Just before the Year Ends, Project X is BACK!

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We hope everyone enjoyed a joyful Christmas, full of festive cheer and time well-spent with loved ones. As we transition into the New Year, we wanted to inform you that while our shippers are taking a well-deserved break until January, we remain open for business, albeit with a reduced crew.

Exciting Updates for Project X and Forge Direct

We’re thrilled to share some major updates for Project X and Forge Direct. Recently, on October 23rd, Project X parted ways with “Ronin Katana” due to some unfortunate business practices on their end. If you missed the details, you can catch up here

To keep it brief, the separation revealed that SBG wasn’t receiving its fair share (or rather, Ronin was taking way more than their fair share) which caused us to (unwittingly) not be able to offer as much value as was actually possible for both Project X and Forge Direct offerings. While this was a tough lesson in trust, it has paved the way for a significant transformation.

The New and Improved Project X Soshu Kitae (Version 4.0)

The first noticeable enhancement in Project X swords is the expanded range of fittings and customization options.

OLD FITTING SELECTION

NEW FITTING SELECTION

Previously, we charged extra for elite fitting sets and saya, with custom Katana prices ranging from $1,150 to $1,405. Now, EVERYTHING is included at one flat, low price without any additional charges.

The new selection is a substantial upgrade. All premium options, once subject to extra fees, are now part of the package. The blade quality has also been enhanced, maintaining the exceptional standards you expect from Project X.

Lead times have been drastically reduced from 8-10 weeks to just 4-6 weeks. And for those who seek the utmost in customization, the price has dropped significantly. Previously, with all premium options, the cost could reach $1,405. Now, you get everything for just $999.95 for the Katana and $879.95 for the Wakizashi or Ko Katana, including FREE worldwide shipping.

PROJECT X CUSTOM KATANA (Mark IV)

$999.95

PROJECT X CUSTOM WAKIZASHI/KO KATANA (Mark IV)

$879.95

Forge Direct Joins Project X

But the evolution doesn’t stop there. The Project X offshoot, Forge Direct Japanese, has been streamlined and integrated under the Project X umbrella. This alignment brings uniformity in fittings and options, with some distinct differences:

  • The blade material: Master Smith Forged T10 Tool Steel instead of Soshu Kitae
  • The lead time: 3-4 weeks instead of two months
  • The price: Previously $840 to $1,095, now just $699.95 for the Katana and $599.95 for the Wakizashi or Ko Katana

FORGE DIRECT CUSTOM KATANA (Version 5.0)

$699.95

FORGE DIRECT CUSTOM WAKIZASHI/KO KATANA (Version 5.0)

$599.95

Not exactly the ideal time to launch, however..

There has to be a catch, and here it is: the Lunar New Year Holiday is approaching, which means our forge will pause operations just as we launch these revamped swords. While the timing is less than ideal and lead times will temporarily revert to the old schedule, we assure you that the wait will be worth it. The quality and craftsmanship of these swords will reflect the dedication and fresh energy of our Master Smiths when they return from their break.

Wishing you all the best for the New Year!

Project X

Happy Holidays from Swordier & SBG

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We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of good cheer. As we inch closer to the New Year, we wanted to let you know that while most of our shippers are off until January, we are still open for business. Please bear with us as we operate on a skeleton crew during this festive season.

In the meantime though, we have been busy preparing a bunch of exciting new products for 2025 starting with..

Swordier Oakeshott Type XVIIIc

We’re excited to announce the arrival of the new Swordier Oakeshott Type XVIIIc, a blade that sets a new industry standard for quality and affordability. Inspired by the classic Italian designs of 14th century Europe, this sword embodies both elegance and deadly efficiency.

Unprecedented Pricing: What truly sets the Swordier Oakeshott Type XVIIIc apart is its unbeatable price ($299.95!). We’ve managed to deliver exceptional value without compromising on the craftsmanship and materials that make this sword a must-have for any serious collector or enthusiast.

Historical Design: The Type XVIIIc features a spring tempered and distally tapered 65mn spring steel blade, renowned for its strength and flexibility. This blade is a perfect example of the advancements in swordsmithing that occurred during the Late Middle Ages, designed to penetrate armor and provide superior thrusting capability as is clearly visible just looking at the aggressive almost triangular blade geometry.

Exquisite Details: The sword comes with a genuine leather sheathe and rain guard, both hand-stitched to ensure durability and a touch of elegance. Every aspect of this sword has been meticulously crafted to offer a balance of form and function, making it not only a formidable weapon but also a beautiful display piece.

Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or seeking a practical and historically accurate sword, the Swordier Oakeshott Type XVIIIc is an exceptional choice. Don’t miss out on owning a piece of history at an unprecedented price.

Just $299.95

The Dragon Awakens!

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It has been several months in the making, but as we reach the tail end of 2024, the year of the Dragon, it is fateful that one of our original SBG sword brands – the Black Dragon Forge – has re-awakened!

The flagship product is of course the classic SBG custom Katana, now back with more customization options and a lower price than EVER before (indeed, we double checked with AI on this and found that there are literally nearly 24 MILLION different possible configurations (actually, there are more than this as we added a Wakizashi and Ko Katana option, but for each blade type – there are literally tens of millions of different design possibilities, ensuring that it’s extremely unlikely someone will accidentally create the exact same sword as yours).

