Category Archives: Behind the Scenes

Important industry wide events effecting shipping, sword brands, laws or other really important announcements. Sometimes doubles with ‘Paul’s rants’

Forging Ahead: Updates from the SBG Armory

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We’ve been quiet on the blog front lately, but that’s not for lack of activity—in fact, it’s quite the opposite! So many small yet significant things have been happening that we’ve been more focused on the work itself than documenting every detail in the blog. But now feels like the perfect moment to share a few highlights with all of you, so…

First, a quick update on one of our bestsellers: Swordier blades. Due to their immense popularity, the wait times have extended slightly from 7 days to 7-14 days. For those who’ve seen these blades up close and personal, you’ll know why they’re worth every bit of the wait. With their perfect balance of affordability and craftsmanship, they remain a treasure in our collection.

Speaking of value, we’re thrilled to announce that the Legacy Arms series is back in stock! These medieval and fantasy swords are the epitome of bang for your buck—combining solid build quality with sub-$300 prices. Whether you’re a collector or a first-time buyer, these are swords you won’t want to miss.

A couple of our customers Legacy Arms Favorites

RESTOCKED: Legacy Arms Templar Knight Sword

Still Just $279.95

RESTOCKED: Legacy Arms Irish Hand and a Half Sword

Also still just $279.95

For the lovers of bold and barbaric style, the Black Dragon Forge Cimmerian Sword now comes with its very own barbarian-style scabbard option. It’s the perfect match for this striking blade, giving it the kind of dramatic flair that demands attention.

Just days ago, we also welcomed two exceptional new models from the legendary swordsmiths at Citadel into our collection. These are not just swords—they are masterpieces of craftsmanship, revered by connoisseurs and collectors alike. However, their rarity speaks for itself: with only two of each model initially available, we now have just one remaining of each.

Citadel Wolf Katana

Citadel Dragon Katana

Yes, these swords come with a price tag befitting their status as some of the finest blades available outside of Japan. But ask any expert, and they’ll tell you that the only thing surpassing a Citadel sword in quality is an actual Nihonto—a traditional Japanese sword made by master artisans in Japan. For the discerning collector who understands the value of unparalleled precision, exquisite detail, and historical authenticity, a Citadel blade is nothing short of a steal.

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a true masterpiece, now is the time to act. With only one of each model left, these treasures won’t linger long in our armory.

Citadel @ SBG

Lastly, a teaser: several exciting projects are nearing completion! Some may be considered mundane, but others have us genuinely buzzing with anticipation. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss what’s next!

Thanks for your continued support and patience as we navigate this whirlwind of activity. As always, we’re here to keep your sword dreams alive, one blade at a time..

The Modern Katana Series is Complete!

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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..

Modern Katana Series

Many (many) swords coming in from several major brands this week, so stay tuned.. It’s going to be a busy and fun one!

It’s the final countdown..!

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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…

HAVE AT IT!

Hanwei SALE @ SBG

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..

Black Dragon Forge: New GLAMDRING

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It’s no secret that I am a sucker for fully functional fantasy swords. Some of the best makers in the world, past and present, have felt the same way with bespoke and unique creations (our list of custom sword making legends is here) – but most of us can only dream of owning something that high end, or even the official Albion swords like the Albion Atlantean are nearly $4K with no scabbard..

This is why since 2017 with our now defunct (but kind of reviving) Legendary Swords series was all about. Fantasy swords that work in the real world and have SO much more presence when displayed than the official stainless steel blade..

Of course, you have to be careful walking the legal line – fans want a real and well made, affordable replica, and if the official ones are crappy, too expensive or are just ‘off’ it’s fair to make a handful of what the true fans dream of.. And we make just enough adjustments so it is not an EXACT copy, but you’ll know what it is.

Currently both the Black Dragon Forge and Swordier and involved making battle ready fantasy designs for us, and they just finished their latest addition, the ‘Elf-wood’ style Glamdring inspired more from the books than the films..

The fittings are low maintenance stainless steel, the wood – all premium rosewood, the blade folded 1095 carbon steel and very, very functional..

It’s available with FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for just $474.99 HERE

Check out the Black Dragon Fantasy Swords to date, it’s getting impressive and not restricted to one genre/book/storyline.

Black Dragon Forge Fantasy
  • Glamdring
  • ELITE Atlantean Sword
  • ELITE Folded Atlantean Sword
  • Assassins Creed Sword of Altair
  • The Cimmerian Sword
  • The Azure Flame
  • Sword of the Ancients

Dum, dum, dum, dum..!

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No, it’s not a drum roll – it’s the quiet sound of an idiot listing the wrong swords to the wrong pages and deals.

Originally the idea was to offer a crazy $299 deal on the Dragon King Seasonal series until Valentines day (because let’s be honest, unless it’s a flower sword, it probably won’t sell well).

I was surprised they were not selling well when most everything else was – and so after royally stuffing it up, the deal gets extended until the end of the month..

As Kano from the Mortal remake would say in his strong Aussie accent “f**k’n oops!”

Sorry guys! Too busy getting ready for what’s coming NEXT…! Seriously, this year is just warming up..