Time Sensitive special sales, discounts and promotions – some of which are exclusive flash sales just for readers of the blog. It pays to be in the know..!
With China soon to shut down all the forges for between 1-2 months starting towards the end of this month, and with a lot of price pressure on us that has been building since the beginning of 2020, we are temporarily closing down on any new orders for the Forge Direct Custom Katana 4.0 until the end of February/early March..
This is only a temporary shutdown to prevent customers getting frustrated by the long delays, and while there still are a few orders in the system we are still processing that may be impacted – we hope that the savings they made by buying it at what has become the old sale price of $779.99 with free shipping will make up for it because there is no way we will be able to maintain this price once we re-open in Feb/March (tentatively, the new price will be back to $899 – but even that is cutting it a bit too fine.. Only time will tell..)
Nothing really highlights the ongoing insanity of the global supply chain crises than when we list all the new swords that were supposed to have landed at least a couple of months ago in time for Christmas than this..
On Boxing Day, many new models have just become available for Christmas..
So without any further ado, here they are – our ‘Boxing Day’ Selection..
BLADE CULTURE INTERNATIONAL
While the Legendary Swords Project’s future remains very uncertain, at the start of 2021 there were a few swords whose prototypes showed so much promise that it would be plain wrong not to make a few into a small production. Now nearly 12 months later, we are delighted to announce a VERY LIMITED release of two new fully functional fantasy swords. Starting with:
The Brand of The Fallen
Loosely based on the German Zweihander and Scottish Two Handed Swords with a very dark twist, this has to be one of the meanest truly battle ready fantasy swords ever made. 45″ from end to end, everything about this sword is quite distinctive and unique – but nothing stands out more than the blade itself..
With 13 curves (a traditional and common style throughout South East Asia) Kris/Flamberge is very attractive but as similar swords were used by the German Landsknecht, it is not without historical precedent.
Definitely a sword you should be careful handling, as Kris blades can bite in unexpected ways..
Ever bisected a water filled bottle before? Probably..
But how about with a thrust? Well, unless you have one of these – chances are no..
With a truly acute tip optimized for a deep and very wide thrust, its a very versatile and intimidating looking piece and includes a matching high quality scabbard.
Also made by Blade Culture International, but exclusive to Clyde Hollis’s Kingdom of Arms Brand, we see quite a few underrepresented swords finally hit the market as well as some companion daggers and Viking seax knives to create matching sets.
After humble beginnings, the so called ‘Art Sword’ line by Ryujin has been expanding quite a bit in the last month or so. And it just got even bigger with four new swords with 65mn Spring Steel blades that take it all to a whole new level..
The Radiant Dragon
The Akumu (Nightmare)
Aoitsunami
Five Elements
There are more swords still stuck in supply chain hell that will be released ‘for Christmas’ in 2022.. But look on the good side, at least they should not ALL sell out crazy fast this time (though we are already seeing some of the most popular ones going quite fast regardless – so if you see something you like, don’t sit on the sidelines or you might still miss out!).
In the meantime, you can check out every new sword listed in the order it arrived HERE on our New Additions Page:
It is hard to believe it – but it is THAT time of year again..
And while it has been (and continues to be) a channeling year, we are pleased that on CyberMonday 2021 we have some GREAT deals for you that have just been added to the HOT SPECIALS page in the official SBG Sword Store.
So here they are, three NEW swords and three classics at heavily DISCOUNTED prices..
Technically a Ko-Wakizashi..
It is clearly NOT a traditional blade with its unique blue and steel flame design, but it’s 13″ monotempered 65mn spring steel is priced so low for the CyberMonday Sale that it makes me wince a little bit..
Easily worth the price just for the blade alone..
A Very Mean Mune
The second sword in the ‘Demon tooth’ series of Art Swords (the first, still available and in stock with a Damascus steel blade) instead of folded steel it is differentially hardened, and completed with premium quality steel fittings, cotton ito and everything you would expect from a decent entry level Katana..
A very mean ‘Mune’ (spine) makes other swords nervous..!
Nothing But Damascus..
Perhaps the pinnacle of the art sword line – the fittings are suitable for the dojo, the blade something fully functional but awesome to display – if you are a fan of affordable folded steel blades, this one is for you..
