Medieval Weapons Make Great Collectibles

By Marc Hunter

Even in today's times people are still interested in and fascinated by the many different medieval weapons. Although no longer in general use, they are far from forgotten. One of the good things about medieval weapons is that there is one for everybody because of the sheer diversity of what is available. Another advantage of these weapons is that there are many kinds which make them great for collections. It is also possible to use these weapons, but before that can happen you must ensure that the weapon you are going to use is functional and battle ready.

Bladed weapons are a main group of the medieval times and these include various kinds of daggers and swords. There is wide range of types available for each group and so it is great for collecting and putting on display. Popular types of swords, daggers and knives include claymores, katana, cutlass, short sword, katar, machete and Scottish dirk. Of course there are also other kinds of medieval weapons and they are blunt weapons, ranged weapons and polearms or spears. The blunt weapons are well known because they include common items like battleaxes, clubs mace and war hammers. The ranged weapons are the ones that shoot arrows or other objects, such as bows, longbows and crossbows. Polearms are weapons like halberds and then there are many varieties of spears.

It is possible to collect all kinds of medieval weapons and create a general collection or to focus on historical replicas or even just a main kind of weapon, whether it is blunt, bladed or ranged. When it comes to historical replicas there is plenty to choose from since many real models have been found and copied. For example, there is the Scottish military basket hilt sword, the claymore used by William Wallace, a.k.a. Braveheart or the battleaxes used by the English forces.

Medieval weapons can also be used for reenactments of battles or for practicing, but to do so the weapons must meet certain requirements. They must be made to be battle ready and functional, which means that materials other than stainless steel are used for the blades and must be made using proven claying methods for forging swords. The blade edges also need to be sharpened before using and the weapon must be balanced and have the right grip so that you do not lose control of your medieval weapons.

Visit us at DarkSteelReplica, we carry a huge inventory of high quality Medieval weapons for collectors, re-enactors and martial artists. From Medieval swords to Fantasy swords, we have them all. Our goal is to provide you with the best swords at discount prices.

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"Attack is the proof that your enemy anticipates your success." — Mike Murdock

Movie Swords for Sale and Special Coupon Code

New Stars on the Show
We've been busy the past few weeks and are
happy to announce that we now have a cool
collection of Movie Swords and Armor that
will continue to grow over the coming weeks.

Below are a few of our favorites. Which of them
will you add to your collection?

Spartan Sword-300 Movie Replica Our Price  - $219	Golden king Arthur Excalibur sword with plaque Our Price  - $117
Gladiator Sword of Maximus by Marto Our Price  - $777	Assassin's Creed fighting knife and belt Our Price  - $139
Spartan Helmet-300 Movie Replica Our Price  - $277	King Leonidas Helmet-Authentic 300 Movie Replica Our Price  - $349
Spartan shield-300 movie replica Our Price  - $309	Alexander the Great Round Shield by Marto Our Price  - $4,577

Also check out our Samurai Swords and Miniature Swords, some of which

we've recently reduced the price.

You can use coupon code MOVIE7 to get a 7% discount on your order.
This coupon code expires on Aug 31st.

Send all questions and comments to info@knightmedievalswords.com

Have a fantastic week.

Knight Medieval Swords

P.S. - If you're thinking of buying a medieval sword, do you know the 3 things
you should consider before making a purchase? Check this article we 

wrote specially for you - 3 Questions to Ask before Buying Your First Medieval Sword

QOTD: Every Relationship takes you towards your dreams or away from them - Mike Murdock

"You will never change your life until you change something you do daily."
— Mike Murdock

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Oscar Wilde

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QOTD: - “The warrior doesn't care if he's called a beast or a dog; the main thing is winning.” Asakura Norikage

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QOTD: A man with deep far-sightedness will survey both the beginning and the end of a situation and continually consider its every facet as important.
Takeda Shingen

Defending a Castle In Medieval Time

Looking for Functional Clam Shell Rapier Battle Ready Sword

Finding a battle ready sword can be a real tasking experience. Most retailers usually sell display swords. The type of swords that are designed for the collector. While display swords are less dangerous than Battle ready swords, you shouldn't take it as a license to be careless when handling them.

