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Angus Trim Swords - SFI's Museum Store now features a proud
wing of exclusive Angus Trim longswords.
Sword Forum
Museum Store -
Custom swords at production
prices by smiths dedicated to
preserving the traditional processes endangered by the mass production
engine. We have kept prices affordable while still sustaining the
ever-increasing cost of maintaining this website, enjoyed by our
readers for free.
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PRODUCTION SWORDS
Production swords are the products of a mass-production factory process
with some hand-finishing. These do not increase in value over time as as
much individual completely hand-made custom swords. Quality will vary from
sword-shaped machinations to fine-tuned performance historically-accurate
weapons.
SELECT ONE
BRAND INFORMATION
Authentic Swords
- Angus Trim - Angus Trim's
swords are historically accurate, reflect historical weights (lighter than
most modern production swords), are hamonically balanced, and then
hand-finished. They are a product of careful machining through a
computerized CAD-aided stock-removal device and a lot of
individual attention and fine-tuning by hand. Editor's Choice 2001.
- Armart - Though many of Armart's historically accurate swords
are collected throughout the world, they are not swords of mass production
(i.e. not production swords) but yet these individually made custom swords
are surprisingly at production sword prices. Armart swords are available
at Sword Forum Museum
Store.
- Tinkerline - These are manufactured by Angus Trim Swords and
are to the specifications of Michael "Tinker" Pierce. These are also of
historical weights (lighter classification of swords) and are marvelous in
handling.
- Del Tin - Our minimum standard for historical-styled European
swords. Del Tin makes Medieval knightly cut-and-thrust swords in many
varieties, as well as rapiers, two-handers, a few Bronze Age style swords,
and daggers. The fittings of the European swords have a darkened forged
look which make them handsome.
- Kris Cutlery - Perhaps the most economical of performance
martial arts weapons. Not particularly attractive but have outperformed
Hanwei in raw performnace tests (Katana tests, Fall 1999 issue of
SFMO). The heat treating of Kris Cutlery's blades are outstanding; the
swords are incredibly tough. They are not refined works of art. However,
Kris Cutlery is planning several higher-end refined designs that are
giving the competition a run for their money.
- Hanwei - Based in China, the Hanwei Factory is owned by Paul
Chen, though the misconception is Chen Chao-Po makes these all by
hand. The lower-price range katanas are unfolded railroad track steel,
while the higher-priced (approx $1,000+) are of a folded powdered steel
that perform well for production factory katanas. As with any production
sword, there is a certain degree of handwork necessary to finish
them. The marketing is that these factory workers are "masters" but they
are nowhere close to the workmanship of the Japanese masters, but to the
untrained eye these are attractive pieces. Those desiring more than
production pieces should invest a little more into a custom one-of-a-kind
high-performance art sword. Hanwei also manufactures some Chinese
gim/jian and dao, as well as some European style rapiers, and a
pattern-welded Viking sword but the quality is not to a point where we
would recommend them as martial arts pieces, but they make superb
entry-level pieces. Those seeking to contact Paul Chen for a custom line
need to contact their sole representative,
C.A.S. Iberia. (www.CASiberia.com)
- Windlass Steelcrafts - Based in India, manufacturer of mostly
European-style swords, sold through Museum Replicas, Atlanta Cutlery and
some models are distributed through wholesaler C.A.S. Iberia. In past
years the swords have had hilt problems (plated brass furnishings instead
of steel, loosening hilts, etc.) but more recently with newer models
abounding there may be significant improvement in quality.
- Ritter Steel - Made mostly in the Phillipines. Most of the
older models (e.g. scimitar) weighs as much as 10 lbs. - far too heavy to
be considered an authentic sword (an antique kilij may run around 2
to 2.5 lbs.). There are newer models that may be lighter. Be sure to
check the weights.
- Iberia - Iberia brand of the Philippines is represented by
wholesaler C.A.S. Iberia. These mark the lower end of the price/quality
spectrum. Blades are roughly in the 40 Rockwell hardness range (soft; Del
Tin ranks at about 50 Rockwells, which is where most antique European
swords rank.) Good bash-around starter swords. Not historically
accurate
- Vaciacraft - Similar in quality to Iberia - i.e. lower end of
the price/quality spectrum. Okay starter swords. They are a little more
elaborate in construction but still not high performers nor historically
accurate.
- Deepeka - Older Deepeka swords were poorly constructed, finished and were heavy. However there is reason to
believe that they have embarked upon quality improvements. If there are indeed improvements to the
production process, they may be a good source for "beater" swords.
Decorator Swords
- Marto / Martespa - Made in Toledo, Spain. These are mostly
decorator swords, not intended for any use because of the way they are
constructed (hollow metal hilts with wire wrap, or plastic cast
grips). Blades are typically eith 420 stainless steel, or the $50-range
swords might be "high carbon steel" i.e. non-stainless. Marto is the
leader in the decorative market.
- Art Gladius - Also in Toledo, Spain, probably No. 2 in the
production decorative sword market behind Marto / Martespa. Wholesale
distributor is C.A.S. Iberia.
- Denix - Based in Spain. Makes swords that are purely
decorative. Blades are believed to be made of Zamac - a zinc-aluminum
alloy that is softer than steel. Denix's products have a kind of antiqued
look to them. Wholesale distributir is C.A.S. Iberia.
- Factory-X - Makers of the "Sword of the Daywalker", "Sword of
the Scorpion King" and "Gladiator", Factory-X is the rising star of the
production sword block. These swords are not made to be used but are very
well made from an aesthetic standpoint.
DEALER & RETAILER LISTING
Authentic Swords
- Albion Armorers -
Sellers of various brands including Del Tin and works of various
makers.
- Del Tin Armi
Antiche - Reproductions of historic swords. Based in Italy, and
sells through Del Tin dealers.
CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTION SWORDS LISTING
Authentic Swords
- A Work Of Art - An
Authorized Del Tin Dealer since 1997.
Known and recommended by many on the Sword Forum International for
fine Scabbard and Hilt customizations. (Editor's Choice 2000 for Best
Custom Scabbards for Production Swords)
- Bjorns Svärdssida - Serving the European community with swords by Del Tin and
Peter Johnnson. Based in but not limited to Sweden.
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Phoenix Metal Creations -
Starting with quality
production blades by Del Tin, American Fencer and others, Erik Stevenson
custom-tailors unique configurations, which are in keeping with historical
designs, modifying the blades through stock removal, and fashioning his
own
hilts and grips per customer request.
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