Last of the SBG Black Dragon Katana Scratch and Dents

We just did a bit of a quick stocktake of the SBG Black Dragon Scratch and Dent swords that we have been offering over the last few months and discovered a few extra models that we thought we had sold out of..!

There are not many of each one left – but there are 4 models to choose from – all heavily discounted due to a permanently attached tsuka, but make great cutters straight out of the box.

Check them out below:

A couple of new dedicated cutting swords..

We just added two new swords to the current SBG selection, and while they come from different cultural settings and time periods, they both have one thing in common – they are dedicated cutting and slicing swords with curved, single sided blades..

It has been argued many times that a curved sword CUTS better than a straight, double sided sword, but tends not to thrust or stab as effectively. The main reason why a curved sword tend to cut better than a straight one is because less surface area contacts the target when slicing, putting more pounds per square inch of pressure on the surface being cut – resulting in easier entry into the target and reducing friction when passing through the target.

Of course, there are many other variables that effect how well a given sword will cut, such as the hardness of the edge, the amount of vibration in the blade, the weight and balance of the sword, the power of behind the cut, edge alignment and of course actual sharpness (which is less important than many people think) – but all other things being equal, swords that are optimized for the cut are almost always curved and swords optimized for the thrust (or balanced between cut and thrust) almost always straight – and the two new swords we added are firmly in the first category.

The most effective of the two is the Forge Direct Duan Dao – a shorter, more concealable Chinese Broadsword style with the same unique laminated blade as the Muramasa Katana by the same forge.

duan-daoThis particular design ticks all the boxes for a frighteningly effective cutter – weight, balance, curved edge and the hard T10 tool steel edge supported by 1060 carbon steel either side and a softer, impact resistant core of 1045 carbon steel..

duan-dao2The blade itself is complimented by beautifully finished rosewood scabbard and handle and Dragon themed brass fittings.

duan-dao3

While most of the Forge Direct Swords are sold at the $1,000 price point, this sword is an absolute steal at just $700 – especially when you consider the extra effort that goes into making such a complex laminated blade.

The second sword is based on the German ‘War Knife’ – the RK Euro line Kriegsmesser

kriegsmesserWith a two handed grip and made of expertly tempered 1075 carbon steel, this sub $300 sword is an absolute bargain.

Check them out today!

Hanwei Mercenary Sword – Special Pricing Until October 9th..

Eminently durable, and from now until the 9th of October more affordable than ever, the Hanwei Mercenary Sword is being heavily discounted – down from $325 to $229.99 and now a ridiculous $184.99..

If you are in the market for a tough, no-nonsense beater sword – here is your golden opportunity.

To see what all the fuss is about, check out this excellent review by ndave from the SBG Sword Forum.

hanwei-merc

And if it sounds like something that is right up your alley, buy it here – but don’t delay. The price will revert to normal on the 9th..

Custom Katana – Slowly Getting Back on Track…

As anyone who has been following the SBG Custom Katana Batch Status Page will know, it has been a very hard road dealing with numerous unexpected delays on from batch 37 onwards – and while batch 37 was recently completed, we are still struggling to catch up on batch 38-40 – though on the positive side as each of these batches are quite small, we are hoping to make significant progress getting them sorted, inspected and out to our patiently waiting customers this month..

In the meantime though, here are some pics of some of the completed swords from batch 38.

batch38pics

I will do my best to keep everyone updated, really looking forward to getting it all back on track I can assure you..

Rk Euro Line Restock!

euro-restockIt has been several months since the RK Euro Line has had every model in stock. And already, even though they have just landed, the pent up demand on this excellent selection of ready to cut out of the box medieval and dark age swords is seeing them selling like hotcakes..

So if you have been waiting for your chance to reserve yours, there is no better time than NOW!

I personally feel that these are the best value for money European swords currently on the market. But just in case you have no idea what the fuss is about or have forgotten – check out my hands on review in Hong Kong from late last year when they were first released..

Click here to read the review

In the meantime, here they are in all their glory..