Additional thoughts, information and hints for our sword lines and products, including detailed introductions of new swords as they come in, special discounts and more.
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 one of the most wishlisted item in our store and has been out of stock for at least 5 years if not more – so much so that we were beginning to doubt whether it would EVER be available again..
But after all this time we are DELIGHTED to announce that this awesome sword is back in stock – though with so many years of pent up demand and only the slightest increase in price (for now anyway) they are certain be be gobbled up fast.
Find out what all the fuss is about by reading THIS classic SBG review and then check it out below if you want to grab one before they go out of stock once again for who knows how long..
To replace the 5 designs from forge direct that we permanently retired last month, we are delighted to announce 5 new designs that take their place. Starting from the most basic and working our way up..
Four Beasts Jian
The best value for money sword in the new selection – it’s an awesome classic Jian with detailed brass fittings depicting the four beasts from Chinese mythology and legend – The Dragon, White Tiger, Phoenix and Tortoise. Also available with a fittings upgrade with 24K gold and silver if you want to next level it.
For over 2600 years, swords like this one were believed to banish bad luck and evil spirits. But as with all the Forge Direct blades, this is no mere ornament or lucky charm and is equally at home banishing home invaders or other bad guys as it is banishing evil spirits and bad luck. Complex folded steel octagonal blade geometry with lucky fittings. Upgraded version with darker fittings and 24k gold and silver plating available.
Another classic Qing Dynasty Jian with a folded and differentially hardended blade decked out with premium quality 24k gold and silver Dragon and Tiger themed fittings. Stunning and deadly.
Unique Octagonal blade geometry with a prominent central ridge and curious star pattern in the folded steel that has to be seen to be believed. The design is perfected with premium quality 24k gold and silver Dragon themed fitting sets.
Classic Tai Chi style folded and double sided differentially hardened blade with elite 24k gold and silver plated fittings with a rayskin handle and rayskin covered scabbard. Available in standard and green colored configurations – the pinnacle of the new Forge Direct selection.
