Category Archives: Industry News and Happenings

Better Late than Never..

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Nothing really highlights the ongoing insanity of the global supply chain crises than when we list all the new swords that were supposed to have landed at least a couple of months ago in time for Christmas than this..

On Boxing Day, many new models have just become available for Christmas..

So without any further ado, here they are – our ‘Boxing Day’ Selection..

BLADE CULTURE INTERNATIONAL

While the Legendary Swords Project’s future remains very uncertain, at the start of 2021 there were a few swords whose prototypes showed so much promise that it would be plain wrong not to make a few into a small production. Now nearly 12 months later, we are delighted to announce a VERY LIMITED release of two new fully functional fantasy swords. Starting with:

The Brand of The Fallen

Loosely based on the German Zweihander and Scottish Two Handed Swords with a very dark twist, this has to be one of the meanest truly battle ready fantasy swords ever made. 45″ from end to end, everything about this sword is quite distinctive and unique – but nothing stands out more than the blade itself..

With 13 curves (a traditional and common style throughout South East Asia) Kris/Flamberge is very attractive but as similar swords were used by the German Landsknecht, it is not without historical precedent.

Definitely a sword you should be careful handling, as Kris blades can bite in unexpected ways..

Brand of The Fallen

The Aelutian Gladius

Ever bisected a water filled bottle before? Probably..

But how about with a thrust? Well, unless you have one of these – chances are no..

With a truly acute tip optimized for a deep and very wide thrust, its a very versatile and intimidating looking piece and includes a matching high quality scabbard.

Aelutian Gladius

Plus, a limited restock of the Castir

In addition to these two NEW swords due to popular demand we also produced a small run of the Katanesque Castir Sword, a curved single edge two handed saber with matching scabbard.

KINGDOM OF ARMS

Also made by Blade Culture International, but exclusive to Clyde Hollis’s Kingdom of Arms Brand, we see quite a few underrepresented swords finally hit the market as well as some companion daggers and Viking seax knives to create matching sets.

Here are some of the most notable new additions:

The Irish Kern Sword

The Matching Kern Dagger

10th Century Viking Sword

Matching 10th Century Seax

Brookhart Falchion

Brookhart Sidesword

Click here for the Full Kingdom of Arms Line Up

RYUJIN ART SWORDS

After humble beginnings, the so called ‘Art Sword’ line by Ryujin has been expanding quite a bit in the last month or so. And it just got even bigger with four new swords with 65mn Spring Steel blades that take it all to a whole new level..

The Radiant Dragon

The Akumu (Nightmare)

Aoitsunami

Five Elements

There are more swords still stuck in supply chain hell that will be released ‘for Christmas’ in 2022.. But look on the good side, at least they should not ALL sell out crazy fast this time (though we are already seeing some of the most popular ones going quite fast regardless – so if you see something you like, don’t sit on the sidelines or you might still miss out!).

In the meantime, you can check out every new sword listed in the order it arrived HERE on our New Additions Page:

New Additions

Tatami Mat restock and Christmas Orders

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First things first, as per our official guide to the holiday season – the ideal time to order any swords or sword related products has long since passed (any orders placed after the 8th of December may well have a hard time arriving in time for Christmas, so any orders placed from today – will probably not arrive until AFTER the holiday season).

Because swords can be damaged by excessively rough handling (and with the world’s postal and courier services pretty much fed up after nearly 2 years of almost single-handedly keeping the modern world moving along with very little respect or gratitude, rough handling for Christmas 2021 will likely be the norm rather than the exception) – we will not be doing any ‘rush orders’ or anything that will more likely than not just end up with a damaged or lost product at the worst possible time..

Best solution if you have left it too late? Gift Certificates

Tatami Mat Restock

In recent years, getting a supply of tatami mats has been a real challenge. So when we are able to get in a few boxes, it’s quite newsworthy.

Available in boxes of 20 (individually they work out to cost around $10.49 per mat) – stock is limited, so if you need some good mats at the best possible price, grab some while you can.

Box of 20 tatami mats

And while you are there, save time and messing around by buying an easy to assemble cutting stand kit for $99.99

Suitable for tatami, and by removing the central peg, can also be used for water filled bottles!

