The 2024 Renaissance Sword bonanza continues to gain even more momentum with the return of a classic Hanwei Rapier, the Torino, along with a matching Main Gauche and another Main Gauche for the Taza Rapier (that pretty much sold out within 24-48 hours of its re-release).
TORINO RAPIER
MATCHING TORINO MAIN GAUCHE
TAZA MAIN GAUCHE
Lovers of elegant Renaissance era weaponry are truly spoiled for choice at this very moment, but as stock levels are the sword markets demand are very unpredictable at the moment, if you see a blade you like – now is the time to grab one while they are in stock and prices remain as low as they possibly can be..
The tough Monotempered 5160 Spring Steel blades from Dragon King’s “4 Seasons Line” (so called because they have a blade themed in fittings reflecting each of the seasons) have often been lauded as very attractive fitting sets, but over the years since they first came out, many customers who purchased one started asking Dragon King if there would ever be a version with a more refined, differentially hardened blade..
..Well, they need ask no further – two of the 4 blades have just been released as an alternative version – the Spring Sakura and the Autumn Leaf..
DH SPRING SAKURA KATANA
DH AUTUMN LEAF
The fittings are the same, but both blades have been replaced with differentially hardened 5160 blades with bo-hi/fuller and a real hamon temper line.
Available at the MSRP of $599.00, you can pick up either of these models for just $429.99 at the SBG Sword store. Combine one with a tough ‘beater’ blade from the original monotempered series and you can now have one workhorse ‘forgiving of mistakes’ version and the new version suitable for more dedicated cutting, self defense, display or to see how much your technique has improved training with the tough versions.
Check out the full range of Dragon King Katana below:
The Renaissance of Renaissance Swords in 2024 continues to gain some momentum with two new affordable 17th century Renaissance blades, one a powerful sidesword originally from Italy that is balanced between thrust and cut, and a new version of the Kingston Arms Swept hilt rapier, this version with blackened antiqued finish fittings.
And the best part, they are BOTH very affordable with our SBG Special Prices and under $300!
ITALIAN SPADA DA LATO SIDE SWORD
STATS: Overall: 41″ Blade Length: 32 3/4″ Handle Length: 4 1/4″ Weight: 2lb 9oz Point of Balance: 2″ Thickness at Guard: 5.5mm Thickness at Tip: 2.8mm
Plus, as mentioned in the title – these two swords also have available a cool off hand defensive and opportunistic shorter blade, the Main Gauche, which suits either one for the full ‘Renaissance sword’ experience.
MAIN GAUCHE
STATS: Overall: 16 1/2″ Blade Length: 11″ Handle Length: 5 1/2″ Weight: 13 oz Width at Guard: 0.85″ Thickness at Guard: 5.3mm Thickness at Tip: 2.2mm
It is the second Ragnarok inspired Viking blade in Jason Woodards Doomdsay Sword series and the second with a curious fusion of ancient Norse design with modern materials and blade making techniques – starting as it always does with a 1:1 scale sketched design.
After careful consideration of the overall design and individual design elements, Chris Palmer then creates and has cut out a Master Template in 1095 carbon steel.
The blank has some basic edge geometry ground in and the handle is drilled in 11 places where pins and epoxy will later bind the handle to the steel.
Edges are further refined and a narrow fuller is ground along the center of the blade on both sides, providing it it’s general shape and styling.
The entire blade is then heat treated to around 1500 degrees and then quenched in brine, hardening it, before the steel is heated a second time to approx 500 degrees and allowed to temper.
The tempered blade is cleaned up and polished, and has two blocks of Black Linen Mircarta pinned and epoxied on both sides in a classic hard wearing sandwich tang construction.
From there, the handle is ground to shape and has 5 additional brass pins inserted, for one of the strongest blade to handle and overall strength swords currently on the market,
Finally it is all cleaned up, the blade is given it’s final edge, the handle gets wrapped in deer leather (and if ordered, the optional scabbard is fitted and made).
And the end result, Doomsday Sword #10 – Viking Type 8, now available at the SBG Sword Store for just $279.99
Not bad for an entirely made by hand in the USA blade!
Attention sword enthusiasts and collectors! If you’ve been eyeing those exquisite Forge Direct Chinese swords, now is the time to act. We’re offering last chance discounts on five remarkable blades that are about to be discontinued. Don’t miss out on owning a piece of history – these swords won’t be available for long! (offer ends 31st of May)..
LAST CHANCE OFFER #1:
Dragon Abyss Sword
Based on a 2400 year old tale the Dragon Abyss Sword, also known as the sword of integrity, is a stunning differentially hardened and folded octagonal geometry profiled blade with exotic and striking Dragon themed fittings. Was $999.99
Good things come in small packages, and this small but expertly made chopping cleaver based on blades brandished during the White Lotus Rebellion is certain to impress. Lightning fast and cuts like a one handed mini-katana. Was $999.99
Another ancient sword from the warring states period, the originals were far ahead of their time, and this stunning fully functional replica is a fitting tribute with a folded and differentially hardened blade and solid brass fitting sets. Was $999.99
From the Master smiths of the esteemed Baojian Forge, this Tang dynasty blade was famous throughout Asia and that served as the inspiration for the Japanese ‘Chokuto’ sword.Was $1,215.00
Another highly advanced for its era sword, blades like this one were the pinnacle of ancient Chinese sword making. Clean simple lines throughout with a folded 1095 carbon steel blade with hexagonal blade geometry. Was $1,170.90
Special Reintroduction: Feathersteel and Spinsteel Swords
But wait, there’s more! We’re thrilled to reintroduce two exotic steel swords using and advanced and rarely seen folding techniques made by one of our favorite Master Sword Smiths, Master Michael Ye. Both Spinsteel and Feathersteel (also known as Windsteel, as the pattern looks like the wind blowing on the surface of a lake) are highly complex and rather rare forging techniques that Master Ye specializes in.
Here the steel revolves as it is folded and pattern welded – with a consistent ‘feathered’ or ‘wind surface’ pattern for a Feathersteel/Windsteel blade or in the case of Spinsteel, mixing more traditional Damascus with Feathersteel for the most eye pleasing, complex pattern.
The technique when done by a Master Smith results in a beautiful and yet still VERY strong blade, take a look at this video made for a limited edition Windsteel blade by Master Ye tested destructively against a wide variety of traditional and challenging targets..
And the best part is, they are ALSO on sale until the end of the month, allowing anyone who is fast enough to snap them up at the very best price humanly possible..
Golden Dragon Feathersteel Jian
With a refined Otcagonal profile blade and fine Feathersteel patterning from the hilt to the tip, the Golden Dragon Feathersteel Jian is a forceful and impressive sword with attractive Dragon themed fittings. The usual price on this beauty is $1,599.99 but is available with a 25% discount of $399.99 until the end of the month.
This one is the most complex of the two, alternating a Feathersteel pattern by rotating (spinning) the steel as it is folded and pattern welded into shape. It’s incredibly hard to make and only a handful of smiths still know how to make it – so if you want something truly unique to add to your collection, the Spinsteel Jian would have to be it. Because it is so hard to make, the price reflects this and it is normally $2,299.99. However until the end of the month you can save $575 with 25% off..
To see all the special offers and traditional Chinese blades all in one place, check out our Forge Direct Chinese page in the store today before the discounts end and 5 blades become off the menu once and for all..