$299.95

But the return of the custom Katana is just the beginning..

Black Dragon Japanese

In addition to the Custom Katana we have resurrected 4 classic Black Dragon designs, with more coming down the line in early 2025!

So without any further ado, here are the classic designs (and with classic, rewound pricing!).

RED BELLY BLACK SNAKE SWORD SET

$499.95 (set)

First designed in 2013 (the year of the snake) and appropriate for next year (another year of the snake) this wicked design is both attractive and supremely functional. For a blast from the past, check out Marco Saintes original evaluation and high level demonstration of exactly how these deadly swords could be theoretically used.

Marco certainly knows a trick or two about how to get the most out of these blades (sorry for the video quality, if you want to skip ahead the real action starts here).

YUKIKEN

This one is a true SBG classic and a design concept I have revisited on several occasions.

$329.95

With a solid bodied blade and sleek styling, it’s optimized for the cut and a very attractive package overall, with brass hamidashi fittings and a rayskin reinforced saya.

HOBGOBIN KOGARASU NAGAMAKI

It’s full name ‘Hobgoblin Kogarasu Nagamaki Ninjato’ is a bit of a mouthful, but it is the only way to describe this bad boy Bujinkan inspired blade.

$329.95

It’s the total package with the unique and mischievous Hobgoblin ‘Bakemono’ themed fittings, long black leather over black rayskin handle and deadly piercing and cutting Kogarasu blade geometry.

KAGETORAKEN

It’s nothing more, and nothing less, than a well balanced, clean lined T10 tool steel Katana with solid iron tiger in bamboo themed fittings, the Kagetoraken (Shadowtiger Sword) is attractive and extremely functional..

$274.95

Close up pic of the blade, engraving, tsuba, iron fittings and itomaki..

And that’s just the Japanese sword section…

Blade Dragon Japanese

Mid to High End Chinese Swords!

Since we shut down on Forge Direct Chinese in late October, we have had a blank spot where we previously had some mid to high end traditional Chinese swords. So taking it’s place – and making it next level – the Black Dragon Forge brings back some classic Forge direct designs as well as some stunning new ones that we had long sought to have made…

Amazing New Chinese Swords

Limited Edition Double Dragon Dao!

We asked our partners at the Black Dragon Forge to dig into their archives to see if they had it – and they did.. The double dao is one of my favorite personal sword types, and this is a rare fully functional set..

$999.95 set of 2

Only 15pcs are available, after which time it will be retired permanently. So if you are like me and have spent years looking for a set like this, here’s your golden opportunity. They are not cheap, and not for the faint of heart, but you will know it if they are calling you..

Double Jian “Yang and Yin” Set

Hot on the heels of the limited edition Double Dao, is a perenneial classic and another set of ‘twin’ blades, though in this case one is considered the ‘Yin’ sword and the other a ‘Yang’ sword and are optimized for two handed use..

$1,129.95 set of 2

Just be careful if you are twirling these razor sharp Jian, these are far removed from the world of flimsy Wushu blades and require the utmost skill and attention to create that whirling wall of steel effect that these blades are capable of in the right (and left) hands..

Wild Boar Jian

It is built as solidly as a boar, has a boar theme and well, it could likely take one out without too much fuss or ado..

$499.95

Despite it’s stout build and appearance, it is still easy to wield weighing a deceptively light 2.53lbs and its Damascus steel blade, a true delight to behold.

Yangling Dao

To round things off nicely, we need a solid mid level Dao – a no-nonsense martial arts grade single handed cutting sword. And here it is..

$429.95

What more need we say?

Forge Direct Classics..

Classic Peony Jian

We had this one since we started Forge Direct Chinese, and now it is back for good with the Black Dragon Forge – the aptly named Classic Peony Jian.

$599.95

Same quality, same price – and same beautiful workmanship.. Nice to see it back at SBG where it belongs.

Nine Dragon Jian

Here is another Forge Direct Chinese design that has been updated and re-imagined by the artisans at Shen Guanglong and Black Dragon.

$599.95

Cooler, and now more affordable than ever…

Black Dragon Chinese

Black Dragon Fantasy Swords

Sword of the Ancients

It’s another Forge Direct classic and back by popular request, this time more affordable than ever before and even with a custom scabbard option!

$429.95

With each one unique like a fingerprint, every sword is a one off..

Cimmerian Sword

Black Dragon dips it toe into more battle ready fantasy sword designs, this time with the Robert E. Howard inspired ‘Cimmerian’ sword, our take on a ‘common’ design found among the Cimmerian Barbarian peoples from whom Conan descended from.

$429.95

Watch this space for our version of Conan’s Atlantean sword coming soon..!

The Azure Flame Fantasy Longsword

Last but certainly not least, an ornate blue Flame battle ready fantasy sword – available in the original blue color, but also in red or black depending on your personal taste..

$529.95

Here’s what it looks like in the different color options:

Visually striking and with steel fittings and a quality monotempered 1095 carbon steel blade, it’s no mere decoration..

Black Dragon Fantasy

Quite a large announcement, and an excellent note to close 2024 out on – but just you wait to see what is in store for next year…

In the meantime, these first offerings from the re-awakended Black Dragon Forge should be enough to tide you all over for quite some time..! But stay tuned, because you ain’t seen nothing yet…

SBG Black Dragon Forge