This darned ‘flu is not helping any, but slowly the plethora of swords and blades waiting in the wings to hit the market continues with 2 new Renaissance era blades from Kingston Arms and a terrifying ‘thing’ by Mike Wallace and APOC.
So first, the ‘funnest’ one..
Kingston Arms Bollock Dagger
‘Bollocks’ of course is a British and Scottish term for ‘balls’ basically, and one quick look at this cheeky blades handle reveals why. But it was no joke, this was a 13th century blade frequently kept both as a quick use sidearm and as an award or symbol of pride and masculinity. This and the Celtic anthropomorphic hilt swords are some of the more unique blade hilts in history. Makes a great humorous or honorable gift for anyone who has real cojones..
They call it a ‘Shell Guard’ Cutlass, but we all know this is a pirate sword. Apparently one based on one of several owned by the infamous Blackbeard (who as you may know, was always armed to the teeth – with a brace of pistols and at LEAST one Cutlass)..
“Ahoy! This here cutlass be forged from steel finer than any ye’ll find in these treacherous waters. Resistant to the cruel bite of rust, ‘tis perfect fer escapin’ the fate of endin’ up with a hook fer a hand. Swift and deadly, this cutlass be. Generous terms await, for any crew armed with these be assured victory in the heat of a swashbucklin’ clash. These newfangled steels be like magic!”
And finally, Mike Wallaces ‘BEAST’ – the APOC Smatchet
I can’t really call THIS a knife..
I mean, technically it is a knife, but is also a hatchet, a shovel, something to open a can with or – well – deliver incredibly deep cuts and slashes and incredibly powerful thrusts (the thing weighs nearly 2lbs!). Titanium coated D2 steel with G10 riveted handle takes this weapon of relatively recent history and makes it look like it has been evolving since Fairbain first dreamed it up during WWII.
Background info – The British Smatchet: A Blade with a Bold Legacy
A Weapon Born in War The smatchet, designed by William E. Fairbairn during World War II, was intended for close combat and used by special forces – both British and American.
Design and Features Characterized by its broad, leaf-shaped blade, the smatchet is sharpened on one side and partially on the other. The handle is designed for a secure grip, making it ideal for slashing, thrusting, and chopping.
Psychological Impact Fairbairn believed that holding the smatchet instilled confidence, determination, and aggressiveness in the user. Its balance and weight made it an effective personal weapon.
Combat and Training The smatchet was simple to use, requiring minimal training. It was particularly useful in close-quarters combat, delivering powerful blows.
Modern-Day Legacy Today, the smatchet remains popular among collectors and historical reenactors. Modern versions are still produced, ensuring its continued appreciation.
Fun Fact: The smatchet’s name combines “smashing” and “hatchet,” reflecting its dual-purpose design.
Time for a rest to shake this darned ‘flu, in the meantime – enjoy these three cool new designs! More products and surprises coming soon..!
They actively seek out and listen to feedback and criticism to improve each product. They use premium materials and research the handling and more subtle styling of medieval swords, with each one their best attempt at a something historically plausible.
So far, they have done an amazing job. But it’s far from over, here’s two more new ones to add to their rapidly expanding selection, both made from materials and honestly, would be good value at DOUBLE the current price..
Let’s meet them, starting with:
#1: Swordier Type XVIa Longsword with Genuine Rich Brown Leather Scabbard
Swordier like small details, like the smell of genuine leather throughout (hand stitched), clean lines and exceptional tempering, and this sword is no exception. It’s a very aggressive handling sword with a blade just shy of 38″ and a 12.2″ handle, and as always with Swordier, it’s totally under-priced..
#2: Swordier Damascus Longsword with Oxblood Red Handle and Genuine Leather Scabbard
Faint Damascus folding pattern on 65mn spring steel, hollow ground blade with clean fittings, you really need to take a close look at this one.. Real steel, real leather, real price and stunning value…
It’s an impressive and constantly growing high quality, low price selection – only downside is their popularity means they take a LITTLE longer to ship and arrive than some other brands, but oh is it worth the extra few days wait..
Enjoy, because even though I am a little slower than usual due to the ‘flu, I had a bunch of new blades from all over just waiting in the wings this month. So stay tuned..!
We are thrilled to unveil the latest additions to our ‘Modern Katana’ series: the new Tanto and Katana. Dragon King continues to redefine the timeless elegance and strength of the Samurai sword with a contemporary twist, combining traditional craftsmanship with the best of modern steel, construction methods, and scientific advancements.
Modern Katana with bo-hi: Evolution in Every Strike
The new Katana in our Modern Series is a sophisticated instrument designed for the urban warrior of today. It marries the best of traditional blade craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials, ensuring that every strike is as precise and powerful as its ancient predecessors.