Cutting Stand

Post Script: Runaway inflation and shipping increases meant that the old price we sold the mats for actually cost us a small fortune (we are charging $20 shipping, but the actual cost is closer to $50-60 – and it meant we lost money with every recent order).

Not fun, but to make it viable we needed to raise the price – and for everyone who was lucky enough to get them at the old ‘pre-pandemic’ pricing, you will not see prices like that again anytime soon.

Ronin Restock Just in Time for Christmas

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We were not certain if it would be unloaded in time – after all, with the global supply chain shortage issues crunching at this time of year like never before and having been stuck in limbo for nearly 6 weeks, the shipment finally became unstuck – and just in time to offer you a restock of practically every Ronin Katana sword in both the Japanese Dojo Pro and European Sword lines.

Here are some of the most popular items in the restock:

POPULAR EURO LINE SWORDS

With 11 awesome models to choose from – all made from expertly tempered 1075 carbon steel with premium quality fittings and free scabbard.

Classic Oakeshott Type XVIIIb Longsword

The Flagship Longsword that set a new standard for sub $300 European swords. Amazing value at just $285

Italian Long Sword

Another amazing buy – highly detailed and priced to sell out again soon for just $285

Oakeshott Type XVIIIc Harriet Dean

A very powerful sword based a historical Oakeshott Type XVIIIc cut and thrust Longsword. $450

Full Ronin European Sword Line

POPULAR JAPANESE SWORDS

So many different variations of their classic Dojo Pro Dotanuki series are available that for the most part it is simply a question of picking out which design appeals to you the most based purely on its looks (all of the swords that state a ‘standard Dotanuki blade’ have the same blade, only the fittings are different.

But they do have a few cool variations – all of which have been restocked. Here are some of the most popular:

Dojo Pro Model # 9: O-Katana

The blade geometry is the same as the other swords in the series, but is a whopping 33″ blade and 12″ tsuka – the biggest in the series and with some SERIOUS cutting force behind it. $344.99

Dojo Pro Model #14: Oni Killer

The concept behind it was a bit of a tongue and cheek joke about how over the top some sword sellers were in describing their products. But the sword born from this idea is no laughing matter – and is one of the most distinctive and coolest looking entry level dojo swords around. 30″ blade, $314.99

Dojo Pro Model #16: Woodgrain saya

While it has a standard blade from the Dojo Pro series, it is easily one of the most popular designs among our customers – and the attractive finish of the saya combined with classic Katana elements make it easy to understand why. Priced the same as every other Dojo Pro standard blade – just $294.99

Full Ronin Dojo Pro Line

A decent sized restock for Katana and Tactical Swords (and much, much more!)

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It has been a constant battle to keep the most popular and economical sword lines in stock – all the best models are almost greedily snatched up by an army of online sword buyers, and with worldwide shipping delays only getting worse as we gear up for the busiest season of the year, we will take any and all good news we can get!

So we are very pleased to see that most of our major suppliers have just restocked or are about to restock any day now – so here are some of the hottest and most notable sword models and lines that have once again become available.

A.P.O.C. SERIES TACTICAL SWORDS

RESTOCKED – A.P.O.C. SERIES TAC BRUTUS

Wildly popular, this eminently practical, Zombie Apocalypse ready Gladius has been the top seller for the Angus Trim designed A.P.O.C. series – and with its almost indestructible 9260 spring steel blade and amazing price, it really is no surprise..

Tac Brutus $129.99

RESTOCKED – A.P.O.C. SERIES SURVIVAL BROADSWORD

Another very awesome 9260 blade that takes the arming sword screaming into the 21st century..

Survival Broadsword $175.95

RESTOCKED – A.P.O.C. SERIES WASTELAND GLADIUS

If you love a wicked leaf blade so mean looking even zombies run the other way, this sword is a must have to add to your collection.

Wasteland Gladius $175.95

RESTOCKED – A.P.O.C. SERIES TWIN BUTTERFLY SWORD SET

Defend your centerline – parry and attack the opponents arm in the same action, and overwhelm your foes while maintaining a tight defense – when used properly these tactical Butterfly Swords can be very hard to defeat!

Butterfly Sword Set $229.95

Dragon King Katana

Frenchie Jin and the team in Dailan had been busy the last few months and finally their incoming shipment of premium production Katana has hit the docks. Here are some of the best and fresh new swords just in time for the holiday season.

