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Sword Related Articles

This is the swords section of our library. It contains collections of historical information about swords, their production and even how they were used. You will find articles about modern production and training swords that are available. We even list D.I.Y. (Do it Yourself) materials to help assist with the repair and maintenance of your swords.

Sword Articles

Choosing a Sword Cutting Target

Benefit from our experience! With 20 years in the sword industry and selling swords from all many manufacturers, we want help you select a target that is best for you and your experience. Most importantly, we want to help the beginner from making a disappointing choice and damaging their new sword.

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The Roman Rudis

A rudis is a wooden sword received by a gladiator who achieved earning his freedom or retirement. It was carried with him as proof of his accent from slavery and that he was now a freeman. The ex-gladiator now referred to as a rudiarii was now free to retire or seek other employment. Many rudiarii would continue to work as a manager, trainer or referee in the gladiatorial sport. Some would even choose to fight in the arena to continue their former glory they achieved as a slave. These rudiarii were the most successful and most achieved confident gladiators that were highly skilled and feared by all that would face them.

Read the full article: The Rudis - Sword of Freedom »

The Decorative Sword vs. The Functional Sword

In this article we are going to have a look at the functional sword and the decorative sword and explain the key differences between them. This article is not a competition between decorative and functional swords, as they both are produced differently for their intended purpose. The intent is to explain how we determine which swords are safe to use and which swords are best left on the wall.

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Sword Edge Types

Swords come in different types of edges and blade types depending on whether they are used for martial arts or re-enactment and stage play. These are the different edge types you will find on our functional swords. Each edge has a specific purpose and is noted in the product specifications section. Available in edge ready with sharpening optional, sharpened, stage use (not sharpened), un-sharpened or un-sharpened for iaito.

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Differences between a $200 and a $5000 Katana?

What is the difference between and economical entry level katana and a sensai grade sword? This is a great question without a simple answer but if their was one, it would be easiest to say “you get what you pay for”. There are many different things that directly affect the cost of a katana, from the type and quality of materials used in it's construction to the experience of the person producing it. I will begin this multi-part answer with many of these things listed in point form (in no particular order) to make sure I don't leave anything out.

Read the full article: Differences between a $200 and a $5000 Katana? »

Choosing a Training Sword

There are so many training swords available that it can be hard to choose if you are just starting out or are looking for some trainers to mess around with friends in your backyard. Those of you already training, likely know which discipline you are picking a training sword for. We have several trainers or wasters for nearly every martial arts form. We have shinai for kendo, boken for eastern or Japanese martial arts, tai chi and kung-fu swords for the Chinese art forms. We also have a wide variety of wasters for the Western martial arts. Next to the style of sword, the most important thing is to select a one made from a proper material for what you are going to be using it for.

Read the full article: Choosing a Training Sword »

Choosing a Sword Discipline

The sword has gained much popularity in the past couple decades and for the first time in centuries there are several specialized forges offering a wide selection of properly produced hand forged swords, ready for you to enjoy. Once you have decided which martial arts form you would prefer to learn, it will require much training and patience if your aim is to become a master. Not unlike , other martial arts forms, there is no shortage of sword disciplines to choose from but you can quickly narrow the field by asking yourself is; would prefer eastern or western swordsmanship? There is no reason you can't learn from both but this is a good place to start.

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Kopis - True Sword of Persia

The Kopis is a very unique sword with a clever design. The forward curving blade is called a “recurve” and it's design is used today in the form of utility knives, combat knives, swords and the world famous kukri. The uniqueness of this blade shape is not built for aesthetics but of physics and is capable of delivering a powerful slash with the momentum of an axe while using the long cutting edge of a sword. The name is derived from the the Greek word Kopides (to cut or strike) with alternative roots from the Egyptian Khopesh (heavy knife with a forward-curving blade).

Read the full article: Kopis - True Sword of Persia »

The Falchion for Commoners and Kings

The falchion is a very unique one handed sword. It is survived by less than a dozen recovered artifacts but has been depicted in several illustrations throughout the ages. The falchion's design is very recognizable and mostly unchanged through the years although morphed in some areas to a more “cleaver style” design. This only lasted for a brief period during 13th - 14th century, then it quickly returned to its roots dating as far back as the Greco-Roman era.

