands so that they can be put on display for all to see.
However, role playing enthusiasts will also find that the Viking swords have many advantages that make them a great choice of weapon. Even if you don’t play the role of a Viking, their swords are still very useful and will fit in with the medieval look. Some of the main advantages of using a Viking sword for role playing or pretend battles is that it is long to keep your opponent at bay, lightweight, is a one handed weapon and is decorated with engravings on the blade and designs on the large pommel which can also be used as a weapon by hitting opponents.
A battle ready Viking sword should be chosen if you want to reenact battles. This is because the blade will be made of high carbon steel and sharpened. This material is sturdier and can absorb the energy created on impact with another weapon which means for you that it will not break right away.
Add Replica Swords to Your Collections no comments
A replica sword is one that is an exact copy of a real historical model or of a sword that was seen in a movie or book. Since there are many kinds of swords that can be copied, there is a wide variety to choose from. There are also just as many reasons to purchase a replica sword and those buying will have their own reason to want a particular sword for their collection.
Replica swords can be just about anything and therefore there are many collectors who would like to have one. Someone that has a collection of historical weapons can add something like a U.S. Heavy Cavalry saber or a Scottish sword to their displays, whereas a fantasy movie enthusiast who collects anything to do with Lord of the Rings will look for replica swords from those movies. Regardless of the reason or the category, replica swords are exact copies and always enhance and add to any collection of swords.
Even if the buyer of a cool replica sword does not have a collection, it can still make an excellent individual piece that can be displayed in a home or anywhere else. The quality of the replica sword should be good, but the materials used will depend on whether or not the sword is to be used for fighting, training or simply for display. A replica sword that is solely for display can be made of stainless steel, but that will not withstand a real battle and cannot be used to chop targets or thrust at them.
A replica sword that is an accessory or a vital part of a role playing theme should have a high carbon steel blade and a handle with a good wrapping on it. This way there is no chance of dropping the sword while simulating a fight and the blade will not break and crack upon impact with another weapon or target, such as pumpkin or bamboo sticks.
Since medieval replica swords are always based on a real model, they may also be a form of investment. There are many limited editions which are only available a short time and have a limited number made, signed or handcrafted pieces that come with a certificate of authenticity. There is a good chance that these will one day be worth more than you paid and so everything that comes with these has to be carefully kept.
Are you Looking for a practice sword? no comments
Whether you are into martial arts or simply a fan of historical re-enactment, you are going to need a practice sword at some point. Choosing the right one can be somewhat confusing especially if you are new to this whole sword thing.
I have written a small article that talks about the different type of practice swords available on the market. If you are interested in learning a little bit more about that particular type of swords, you can read my article here.