It has been a constant battle to keep the most popular and economical sword lines in stock – all the best models are almost greedily snatched up by an army of online sword buyers, and with worldwide shipping delays only getting worse as we gear up for the busiest season of the year, we will take any and all good news we can get!
So we are very pleased to see that most of our major suppliers have just restocked or are about to restock any day now – so here are some of the hottest and most notable sword models and lines that have once again become available.
A.P.O.C. SERIES TACTICAL SWORDS
RESTOCKED – A.P.O.C. SERIES TAC BRUTUS
Wildly popular, this eminently practical, Zombie Apocalypse ready Gladius has been the top seller for the Angus Trim designed A.P.O.C. series – and with its almost indestructible 9260 spring steel blade and amazing price, it really is no surprise..
RESTOCKED – A.P.O.C. SERIES TWIN BUTTERFLY SWORD SET
Defend your centerline – parry and attack the opponents arm in the same action, and overwhelm your foes while maintaining a tight defense – when used properly these tactical Butterfly Swords can be very hard to defeat!
Frenchie Jin and the team in Dailan had been busy the last few months and finally their incoming shipment of premium production Katana has hit the docks. Here are some of the best and fresh new swords just in time for the holiday season.
The Dragon is indeed back..
RESTOCKED – DRAGON KING WINTER SUN
As the months get colder and the nights get longer, the monotempered highly durable 5160 Spring Steel Winter Sun is both timely and timeless – a tough, no nonsense dojo sword that has few peers and will cut season after season, year after year..
With a finely forged 65mn spring steel blade, prominent hamon, tight cotton ito wrap and silver themed fittings, it is practical, attractive and very economical – the kind of solid entry level Katana that sets a new standard.
Want a really nice T10 tool steel blade with a super prominent and clear hamon? Look no further than the Hana Katana – a great all round complete package at a very reasonable price.
And for someone who REALLY appreciates T10 tool steel blades, the Kokahu is one of the best ever made and includes all the bells and whistles you expect for such a fine piece of craftsmanship.
If you just want bang for your buck – but don’t want stainless steel, these 3pc Katana, Wakizashi and Tanto sets pack in about as much value as you can muster.
And Just for Good Measure – A Few Cool Medieval Swords…!
RESTOCKED – TINKER PEARCE LONGSWORD (SHARP)
Just restocked and STILL available for just $249.99 – if you are into HEMA and do not have one of these yet, now is definitely the time to have a look! It is the ONLY sword from the Tinker Pearce line restocked right now, and also the most popular model, so if you like Longswords, grab this one now..
RESTOCKED – 65MN Spring Steel 13th CENTURY ARMING SWORD
Brought to us by our friend at Ryujin, there are two versions of this sturdy and attractive 13th century arming sword – one folded, one not. Both are peened with sturdy steel fittings and a free scabbard and sword belt.
A few more restocks from major suppliers, and a few surprises, are on the way too – but it is definitely good to see these new options become available once more.
Just how long they will remain in stock is of course a totally different story – so if you see something you like, grab it while you can!
With the long awaited (since around March this year!) and long delayed restock of swords from our friends at Ryujin Swords, including the classic bo-hi and solid bodied blade versions of their standard Shinogi Zukuri Custom Katana series and associated sub swords comes some news that is NOT so welcome..
Long dreaded price increases..
You see, the pandemic has been putting massive upward price pressure on pretty much everything around the world – and we have been warning that swords were not going to be exempt. But with global shipping jammed up and at unprecedentedly high prices, we are completely unable to absorb all of the additional costs and have been forced to raise prices accordingly.
This is not something that we take lightly – we fight price rises at every turn and do our best to absorb additional costs at our end for as long as we possibly can. But while we are absorbing a lot – we cannot afford to shoulder all the additional costs – so while the restock is great news, prices are a little higher on all the restocked swords and components..
While prices are a little higher, the increase is MUCH lower than it should be – but with the holiday season rapidly closing in on us, continued worldwide shipping chaos and spiraling inflation pushing on us we worry that this is just the start of a disturbing new trend.
So grab what you can while the prices are still relatively low (we really went out of our way to bear as much of the cost increase as we could muster), because at the end of the day we just don’t know how long we can hold them down:
P.S. We ALSO have a lot of price pressure on our flat rate $20 shipping for 2 swords and FREE shipping on 3 or more. This is becoming very unsustainable – so do not be surprised if we are also forced to overhaul shipping prices in the not too distant future.
