First example of the revitalized Hanwei: The Dragonfly Katana—A Stunning Blade with a Legacy

Turns out we had to edit this post as we had the wrong information – initially we were under the impression that the NEW Dragonfly Katana by Hanwei was the LAST sword that made it out of the old forge in Dailan. But actually, it is the FIRST sword made by the Dragon King Forge under the Hanwei brand name – making this the FIRST sword from the NEW Hanwei Forge rather than the LAST from the old one.. (phew)..

It’s all a bit chaotic due to the trade war and tariff situation when the NEXT sword in the Hanwei Revival collection will actually land and which models they will be (as most shipments of swords have been on hold due to the trade war) but hopefully if all goes to plan, it will be in late May or early June.

In the meantime, take a good look at what to expect with the amazing attention to detail and stunning folded T10 and 1055 carbon steel blade with bo-hi that is the Dragonfly Katana.

Complementing the beautiful blade, the sword features Japanese-imported silk ito, a black iron tsuba with copper inlays, and a Dragonfly-themed fuchigashira that brings an elegant final touch to this exceptional piece and is even available in 3 different blade lengths so you can select the best one that matches your own unique personal preferences.

There aren’t a whole lot of them in stock, so if you like what you see, you had better lock in the current pricing while you can:

Update from Swordier: New Swords and a New Shipping Method..

For sword enthusiasts who crave both historical accuracy and incredible craftsmanship, we’re thrilled to introduce two new models to the Swordier lineup: the XVa Longsword and the mighty Zweihander.

SWORDIER XVa Longsword

Spring steel blade, stainless steel fittings, peened pommel, genuine leather hilt wrap and scabbard wrap (premium quality). Amazing value for money at $349.99.

SWORDIER ZWEIHANDER

Spring steel blade, leather and hard wearing silicone hilt. A whole lot of blade for just $369.99..

These pieces offer remarkable performance at an unbeatable price, ensuring that quality remains accessible without compromise.

However, due to the ongoing trade war and evolving tariff situation, US customers should be aware that orders will take approximately 20 days longer to arrive. To keep pricing stable, we’re utilizing seafreight for shipments to the USA, followed by customs clearance and domestic distribution. While this ensures you won’t see a sudden price spike, it does require some patience.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate these challenges. Rest assured, the XVa Longsword and Zweihander will be well worth the wait—offering superior balance, durability, and historical authenticity at a price you won’t find anywhere else.

Explore the details, place your order, and get ready to wield a blade steeped in legacy.

Savage Swords of Conan!

What better time to escape the hard light of day and the trade war blues with some new Barbaric swords inspired by the works of Robert E Howard and Conan the Cimmerians “Hyborian age”?

The first has been in development for several months – and while it is launching at a less than ideal time (as this sword is coming hot from the Black Dragon Forge in Longquan and thus, will probably have some teething issues with the Tariffs as they hit individual parcels from May 2nd and are already somewhat disrupted) – it is available with FREE international shipping, so worldwide shipping is possible.

The sword in question, the curved and viciously pointed swords of the Hyrkanians as carried by Conan’s friend and companion, Subotai and comes with a free synthetic fur barbarian scabbard for good measure!

HYRKANIAN SWORD OF SUBOTAI

As with all Black Dragon Fantasy swords, it not only looks the part but is 100% functional in every aspect and is a fierce cutting sword in its own right!

ATLANTIS SWORD – DOOMSDAY #11

The second Conan sword is of course 100% tariff free, being hand made by Chris Palmer in Missouri and also made from 1095 carbon steel, starting with a blank and drilling the holes for the pins that will secure it all together..

The blade is then roughly shaped and heat treated to approximately 1500 degrees, until it becomes non magnetic and then quenched in brine (salt water). The 2nd step is Heat Tempering, which consists of heating the steel to 500 degrees for 2 hours, and letting it air cool. This makes for a Rockwell Hardness of approximately 57 and gives these Scorpion Swords the amazing strength and durability they are noted for.

The blade is then given a final polish and sharpened up before the wooden handle is pinned and epoxied in place and the sword finally ready after 3-5 to be shipped to the customer.

And here it is completed!

Not bad considering its sub $300 price point – and easily one of the toughest and most brutal Conan tribute swords made to date!

A Difficult Reality—What Tariffs Mean for Sword Collectors..

We’ve always been transparent with our customers, and the truth is, we’re navigating a tough situation in the sword industry right now.

Sword prices are changing dramatically, and no one can say with certainty what the future holds. Since our first official update on the tariffs posted April 6th the situation has continued to worsen, going from an expected price rise of 30-54% to 145% – and still no end (or clarity) in sight..

This makes providing any information about the moving target that is the tariffs and China-USA trade war extremely difficult – as it is still not clear how it will all play out..