The Dragon is indeed back..

RESTOCKED – DRAGON KING WINTER SUN

As the months get colder and the nights get longer, the monotempered highly durable 5160 Spring Steel Winter Sun is both timely and timeless – a tough, no nonsense dojo sword that has few peers and will cut season after season, year after year..

Monotempered Winter Sun $319.99

RESTOCKED – DRAGON KING WARFIRE KATANA

With a finely forged 65mn spring steel blade, prominent hamon, tight cotton ito wrap and silver themed fittings, it is practical, attractive and very economical – the kind of solid entry level Katana that sets a new standard.

Warfire Katana $359.98

RESTOCKED – DRAGON KING HANA KATANA

Want a really nice T10 tool steel blade with a super prominent and clear hamon? Look no further than the Hana Katana – a great all round complete package at a very reasonable price.

Hana Katana $329.98

RESTOCKED – DRAGON KING KOHAKU KATANA

And for someone who REALLY appreciates T10 tool steel blades, the Kokahu is one of the best ever made and includes all the bells and whistles you expect for such a fine piece of craftsmanship.

Kohaku Katana $599.98

Budget 1045 Carbon Steel Daisho Set

If you just want bang for your buck – but don’t want stainless steel, these 3pc Katana, Wakizashi and Tanto sets pack in about as much value as you can muster.

RESTOCKED – 1045 CARBON STEEL DAISHO SETS

Black Saya Daisho Set $129.99
Red Saya Daisho Set $129.99

And Just for Good Measure – A Few Cool Medieval Swords…!

RESTOCKED – TINKER PEARCE LONGSWORD (SHARP)

Just restocked and STILL available for just $249.99 – if you are into HEMA and do not have one of these yet, now is definitely the time to have a look! It is the ONLY sword from the Tinker Pearce line restocked right now, and also the most popular model, so if you like Longswords, grab this one now..

Tinker Longsword $249.99

RESTOCKED – 65MN Spring Steel 13th CENTURY ARMING SWORD

Brought to us by our friend at Ryujin, there are two versions of this sturdy and attractive 13th century arming sword – one folded, one not. Both are peened with sturdy steel fittings and a free scabbard and sword belt.

Folded Arming Sword $299.99
Standard Arming Sword $229.99

A few more restocks from major suppliers, and a few surprises, are on the way too – but it is definitely good to see these new options become available once more.

Just how long they will remain in stock is of course a totally different story – so if you see something you like, grab it while you can!

Temporary Suspension of International Shipping to Australia and New Zealand

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As we draw close to Halloween, the sword industry is experiencing it’s own little horror show..

International shipping has been problematic for quite a few years now as carriers and customs agents across the world become increasingly paranoid and incredibly difficult to deal with, stepping up to an almost complete halt to sword shipping worldwide in 2019..

“XRAY DETECTED A SWORD”! HELP, RED ALERT! RED ALERT!

Of course, we all know what happened in 2020..

But now in late 2021, long term effects of shutdowns and lockdowns has shaken our rather fragile niche industry to its foundations. Prices are skyrocketing, shipping is jammed up, stock is out across the board and restocks are gobbled up faster than they can come in and as of the 25th of October – suddenly brings the majority of International shipping options to a complete halt with this announcement..

The Postal Service™ is temporarily suspending international mail acceptance for certain destinations due to impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unrelated service disruptions. Customers: please refrain from mailing items addressed to the countries listed here, until further notice.

While most the countries they listed we don’t usually ship to anyway, Australia and New Zealand certainly do effect us (we already had some idea this may be happening ahead of this announcement when we had a few shipments to New Zealand rejected and are currently dealing with the fallout -average cost to ship is $60, so it hurts a lot when we lose shipments suddenly for no good reason!).

Add this these losses extremely low stock levels across the board (heck, despite some successful restocks this year, we no longer have ANY Hanwei Swords available, have seen a couple of suppliers exit the industry, are suffering from lower sales, lower margins and higher prices – it just keeps on getting better and better!

Will definitely want to blow off some steam this Halloween – in the meantime, our apologies to our Australasian customers – we will do our best to update you as soon as this situation changes. Our little industry must be due for a break sometime soon right? (You would certainly think so, the last 3 years have been extraordinarily challenging)..