Modern Tanto: Compact Powerhouse
Joining the bo-hi series is the new Tanto, a compact powerhouse that retains all the virtues of its larger counterpart. With the same meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials, this Tanto is perfect for those who seek a low-maintenance yet powerful blade. It’s an ideal choice for the modern warrior looking for a practical and stylish option that seamlessly bridges the gap between history and modernity.
Why Choose the Modern Katana Series?
The ‘Modern Katana’ series by Dragon King stands out not just for its striking design, but for its innovative approach to sword-making. These are not mere Katana-shaped tactical blades; they represent the pinnacle of what the renowned Samurai sword would look like if it had continued to evolve with the latest technology. Combining tradition and modern science, our Katanas and Tantos are crafted to meet the demands of the present day without compromising on the timeless beauty and strength of the Samurai spirit.
Explore our new page dedicated to the Modern Katana series and discover how these contemporary masterpieces can elevate your collection or training experience, whether they be the new models with fuller or the flagship solid bodied blades, if Japanese swords had not stopped evolving, this is almost certainly what they would be today..
Yes, I know – I’m showing my age with this song, but it could be the theme song of what’s going on at SBG right now..
In addition to major discounts on some of Dragon Kings finest products poised to end one minute before midnight on the 28th of February, at the same time the FINAL shipment from the original Hanwei forge (many of whose workers will move to work Frenchie Jin at Dragon King, which now technically owns the entire Asian Hanwei line) has just arrived..
Not a lot of restocks, though enough so that they should have some original Hanwei stock left in a few more months. But smart buyers are already snapping up the last bargains, some that are going to go so fast it’s not even worth telling you about them because by the time I publish the listing, they will all be sold already..!
So the FINAL COUNTDOWN on these swords come in for the last time really is on…
P.S. In this final sale mayhem, there are a few treasures that have just popped up for the VERY last time.
ORCHID TANTO
It has not been in stock in a looong time, and with half a dozen of these amazing Swedish powder steel blades left, don’t expect them to be around for much longer.
RENAISSANCE DAGGER
This beautiful carbon steel blade with solid, real fittings was to be a new model, but with only 9 available at the time of this blog, it’s going to be very much a case of hello and goodbye.. Just $204.99.
TANG JIAN
Here’s another one not seen in years, and maybe never to be seen again. If you are into serious Taiji or Kungfu, don’t let this one get you by – especially at the closeout price (just 3 left at the time of publishing).
A few more swords from this final Hanwei shipment to be added soon – so stay tuned.. But if you see a bargain and the quality is getting low, just a small delay could mean it gets oversold and you miss the final opportunity..
The 5th model in the acclaimed, cut atoms level sharp Swordier and SBG Tameshigiri series just introduced its second SBG exclusive member of the family (and added a cool option to ‘model 1’ (the Kazekiri, artist formely known as Model 1, heh).
It’s the same style of blade as the Flagship – Monotempered 65 Spring Steel, but with all black fittings and by popular request no hamon by default. But NOW you can choose if you want a fake hamon or prefer a plain blade. Both have this option now, no charge extra charge either way of course!
So now that each sword has a proper name, let’s meet them, starting with the cutter formerly known as model 1..
It’s black, it cuts the void itself, what other name could it have? Monotempered 65mn Spring Steel.
Quick Video with cutting and general close look by Alex by Swordier
The Choice of Whether or not to have or not to have fake or no hamon is also available on model 1 too, the Kazekiri..
風斬り Kazekiri – ‘Air cutter’ (model 1)
Previously Model 1, the flagship the started it all off! We call it the KazeKiri because the sensation of cutting the target and cutting the air is often about the same.. It’s a weird sensation as it just sails through the targets frighteningly too easily.. Monotempered 65mn Spring Steel.
The theme is Raijin, god of storms and thunder. But rather than another ‘Raijin something something’ sword, we decided to go with the theme of what this fierce deity and blade represent. Monotempered 5160 Spring Steel, leather ito.
虎斬り Toragiri– Tiger Cutter (Model 3)
Who is hunting who here? The Samurai or the Tiger? If the Toragiri gets the first strike when it comes down to it, it’s game over for the tiger! But if the Tiger ambuses the samrai and his Haragei senses are off, no sword in the world will save him.. Differentially Hardened Suguha hamon (beautifully executed).
嵐波龍 ArashinamiRyu– Storm Wave Dragon (Model 4)
This was a hard one to name. You have Mt Fuji above a stormy sea, a Golden Dragon raging in the skies, a wild Choji hamon (real) and a tiger taking shelter in a bamboo grove. Thus, the Arashinami Ryu.
