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’

Steel, Spirit, and a Vanishing Price—The Ryujin Horimono Series Countdown Has Begun..

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The Ryujin Horimono Series was never meant to be ordinary. From the etched motifs that whisper of dragons, guardians, and forgotten rituals—to the precision-forged blades built for battle and beauty—the soul of each sword pulses with purpose.

But even legends bow to reality. With razor-thin margins and post-tariff pressures, the $79.95 price is being held together by sheer force of will—and it’s slipping away.

This is your final window: now through July 21st (midnight EST), you can secure one of the last Ryujin Horimono blades at the original “special” price—the one forged during better days. After that, the trade winds take over…

Myth, meet market forces. Choose your blade, support the legacy, and strike before the price ascends (because even when they go back to $100 a pop, they are still crazy good value – but at the current price, just an absolute steal)..

Ryujin Specials

The Last of Rock Creek Knives..

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A Legacy Unearthed. A Price You’ll Never See Again...

They were never meant to return. Rock Creek Knives, launched in 2008 by Hanwei, were a short-lived but ambitious line of high-performance blades—crafted with proprietary steels, finished with premium materials, and designed to compete with the best Western makers. But when the Hanwei forge was consumed by fire in 2011, the line was quietly retired. The remaining inventory was shipped to Pieces of History, Hanwei’s UK-based sister company, and for over a decade, that’s where they stayed.

Until now.

Earlier this year, Pieces of History closed its doors, and a forgotten shipment of Rock Creek knives made its way back to the U.S. These are not reproductions. They are original, pre-fire production blades, untouched and preserved. And now, in a rare twist of fate, they’re being offered at 40% off MSRP in a final closeout sale.

Why so low? Because this is it. No more will be made. No more will be found. This is the last of Rock Creek—and we’d rather see them in the hands of collectors and craftsmen than gathering dust in a warehouse.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to strike, this is it. Because once they’re gone, Rock Creek will return to legend.

THE ROCK CREEK BLADES

The Blesbok – WAS $169, NOW $99.95

Muley – WAS $169, NOW $99.95

The Pronghorn – WAS $169, NOW $99.95

Impala – WAS $99, NOW $59.40

Waterbuck – WAS $99, NOW $59.40

Steenbock – WAS $99, NOW $59.40

Bushbuck – WAS $99, NOW $59.40

Denali – WAS $65, NOW $39

Click the below to see the whole selection:

Rock Creek Closeout Sale

Final Call: Hanwei Closeout Sale – Once They’re Gone, They’re Gone…

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The forge is cooling, the crates are nearly empty, and the clock is ticking. This is the final Hanwei closeout, and it’s moving fast.

All month long—and only while supplies last—we are defying the price rise trends by slashing prices on the last remaining Hanwei swords by an extra 10%. These are the final pieces from one of the most respected names in production swordsmithing, and with recent price hikes across the board, you will NEVER see these prices again (and indeed, this may well be the very last change ever to secure some of these classic Hanwei models).

Whether you’re a collector, a martial artist, or just someone who knows a good deal when they see one—this is your moment…

See the final stock Hanwei collection below:

Hanwei Discounted Final Closeouts

Airshipments Are Back! Swordier Orders Now Arrive in Just 7–14 Days

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No, it’s not “Sword Air” – but it’s the next best thing!

After months of navigating stormy seas—literally and figuratively—we’re thrilled to announce that air shipping from Swordier in China to the USA is back on the menu.

Since the trade war flared up in April, we were forced to shift all Swordier shipments to seafreight. That meant:

  1. Lead times ballooned to over a month
  2. We had to pay hefty tariffs upon arriving in the USA (Up to 145% at one point!)
  3. Orders were consolidated at a US warehouse and then shipped domestically and
  4. And let’s be honest, with all of these additional charges on such high value, low cost swords to begin with, our profit margins were hanging by the barest thread..

But now? We’re flying again. And the best part? The new air shipping option only adds $10 to the price, while slashing delivery times back to a swift 7–14 days. That’s faster than a longsword draw in a tavern brawl!

Swordier: Still the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Don’t just take our word for it—check out Shadiversity’s recent review of the Swordier Type XVIIIc where he calls it:

“One of the BEST swords we’ve ever reviewed!”

That’s high praise from a man who’s tested everything from zweihanders to zombie cleavers. Shad dives into the pros and cons of the Swordier line, including:

  1. Excellent balance and handling
  2. Impressive edge geometry
  3. Unbeatable value at under $300

Whether you’re a collector, reenactor, or just someone who appreciates a well-made blade, Swordier continues to deliver serious steel without breaking the bank—or your patience.

Swordier @ SBG

Bugei Swords now at SBG! (and the flight of the Dragonfly Katana)

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Remember when we said the Dragonfly Katana was the last hurrah of the old Hanwei forge? Then pivoted and called it the firstborn of the new one? Yeah… well, turns out we weren’t entirely right either time.

Because now the Dragonfly’s landed in its final—and frankly most fitting—nest: under the Bugei brand, right here at SBG!!!

And with that, Bugei swords are now officially available at the SBG Sword Store—for the first time ever. For those unfamiliar, Bugei isn’t just another brand. It’s a legacy founded by Shihan James Williams, a master of classical Japanese martial arts with decades of experience in kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and tantojutsu. His vision for Bugei was clear from the start: to create swords that could stand shoulder to shoulder with historical blades—not only in appearance, but in function, balance, and soul. These aren’t fantasy props or decorative showpieces. They’re forged with purpose, designed for serious practitioners, and grounded in deep martial tradition.

The Dragonfly’s journey—misreported, reborn, and finally reclaimed—mirrors the spirit of Bugei itself. It’s a story of evolution, of survival, of finding the right hands to carry forward a craft that still demands reverence. And make no mistake: when you hold a Bugei sword, you feel something different. The weight is honest. The edge is purposeful. The geometry isn’t a guess—it’s a reflection of centuries of combat insight and careful refinement.

There are many swords out there that claim to be inspired by tradition. But very few can say they carry it forward. Bugei doesn’t just replicate the past—it keeps it alive, one forged masterpiece at a time.

But the Dragonfly is not the only sword to join Bugei’s new line up..

The Second Bugei Sword – the Armorers Katana

Right on cue for this evolving story, the newest addition to the Bugei lineup is the Armorers Katana—a blade that proudly carries the torch of function-first design. With its no-nonsense geometry, robust fittings, and a blade profile honed for martial performance, the Armorers Katana is a love letter to practicality and purpose. It’s the kind of sword that doesn’t need fanfare—it speaks through feel, balance, and cutting authority.

Whether you’re a dojo regular or a collector who values integrity over ornamentation, this is the blade that proves Bugei’s legacy isn’t just continuing—it’s gaining momentum.

Bugei Swords @ SBG