Read the full article: The Falchion for Commoners and Kings »

Cutlass - The Sword of the Seas

The cutlass is the famous sword of the high seas. The cutlass was quite a good working sword and was carried on land and sea but was most popular and remembered as a sailors sword or better still the sword of the pirates. The cutlass was a shorter sword and may be known by some as a cuttoe from the french referring to the sword as having a machete style blade (couteau). It was also referred to as a “hanger” until the 1800's, then adopted the name cutlass amongst sailors.

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The Bastard (Sword) Was Born

The medieval bastard sword made it's appearance at a transitional time in armor evolution and innovation. During the later part of the 14th century armorers started creating full articulated iron suits to protect their knights. Unlike the previous armor's this plate armor protected the knight from the blunt force injuries that often occurred when a single hand sword struck maille. Not only would it protect them from the force of the blow but it made cuts ineffective giving the iron knight an insurmountable advantage on the battlefield.

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Learn About Medieval Swords

The evolution of the medieval sword began earlier than 1500 BC with the traditional one-handed sword carried by the celts. A common material of this time was copper, which produced very soft swords that dulled quickly. Later on, swords were made of bronze because of its definite advantages over copper. The mixture of copper and tin produced a sword that was stronger while being more flexible than copper.

Read the full article: Learn About Medieval Swords »

Learn About Japanese Swords

The Japanese culture is heavily imbued with the sword (daisho). The history of Japan could be characterized as too many people fighting over too little land. The use of the sword was shaped by the history of the land and its people.

Read the full article: Learn About Japanese swords »

Displaying a Japanese Sword or Katana

There are a few things to consider when displaying your samurai or Japanese katana aside from would you like to hang them on the wall or would you prefer to put them on a more traditional stand. If your aim is authenticity or tradition you may wish to consider the following before you display your swords.

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Even a Dragon Warrior, First Mastered the Noodles

For every great sword master there were just as many not so great beginners! You are ready to take the plunge by setting up your own backyard cutting dojo but where to begin? A sword is the ultimate place to start but the information available is so vast and in many cases contradictory depending how far you look. How do you decide what to start with, without breaking the bank but still having fun?

Read the full article: Even a Dragon Warrior, First Mastered the Noodles »

The Sword of the Roman Army

What did the roman army carry? Have a look at as we break down the parts of the Roman gladius. We will tell you a bit about this remarkable swords origin and show you some examples of how this sword was used and the gladius as it is made today.

Read the full article: The Sword of the Roman Army »

Forging a Differential Tempered Katana

How is a katana forged? That is a great question and Hanwei has given the answer. This is the step by step process the Japanese sword goes through in its evolution from a moulting clump of metal to the refined cutting instrument we know as the katana.

Read the full article: Forging a Differential Tempered Katana »

Reliks Exclusive Chorui Katana

We are very excited to introduce The Reliks Chorui katana. The Chorui katana is the first in a series of Reliks swords that are currently in works. This piece was put together by the Reliks team with close consultation from trusted sword smiths The Reliks Chorui has now been released!

Read the full article: Reliks Chorui Katana Released »

Sword D.I.Y. Repairs & Maintenance

Repair a Rusty Sword

Ooops, I meant to oil that. I knew I shouldn't have stored my sword in its scabbard. Whatever the reason or whatever happened, your sword is rusty. It happens but it may not be to late to save your sword!

Read the full DIY Article: Repair a Rusty Sword »

Fix A Tight Katana Saya

Is your katana to tight in the saya? Most often it requires a small adjustmnent at the koiguchi (saya mouth). Follow these simple steps and achieve the perfect fit. Make sure you bring your patience, if not bring your shims.

Read the full DIY Article: Fix A Tight Katana Saya »

Break Down A Katana

Want to disassemble your functional katana but aren't sure how? No problem, just follow these easy steps and you will have it apart and back together again like a professional sword maker. Well maybe not, but you will know how to do it. Please follow the steps carefully and never forget that your 28 plus inch blade is designed to cut and it will, if you are careless.

Read the full DIY Article: Break Down A Katana »

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