Category Archives: Behind the Scenes

When Windlass announced the Heritage Series in 2025, the initial launch was available exclusively through Museum Replicas Ltd. (MRL). The concept was simple: take several proven Windlass classics that collectors had enjoyed for decades and refine them with meaningful upgrades rather than complete redesigns.

Now, we’re pleased to finally bring these upgraded Heritage Series swords to SBG.

Each model benefits from an improved distal taper for quicker, livelier handling, upgraded wood-core scabbards beneath the leather coverings, and historically inspired wet-wrapped leather grips that provide both enhanced authenticity and improved purchase in the hand. These are not new swords, but rather thoughtfully improved versions of designs that have already stood the test of time.

Heritage Pirate Cutlass

A compact, hard-hitting maritime classic with a fully enclosed steel basket hilt and surprisingly lively handling. One of Windlass’ most practical and iconic swords, now upgraded with improved balance and a handsome wood-core scabbard complete with skull-and-crossbones detailing.

Heritage Classic Medieval Sword

For more than three decades, this Oakeshott Type X has been one of Windlass’ most enduring designs. Fast, effective, and unmistakably knightly, the Heritage upgrade makes an already proven cutter feel even more responsive while retaining all the classic medieval character that made it so popular in the first place.

Heritage German Bastard Sword

This elegant Type XVIII longsword combines a long hollow-ground blade, etched wheel pommel, and ornate matching scabbard with the improved handling of the Heritage Series refinements. At just 2 lbs 9 oz, it’s remarkably agile for a sword of its size and an excellent example of late medieval German craftsmanship.

Heritage Irish Medieval Sword

Perhaps the most distinctive sword in the collection. Its flowing S-shaped guard, iconic ring pommel, and deeply fullered blade create a uniquely Irish profile unlike anything else in European sword design. Finished in deep green leather and upgraded throughout, it’s a sword with tremendous personality and performance.

Classic Designs, Modern Refinements

The Heritage Series succeeds because it doesn’t try to reinvent these proven Windlass classics. Instead, it carefully improves the details that matter most to collectors and practitioners while preserving the character that made these swords favorites for decades.

If you’ve admired any of these models in the past, there has never been a better time to experience them.

Browse the complete Windlass collection now at SBG and discover these upgraded Heritage Series editions for yourself.

It’s been quite a while since our last blog update – July 28, to be exact. The quiet wasn’t intentional, but the reality is that the ongoing deterioration of global economic conditions has made it extremely difficult to offer anything worth blogging about. With sword sales at historic lows and very few new models hitting the market, there simply hasn’t been much to report. No specials, no restocks, no new releases… just a long stretch of waiting.

That finally changes today.

Despite the tough climate, we’re pleased to announce four new blades have just come online – all revived versions of classic Hanwei designs, now returning under their respective new brands.

The New Releases

Tactical Tanto – New & Improved

The classic Hanwei Tactical Tanto returns tougher than ever, retaining its original stout blade profile while adding removable diamond‑checkered G10 slabs and matte‑black fittings. A compact, weather‑ready utility blade built for hard use and easy maintenance.

Tactical Wakizashi – New & Improved

A revived, modernized take on the Tactical Wakizashi. The full‑tang 5160 blade keeps its proven cutting geometry, now enhanced with removable diamond‑checkered G10 slabs and matte‑black stainless fittings. Compact, durable, and ready for real‑world field use.

Dark Sentinel – Revived Edition

The Dark Sentinel returns with its classic Hanwei profile, now under a new brand and built for modern performance. Sleek blacked‑out finish, improved handling, and the same fast, practical cutting geometry that made the original a favorite.

Rhinelander Bastard Sword – Revived Edition

The Rhinelander is back under Kingston Arms with improved balance, a tapered 7″ leather‑wrapped grip, and a smooth peened pommel. Its deep fuller and 5160 blade deliver powerful cuts and strong thrusts, paired with a classic ring‑guard hilt and scent‑stopper pommel. Includes a leather‑wrapped scabbard.

More New Swords Incoming

The good news doesn’t stop here. We have a few more new models arriving over the next week or so, and once they land, we’ll update the blog again with details, photos, and listings.

After a long stretch of silence, it feels good to finally have something new to share — and we appreciate everyone who’s stuck with us through this difficult period.

Stay tuned… more steel is on the way.

Swordier is well known for its blend of craftsmanship, historical fidelity, and fantasy‑inspired artistry — and today, we’re excited to unveil a full lineup of new blades now available through our store. This release spans Renaissance greatswords, Elven legends, shadow‑forged daggers, Braavosi fencing blades, and a refined 17th‑century rapier. Each model is fully functional, forged from quality steels, and crafted with the kind of detail Swordier is becoming famous for.