Battle ready swords on the other hand can actually be used in battle and combat. Hence the name - Battle Ready Swords. One battle ready sword that will make a great addition to your collection is the Functional Clam Shell Rapier Battle Ready Sword.


Functional Clam Shell Rapier Battle ready sword by Mariano Zamorano of Toledo Spain is a hand forged replica reproduction of a 16th century rapier sword.

This fully functional combat ready rapier sword was painstakingly hand made with a hand forged carbon steel blade. The double hand clam guard, quillons , knuckle-guard, wire wrapped grip and pommel trimmings are made by hand in iron by the world famous, fifth generation, Toledo Spain swordsmith Mariano Zamorano.

Bearing the famous "MZ" trademark, this limited production sword is a prized collectible for the discriminating collector.

This fully functional rapier sword is tailored to meet the demands of re-enactment and stage combat.

DID YOU KNOW? There are three main types of samurai sword. 1: Katana: The longest type of sword, over 24inches, generally used for outdoor combat. 2: Wakizashi: Around a third shorter than the Katana at between 12 and 24 inches, this was worn in indoor establishments by samurai for its obvious better maneuverability indoors. 3: Tanto: A small knife used in much the same manner as a Wakizashi.

QOTD: Where you are determines what you hear; What you hear determines what you believe - Mike Murdock

QOTD: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
— Oscar Wilde

Damascened Templar Knight Sword by Marto of Toledo Spain

Presenting the Damascened Templar Knight Sword by Marto of Toledo Spain

There are battle ready swords and there are BATTLE READY SWORDS!

The Damascened Templar Knight Sword is steeped in history and was an integral companion to knights of old who were engaged in crusades as well as protecting and defending their lands.

The Templars: Monks - Soldiers: Guardians of the Faith, Guardians of the Holy Land, and Guardians of the Pilgrims.

The Templar order, of religious and military character, was founded in Jerusalem in the year 1118 by nine crusader knights. with the official denomination of "Order of the Poor Knight of Christ".

Later they were known by the "Knight of Solomon's Temple" (Templar) denomination after establishing themselves in King Solomon's ancient temple. The Pope Inocencio II recognized the order of the Templar in the year 1139.

The stamp of the Templar, emblem of the order; is two knights mounted on the same horse (representing the duel vocation of the order - religious and military) with the inscription in Latin "sigilum militum Xpisti" - (Stamp of Christ's militia).

QOTD: "Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength." - Frances de Sales

Looking for the Roman Lorica Segmentata Body Armor?

Are you looking or the Roman Lorica Segmentata Body Armor? If your answer was YES, then I have to admit its definitely a breastplate that will make a wonderful addition to your medieval collection. 


The thing I like most about this body armor is the price. While there are more expensive and sturdy breastplates out there, the Roman Lorica Segmentata Body Armor has that authentic look that places you right in the middle of Roman times.


This Made in India Full size Roman Lorica Segmentata Body Armor is a fine piece for the budget minded collector.



Features


Heavy Steel Construction


Height: 19"


Made in India


Discover more Medieval Breastplates

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Conan the Barbarian Swords for Sale

 

Click on the link below to discover more
Conan the Barbarian Swords

QOTD: If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way. - Homer

Looking for Conan the Barbarian Daggers?

Do you like Conan the Barbarian Daggers? If you answered 'YES,' then you're definitely not alone.


Everybody who lived through the 80s and was into action movies will know it was the decade of Arnold Schwarzenegger and one of his popular films was Conan the Barbarian.


There are many armor, costumes and collectibles that became very popular after this film. One of them is the Conan the Barbarian Dagger.


The beautiful Dagger of Conan the Barbarian by Marto of Toledo Spain is the Officially Licensed Reproduction. The Conan the Barbarian dagger has a tempered steel blade. The handle is 24K Gold plated metal, with a leather wrapped handgrip. 

