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The Frustrating Saga of Buying Swords Internationally…

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Until 2019, the world was a much friendlier place for sword enthusiasts outside the USA. Back then, there were plenty of third-party services that made it relatively easy to order swords and have them shipped to your home country. These services were a godsend for collectors, re-enactors, martial artists, and anyone else with a passion for swords.

But then, things took a turn for the worse. Swords started getting singled out, and not in a good way. Suddenly, shipping swords internationally became a nightmare. Many US-based sword stores stopped shipping overseas due to concerns about fraud, shipping restrictions, and the hassle of additional paperwork. Even carriers flat out refused to carry swords for no legitimate reason other than they could.

For those of us living outside the USA, this meant dealing with massive local markups on a severely limited selection of swords. We were forced to resign ourselves to paying exorbitant prices for inferior products because it was just easier and sometimes the only way to get our hands on a decent sword.

Mail forwarders, which were originally designed to help US expats and digital nomads receive their mail and packages from the USA, became our only hope. These services provided us with a US address, allowing us to order swords directly from American sellers. However, even these forwarders started showing disdain for their sword-collecting customers. Many prohibited sharp objects and weapons. Even scissors or heaven forbid, shears or gardening equipment..

The situation is changing all the time, and it’s hard to keep up with the latest restrictions and hoops we need to jump through. It’s frustrating to see how something as simple as buying a sword has become so complicated and expensive for those of us outside the USA.

So, to all the sword enthusiasts out there, I say: stay strong, keep searching, and don’t give up. We deserve better than this!

  • Paul Southren (/end rant)

Introducing Two New Medieval Marvels from Swordier at SBG!

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For all medieval weaponry enthusiasts, Swordier has just unveiled two incredible new additions to their collection, now available exclusively at SBG. These swords are not just replicas; they’re meticulously crafted pieces of art that blend historical authenticity with modern craftsmanship. Let’s delve into the details.

“The Flower of War II”

The first marvel is the ‘Flower of War II.’ This isn’t just any longsword. It boasts ornately decorated yet practical steel fittings, making it not only a sight to behold but a formidable weapon on the battlefield. Designed with precision and thrust-focused combat in mind, this sword embodies the classic longsword style but takes it a notch higher with unparalleled structural integrity and handling.

What sets the Flower of War II apart is its affordability. Priced below $300, it offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. It’s fast, reliable, and perfect for those who seek both aesthetics and functionality in their weaponry.

Flower of War II Longsword

The XVIIIb Hollow Ground Longsword, Genuine Leather Scabbard

Next up is a sword that truly deserves a spotlight. Indeed, a nickname for it could be ‘The Stunner,’ this piece is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. Wrapped entirely in genuine leather (third Swordier model to take it to the next level like this without doubling the cost!), from the hilt to the scabbard, it exudes luxury and durability. The complex ring hilt is an artwork in itself, designed for both beauty and effective hand protection.

And the hollow ground edge is highly effective at reducing weight while creating interesting shearing cuts..

But words can only do so much—this is a sword you need to see to believe. Its striking appearance combined with its robust build makes it a must-have for any serious collector or medieval enthusiast.

For $359.95 and get all that – until just a few short years ago you would be lucky to get a scabbard alone for that price. Not to to mention a lethal, hollowground, cutting Longsword.. Wow..

Type XVIIIb

A couple of XVIIIb in action

Some of our customers Project X (Mk IV) and Forge Direct 5.0 pics!

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The new Forge for Project X in short, totally rocks. Fast and precise work with high QC and exceptional value for money.

Here’s some recently completed customer design pics so you can see what the design combinations can create..

NOT FOR SALE – Customers Orders Images

You can see the detail of the complex interplay between lamination lines and hamon, buffalo horn jokiri and kurikata, premium silk sageo. Nice and subtle functional style.

Lovely choice of subtle earthy colors on this one, basic T10 blade.

Musashi iron tsuba, lovely ito and the full rayskin wrap that comes for free with EVERY Project X sword.

Subtle or eye catching, this is is definitely the latter. Free raysking wrap upgrade on the saya, work hardened copper 24K gilded gold and silver fitting set based on an actual antique. Its your sword, so why not make it POP!

EVERY Soshu Kiate blade is unique like a fingerprint. This one has a lot of a activity and is hard to look away from.

Just another laminate blade version highlighting the hand carved bo-hi and geometric kissaski.

Black on black always looks super cool and mean. Add a little splash of detail to the habaki and its set.

And if you wanna go extra mean, try black leather ito! It’s tough, hard wearing and very bad boy..

Eagle themed fitting set makes this design positively soar.

Just as lotus leaves lead to enlightenment (well, that was the idea!)

Back to the subtle is best theme, the classic iron sunburst shifts the weight forward for heavier cutting, and looks cool as hell with that habaki and brown ito.

