If you are into fantasy swords, medieval, fencing swords, futuristic swords, samurai swords or anything else in between then have I got news for you! Recently I was searching online for a friend of mine because he is really into the whole “Gladiator” and “300″ deal and decided to start collecting some of the coolest swords I have ever seen in my life. Well the one problem with collecting swords is that a lot of the time they are overly-expensive. And even if you are a die hard it’s still hard to put hundreds if not thousands of dollars down on a sword! So I figured I would do my friend a favor and try to find him an awesome site that offered a ton of variety but that was still cost efficient. The results? Amazing. After I dug through a few of these sword sites online, I found some real gems. I found a few items that my friend has and they were three to four times less than the amount he bought his for! Listed below I have named a couple of the most popular high quality swords available to the consumers. Handmade Ninja Sword – Masahiro Tsunami Nin-To – Finally, Masahiro has made a Ninja Sword worthy of armed combat! This Tsunami Nin-to (ninja sword) can be used for actual training and tameshigiri. The Tsunami lives up to its name with rapid yet powerful striking force. No edged weapon in history has ever been surrounded with such mystique and tradition like the Japanese sword. The sword is so intimately associated with the Japanese samurai that it became known as the “soul of the samurai”. It was both artillery and symbolic representation, formed as a religious act and handled with superhuman skill. A sword forged by a legendary master was one of the most prized gifts that a warrior could receive. During the period of Warring States (770-476 B.C.), a famous sword maker named Ou Yezi created the most well-known sword in Longquan. Since then, the secret arts of crafting swords have been passed down from generation to generation. Ryumon Hand Carved and Painted Phoenix Katana – 41.5 inches – Hand formed, very powerful AISI1065 high carbon steel blade. The HA (edge) is hardened using the conventional Japanese clay tempering technique to produce an HRC 56 and an HRC 45 for the back. A true Hamon (temper Line) is evident on the HA (edge). This is a “Live Steel” Sword crafted by traditional sword-smiths well-trained in the art of sword making. This sword will stand up to practice in the DOJO and Tameshigiri. Shelby Officer Sword – 42 inches – This sword is a replica of the sword General “Jo” Shelby carried in the Civil War. The 42 inch stainless steel blade is carved with CSA (Confederate States of America) on one side. It boasts a black handle covered in gold wire with a brass guard and pommel. This Shelby Officer sword also comes with a black metal scabbard. In 1861, Shelby enlisted as a captain in the Confederate cavalry and later crusaded at Wilson’s Creek. Advanced to Colonel, he controlled a brigade at Prairie Grove. He led his “Iron Brigade” of Missouri volunteers on the longest cavalry raid of the war. From September 22nd to November 3rd, 1863, Shelby’s unit crossed 1,500 miles throughout Missouri, inflicting more than 1,000 casualties on Union forces, and seizing or demolishing an estimated $2 million worth of Federal provisions and property. He was promoted to brigadier general on December 15th, 1863, after the victorious conclusion of the raid. 39 Inch Knight Templar Sword w/ Hard Scabbard – This classical sword style has been around since King Arthur swore in his first knight. This modern variation offers up the identical look and feel as the antiquated mock up. The stainless steel blade is 25 1/2 inch overall with a mirror finish. The case metal handle, guard, and pommel are surrounded with ornate symbolic representations and engravings. The sheath coordinates with a cast metal tip and collar. A wonderful, high quality piece for any collector. These sites are cool because they don’t just offer swords, but they offer other things you enthusiasts might be interested as well such as helmets, axes, shields, and daggers! I’m actually really partial to the official helmet and shield from Gladiator myself, but whatever you like, they probably have! And the prices are as aforementioned are seriously ridiculous! By: Kristi Ambrose About the Author:

For many years the question of how to properly display Japanese swords has been an issue. Many people have many theories. It has even been suggested that due to the fact that most “Japanese” style swords manufactured today are not even from Japan but in fact from China, then the display procedure shouldn’t matter. Perhaps this is true but for this article we will be only discussing Nihonto – forged and assembled in Japan.

The Japanese daisho, the Katana and Wakizashi set, should be displayed on the horizontal sword stand with the sharp edge of the blade on top. The sword would then be curving downward. A good rule of thumb is to always display the swords on their stands as they would have be worn traditionally. The only Japanese sword, when resting on the horizontal stand, that would curve upward, would be the Jintachi. The Jintachi was worn hanging from the belt, blade edge downward. The Jindachi can also be displayed on the vertical stand – handle at the bottom, blade pointing upwards, sword curving inward.

Handle (Tsuka) – To the right or to the left?

There is varying opinion on which way the handle should be facing on the horizontal stand. To the right is conducive for drawing the sword right off of the stand. Where if the handle is to the left, one would have to pick up the sword and turn it over before drawing. Some say that a handle facing to the right is a sign of aggression and to the left is a sign of peace. Others say that the handle facing to the right is the sign that the owner is trained in swordsmanship and to the left indicates that he is not and perhaps received the weapon as a gift. As I said, opinions vary on this one.

By: Ted Hanulak

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