The Conan the Barbarian Dagger by Marto of Toledo Spain has superb workmanship, with exquisite detail, comes in a wooden display case, complete with your own Certificate of Authenticity.



Do you like more Conan Stuff? Then just go to Conan the Barbarian Armor to discover more.

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"Unless you do your best, the day will come when, tired and hungry, you will halt just short of the goal you were ordered to reach, and by halting you will make useless the efforts and deaths of thousands." - Gen. George S. Patton

QOTD: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
— Oscar Wilde

Robin Hood of Locksley Sword

Discover the Robin Hood of Locksley Sword and see why this will make the perfect addition to your medieval sword collection. Some would also classify this as a fantasy sword. If you're a fan of the TV series starring Michael Praed from the 80s or the Hollywood films starring Kevin Costner and most recently, Russell Crowe, then you'll be very proud to have the Robin Hood of Locksley Sword to show off to your family and friends.

The Robin Hood of Locksley Sword by Marto of Toledo Spain, is a magnificent piece featuring a custom crafted hilt and a masterwork of color and decoration.

The hand guard and handle is built upon a palette of antiqued silver plating with 24K gold plated embossed ornaments of shield, stag and heralding trumpeter Angels offset by dark leather within the handle and a the pommel containing a deep green stone surrounded by the renowned insignia "Robin of Locksley" .

QOTD: Money is merely a reward for solving problems - Mike Murdock

QOTD: Do what you do so well—and so uniquely—that people can’t resist telling others about you.
~Walt Disney

QOTD: By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
Socrates

QOTD: Your Memory Replays Your Past; Your Imagination Preplays Your Future - Mike Murdock

QOTD: "You must concentrate upon and consecrate yourself wholly to each day, as though a fire were raging in your hair." - Taisen Deshimaru

Deluxe Sword of King Solomon (Limited Edition)

Deluxe Sword of King Solomon

This Limited Edition, Deluxe Sword of King Solomon by Marto of Toledo Spain, pays tribute to this biblical kings's great spirituality and wisdom. The 47-inch sword has a 24-karat gold and silver plated hilt , handle and pommel that are wrapped in fine leather. The images on the sword include the Star of David , Menorah and the Lions of Judea.

The tempered stainless steel blade also has elaborate 24K gold etched imagery that makes this piece a precious display of faith and heritage.

This is a high quality, LIMITED EDITION, product made in Toledo Spain by Marto, which you can proudly display.






Deluxe Sword of King Solomon (Limited Edition): "Deluxe Sword of King Solomon by Marto of Toledo Spain

QOTD: You will never be promoted until you become over-qualified for your present Assignment - Mike Murdock

Samurai Swords for Sale - Spice up Your Sword Collection

If you're into sword collecting, then at some point you will have to consider adding an authentic samurai sword to your collection. They will add a certain credibility and mystique to your sword collection.

While sword collecting can be a time consuming and fairly expensive hobby, the potential payback both emotionally and financially can be immense.

Samurai swords first came into prominence in the middle ages amongst people from the Orient. A samurai sword (if you have not seen one) typically has a very sharp edge. They were often used in combat between warriors and during war. These unique swords were created by craftsmen who employed forging and heat treating methods to make these unique swords that could withstand intense pressure in battle without breaking while being sharp enough to inflict maximum harm to an enemy.

Types of Samurai Swords

There are typically 3 main types of these Japanese swords

Katana - these are probably the most popular samurai swords around. They typically measure more than 24 inches and were the most common companion to a samurai warrior. One of the distinct features of the katana sword is its look - which is curved, slim, single edged blade and has a long grip so you can hold it with both hands. It is known for its sharpness so you have to be very careful when you have one in your possession.

Wakizashi - these are smaller than the katana and typically measure between 12 to 24 inches. It's been said that the Wakizashi were usually worn together with the katana by samurai warriors. The katana and Wakizashi were companion swords used by samurai warriors to monstrous effect in battle.