Here’s what we do know:

Swords already in the U.S. remain at normal prices (APOC, Hanwei, Kingston Arms, Legacy Arms, Ryujin), but once stock sells out, restocks will be significantly more expensive and/or significantly delayed (restocks, new models and the reboot of the Hanwei line are still progressing at the forges for now, however with impossibly high tariffs, all US based brands are avoiding any new imports until tariffs return to a reasonable level. Right now, with tariffs over 100%, all these brands have become cost prohibitive and are effectively a brick wall against imports).

Direct-from-China swords will be affected starting May 2nd (Black Dragon Forge, Project X, Swordier). We plan to build any cost of tariffs into the actual costs once they are known (currently it is not clear how much will be charged after May 2nd). Regardless, expect prices will rise sharply after May 2nd (existing orders will be addressed on a case by case basis). Naturally this is very disruptive to these lines and furthermore the sheer number of parcels in transit right now trying to beat the May 2nd deadline is a looming disaster of unprecedented proportions. We will not know how it will actually play out until it hits the May 2 ‘Paywall’ so stay tuned for an update on this accordingly…

Non-Chinese brands won’t see huge price changes (Darksword, Kingdom of Arms, Scorpion Swords, Windlass), though minor increases are likely over time due to inflation and increased material costs worldwide…

We’re hopeful that new U.S.-based sword manufacturers will emerge to fill the gap, but let’s be honest—makers like Valiant Armory, Albion, and Arms and Armor already charge premium prices, and that isn’t likely to change. We also are not expecting any local manufacturer to spring up and start selling $150 Katana made in the USA – so sadly we are facing whatever plan the powers that be have in mind is simply going to be very destructive and expensive for the sword industry..

What Happens Next?

Some of our projects have been delayed or shelved while we figure out the best path forward. However, some upcoming releases have made it through and will be released over the coming days and weeks.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of the new swords coming down the line:

Our biggest piece of advice right now? Lock in today’s prices before they disappear (especially on the landed stock lines, because once they are gone – some or many may never return).

We’ll keep monitoring the situation and sharing updates, but the future of affordable imported swords is uncertain—and once prices rise, they won’t be coming back down…

THE USA WAREHOUSED LANDED LINES

Aka the Endangered List..

Introducing the Black Dragon Forge Night Mission Shinobi Ninjato: A Blade Forged for Stealth & Precision

For centuries, the legend of the Shinobi has captivated historians, martial artists, and collectors alike. Though much about their true arsenal remains shrouded in mystery, Black Dragon Forge has meticulously reconstructed the Night Mission Shinobi Ninjato—a weapon steeped in stealth, speed, and historical insight.

This is more than just a sword. It’s a recreation of a legend, crafted with the most faithful details gleaned from historical texts, museum reconstructions, and expert research into the tools that may have been wielded by the Ninja of Iga.

Engineered for Tactical Superiority

At the heart of this masterpiece lies a 1095 high-carbon steel blade, forged for durability and razor-sharp efficiency. A distally tapered design ensures swift, precise handling, making it lightweight and incredibly fast in the hand—ideal for unpredictable combat scenarios. With a no-nonsense tanto-style chisel tip, this Ninjato delivers deep puncturing power, perfectly suited for close-quarter engagements.

Stealth Features Rooted in History

True to the ingenuity of the Shinobi, this sword features an extra-long sageo, granting the wielder unconventional versatility. Whether for tying down opponents, retrieving tools, or aiding movement in confined spaces, every detail of this design serves a functional purpose rooted in stealth warfare.

The square tsuba, wrapped in black leather with thick cardboard filling, eliminates the noisy clink of traditional steel guards. Inspired by historical folding-paper designs, this silence-optimized feature ensures smooth, undetected sheathing and drawing—vital for infiltration missions.

Blowpipe & Blowdarts: The Shinobi’s Silent Arsenal

This Night Mission Ninjato is more than a blade—it’s a complete stealth toolkit. Accompanying the sword is a blowpipe, doubling as a breathing apparatus for underwater concealment, alongside two sets of blowdarts capable of delivering paralyzing or fatal poisons.

Whether for escaping unseen or eliminating threats without a sound, this tool brings Shinobi tactics into the modern era.

A Faithful Recreation, A True Collector’s Piece

While debate continues on whether such a sword ever truly existed, this Night Mission Ninjato is the most historically-informed, utilitarian version to date. Made for martial artists, collectors, and history enthusiasts alike, this is not just a sword—but a glimpse into the world of true Shinobi warfare.

This extraordinary blade is now available. Experience the silent precision of the Shinobi—before it disappears into the shadows.

Just $299.95 with FREE SHIPPING!

Special Note for U.S. Customers – this is probably your first and last chance to secure this blade at the $299.95 price tag. As they are shipped directly from the forge in China, from May 2nd there may well be an additional $150-$160 in tariffs due before you can get your hands on it and we have half a dozen almost completed and that will ship early. So if you want to get it at our intended price instead of the looming trade war price, you need to be as fast and precise as a real Shinobi and get one of these in your Ninja arsenal NOW!