Flamberge Greatsword

A towering 175 cm flamberge with a wave‑pattern blade, ornate ivy‑engraved extended quillions, and a sharpened 65Mn spring‑steel edge. This is a centerpiece weapon — dramatic, imposing, and built with a long ricasso for half‑swording techniques. A functional Renaissance greatsword with real presence.

Battle Ready “Sting” Sword

One of the finest functional Sting replicas ever produced. A sharpened spring‑steel blade, genuine leather hilt wrap, and a faux‑leather scabbard with ornate, screen‑accurate fittings. Light, quick, and beautifully crafted — a faithful tribute to the blade that followed Bilbo and Frodo through Middle‑earth.

Morgul Dagger

A sinister fantasy dagger with a long 49 cm blade, dark antiqued finish, and a weighty, forward‑driving feel. Sharpened spring steel, pronounced distal taper, and a design that looks like it stepped straight out of the shadows of Minas Morgul. Heavy, menacing, and built to perform.

Blue Glamdring

A premium, fully functional recreation of the legendary Elven sword. Sharpened spring‑steel blade, ornate fittings, and genuine blue leather used for both the hilt and the matching scabbard — a rarity among replicas. Elegant, powerful, and crafted with respect for Elven craftsmanship.

Battle Ready “Needle” Sword

A sleek, lightning‑fast fencing blade inspired by Arya Stark’s Needle. Sharpened 1065 carbon steel, plain wood grip, lacquered wood‑core scabbard, stainless fittings, and a fully peened pommel. Feather‑light at just 539 g, with the quick, precise handling Needle is known for. A superb price for a fully functional Braavosi‑style sword.

17th‑Century Pierced‑Shell Rapier

A refined reproduction of the transitional rapier style seen across England, Germany, and the Low Countries. Pierced shell guard, integrated swept bars, extended quillons, wire‑wrapped grip, turned pommel, and a long 94 cm blade with excellent point control. Elegant, historical, and beautifully balanced.

A New Chapter for Collectors

This release marks one of Swordier’s strongest lineups yet — a blend of historical accuracy, fantasy artistry, and functional steel that appeals to collectors across genres. Whether you favor Elven elegance, Braavosi speed, Renaissance grandeur, or the cold menace of shadow‑forged blades, there’s a model here that belongs in your collection.

Stock is limited for each model, and demand is already rising. These blades ship internationally (not from the USA), with reliable tracking and fast delivery.

Explore the new Swordier lineup and claim your blade while stock lasts.

Every now and then a production sword line gets a second life, and when it does, you hope the improvements are more than cosmetic. Hanwei’s revived Tactical Series is exactly that kind of comeback. After years of loyal service from the original models, CAS Iberia has quietly rebuilt the Tactical Katana from the inside out, keeping the spirit of the design intact while modernizing everything that needed attention.

At the heart of the new model is the same blade geometry created by James Williams for the Raptor series. If you know the Raptor line, you know what that means. The 5160 monotempered spring steel blade is built for punishment, shock absorption, and real‑world durability. It is one of the toughest production blades ever made, and the Tactical Katana continues that lineage with full‑tang construction and a profile designed to survive hard use. This is not a wall hanger. It is a tool.

Where things get interesting is in the redesign of the handle system. The old Kraton grip has been replaced with removable diamond‑checkered G10 slabs, giving the sword a far more modern, modular feel. The new slabs can be taken off for cleaning, maintenance, or future upgrades, and the grip itself has been reshaped into a more rounded, comfortable profile that locks into the hand even when wet. The fittings have been upgraded as well, with the tsuba and kurikata now made from matte‑finished stainless steel that looks cleaner and holds up better in the field.

Internally, Hanwei has reworked the tang and habaki construction to support the removable‑handle design without sacrificing strength. These changes are invisible from the outside but essential to the new system. The scabbard remains a lightweight fiberglass build that resists moisture and avoids the swelling issues of wood, and the included paracord and lanyard hole give you flexible carry options whether you are hiking, training, or preparing for emergencies.

The philosophy behind the Tactical Series has always been simple. Strip away anything unnecessary, keep the blade strong, and make the sword as functional as possible. The new edition stays true to that idea while finally giving the line the modern upgrades it deserved. Tougher materials, better ergonomics, cleaner aesthetics, and a modular platform that opens the door to future customization.

If you liked the original Tactical Katana, this is the version you were waiting for. If you never tried one, this is the time. The Raptor DNA is still there, but now it lives inside a smarter, stronger, more capable package built for the world we live in today.