SBG Sword Store Blog

Remember when we said the Dragonfly Katana was the last hurrah of the old Hanwei forge? Then pivoted and called it the firstborn of the new one? Yeah… well, turns out we weren’t entirely right either time.

Because now the Dragonfly’s landed in its final—and frankly most fitting—nest: under the Bugei brand, right here at SBG!!!

And with that, Bugei swords are now officially available at the SBG Sword Store—for the first time ever. For those unfamiliar, Bugei isn’t just another brand. It’s a legacy founded by Shihan James Williams, a master of classical Japanese martial arts with decades of experience in kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and tantojutsu. His vision for Bugei was clear from the start: to create swords that could stand shoulder to shoulder with historical blades—not only in appearance, but in function, balance, and soul. These aren’t fantasy props or decorative showpieces. They’re forged with purpose, designed for serious practitioners, and grounded in deep martial tradition.

The Dragonfly’s journey—misreported, reborn, and finally reclaimed—mirrors the spirit of Bugei itself. It’s a story of evolution, of survival, of finding the right hands to carry forward a craft that still demands reverence. And make no mistake: when you hold a Bugei sword, you feel something different. The weight is honest. The edge is purposeful. The geometry isn’t a guess—it’s a reflection of centuries of combat insight and careful refinement.

There are many swords out there that claim to be inspired by tradition. But very few can say they carry it forward. Bugei doesn’t just replicate the past—it keeps it alive, one forged masterpiece at a time.

But the Dragonfly is not the only sword to join Bugei’s new line up..

The Second Bugei Sword – the Armorers Katana

Right on cue for this evolving story, the newest addition to the Bugei lineup is the Armorers Katana—a blade that proudly carries the torch of function-first design. With its no-nonsense geometry, robust fittings, and a blade profile honed for martial performance, the Armorers Katana is a love letter to practicality and purpose. It’s the kind of sword that doesn’t need fanfare—it speaks through feel, balance, and cutting authority.

Whether you’re a dojo regular or a collector who values integrity over ornamentation, this is the blade that proves Bugei’s legacy isn’t just continuing—it’s gaining momentum.