Just a close up of the lamination. You an see its not just san-mai, this is the real deal..

And it’s not just Katana, Wakizashi and Ko Katana – not to mention matching Daisho sets are always popular and a real bargain.

They aren’t for sale, but if you want to try your hand, have a look at the options. One flat rate price for everything.

Project X

Always fun to see a bit of behind the scenes stuff.

Unleashing the Power of Conan: Atlantean Swords by Black Dragon Forge and Windlass Steelcrafts.

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The high tales of adventures from the Cimmerian Conan the barbarian have delighted and kept both readers and movie goers on the edge of their seats for decades. Helped in no small part by Arnold Schwarzenegger being the perfect specimen for the role (though according to the original writings of Robert E. Howard, Conan was not so muscle bound but lithe and strong like a panther)..

Regardless of which version you prefer, the legend of Conan the Barbarian continues to inspire fans and collectors worldwide, with the Atlantean sword standing as a symbol of his might and heroism. For those looking to own a piece of this epic legacy, two notable creators have stepped forward with impressive renditions of this iconic weapon: first Windlass Steelcrafts and now the Black Dragon Forge.

Windlass Steelcrafts’ Atlantean Swords

Windlass Steelcrafts has crafted the officially licensed replicas, are high-quality, battle-ready pieces. Made with meticulous attention to detail, these swords feature intricate designs and durable construction. Though there have been minor quality control issues reported, these swords remain a popular choice for their overall craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal and are screen accurate. A scabbard is sold separately for $150 price of the sword itself is $474.95 (with the added expense of licensing fees).

Black Dragon Forge’s Atlantean Swords

In collaboration with Black Dragon Forge, we present two exceptional but unlicensed versions of the Atlantean sword:

Monotempered 1095 Carbon Steel Version:

  • 1095 carbon steel monotempered blade: instead of 1080. Extra time is spent polishing and sharpening.
  • Weight: It weighs 3.5lbs LESS than the official version, you can actually train with this one..!
  • Clean Lines and Brown Wax Cord Wrap: Ensuring both durability and a secure grip better than cotton.
  • Solid Brass Fittings: Adding authenticity to the design. Screen accurate.
  • Optional Scabbard: A barbaric synth fur covered, leather braided scabbard available for an additional $65. You would not believe how many prototypes it took to make that sucker, but I really liked the way it turned out and was worth the effort.
  • WORLDWIDE FREE SHIPPING
$574.99

Elite Folded Damascus Steel Version

  • Unique and Durable Steel: Each blade showcases a one-of-a-kind pattern.
  • Brown Cotton Cord Handle: Traditional and comfortable grip.
  • Artistic Craftsmanship: Enhances both the blade’s strength and beauty.
  • Affordable upgrade: Just $60 more for the folded blade version. We recommend the basic version, but the Damascus version is there for fans of complex blade patterning.

And if you are a true Conan fan like me, you might also like the ‘Cimmerian Sword’ by the Black Dragon Forge – and stay tuned, because there are more Hyborian era swords coming down the line very soon!

Black Dragon Forge Fantasy

Last Days of the ‘Year of the Dragon’

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It was a challenging year, but also one filled with many changes and opportunities. So as the year draws to a close, it’s only appropriate that we close off one the last two main Dragon themed swords we started at the beginning of 2024..

RYUJIN HORIMONO SALE ENDING SOON

At $100 these are crazy good value. But when we priced them to the bone at $79.99 – they sold like proverbial hot cakes! However, as sales start to slow down and the year of the Dragon turns into the year of the snake, it;s time to restore the prices on this series again. So grab one, two, or all five (you’d be surprised how many people buy multiples!).

MODEL 1

MODEL 2

MODEL 3

MODEL 4

MODEL 5

LIMITED EDITION Ryujin T10 Katana Final Closeout!

As the year draws to a close, here’s an offer you can’t refuse..

Black synthetic silk ito over black real rayskin, iron Musashi themed tsuba, iron Fuchigahsira, T10 tool steel blade differentially hardened to produce a natural and authentic hamon temper line, fast and lightweight at 2.5lbs and with two styles of Dragon Horimono..

Normally $274 or so would be a fair price for a martial arts grade blade like this one – tough enough to cut dry aged bamboo or sever a pork leg, bone and all.

But from now until while stocks last, grab them for the final closeout price of $174.95!

YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT, NOW JUST

$174.95each

MODEL 1

$174.95

MODEL 2

$174.95

Stocks are limited and once they are sold out, that’s it – the LIMITED EDITION series will no longer be sold at SBG.

The clock is ticking, Midnight EST on the 29th is not far away – and if you aren’t fast, others will snap ’em all up. So take advantage of this Katana buying extravaganza while you can.

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