Tachi - these swords tend to be a bit more curved and generally longer than the katana. Its easy to mistake a katana for a tachi and vice versa. The manner in which a samurai sword was worn was used to identify if it was a tachi or a katana. It was traditionally used while samurai rode on horseback as it was long enough to hurt soldiers on foot.

While it is good to go to a physical shop and see a sword before buying, this might be impossible if you live in a town or city that does not have a sword shop. Make sure you do your due diligence before buying.
Adding a samurai sword to your collection will make a great addition to your collection plus a fantastic gift to someone you love or respect.

Pay Close Attention: I probably shouldn't share this with you but I want to help you as I know there are only a select group of people who have mastered the art of sword collecting and know where to get Medieval Swords

Take a minute to check out the next page where you'll find Limited Edition Swords, Medieval Swords and Japanese Samurai Swords

How to Win a Sword Fight

History of the Samurai Sword

By John Moxly

The samurai sword, also known as the katana, is a Japanese sword that typically has a curved single-edge blade longer than 23 inches and a long grip. The samurai sword has a rich history dating back from ancient Japan; it gained its popularity among waring clans in 12th century Japan and has traditionally been associated with an elite group of Japanese swordsman.

Origin of the term Samurai

The word samurai comes from the Japanese word 'saburau,' which means 'to serve.' The term originated as early as A.D. 702 and described highly-trained imperial guards who were loyal to the emperor.

History of the Samurai People

The samurai quickly rose to the status of elite swordsman and as early as the 12th century had established themselves as the knights of Japan. Between the 12th century and the 16th century, the samurai were active in a number of armed clashes, insurrections and battles over control of Japan.

The samurai were treated with great reverence and through the 17th century could legally kill any common person who did not show them sufficient respect. They lived by their own moral code, called Bushido, which deemed a death by enemy to be dishonorable; for this reason, the Samurai would often commit suicide if death on the battlefield appeared unavoidable.

Influence of Samurai on World War II

The era of the samurai people faded during the 19th century due to Western influences and the increased popularity of guns as a battlefield weapon. By World War II, modern militarism had swept through Japan and the iconic Samurai, with his trademark ponytail and sword, ceased to exist.

However, the tenets of the samurai people lived on into the modern era. Japanese forces during WW II were infamous for their intense loyalty, which led to them to engage in kamikaze missions and other acts of self-sacrifice to protect the Japanese state.

Construction of the Samurai Sword

One of the distinctions of the samurai sword was its effectiveness as a weapon for both slashing and piercing in the battlefield. This versatility was due to its construction, which involved two different kinds of steel.

The construction of a samurai sword takes place over approximately 6 months. The process begins with iron-bearing sand and charcoal being heated to temperatures of up 2,500 Fahrenheit in order to form a high-quality steel called 'tamahagane.'

From there, the sword is sent to a swordsmith who continues to forge the blade by heating, cooling and hammering it into the classic samurai shape. This is an intensive process and up to a third of swords will be damaged before they are finished.

After the swordsmith successfully forms the sword, it is passed on to a sword polisher, who will spend weeks honing the sword's edge by rubbing it with a number of grinding stones. These stones can be worth up to $1,000 and have often been passed down from prior generations.

Lastly, the sword's handle will be adorned with leather, gold, stones or other decor, before it is returned to the swordsmith for one last viewing in order to be deemed worthy for a samurai warrior. In general, over 15 different men will be involved in the creation of one samurai sword.

John Moxly has spent more than 30 years working as a writer in various facets of the outdoors and survival industries. He is an avid knife collector and buys all of his samurai swords from Knife Depot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Moxly


http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-the-Samurai-Sword&id=5906577

By Paul Southren


You'd think that the term "battle ready sword" would be pretty much self explanatory wouldn't you?
Unfortunately, many of the swords being described as "battle ready" are anything but. And to quote Adrian Ko from Sword Forum International, "a lot of these swords I wouldn't want to take into battle even if they were strapped to a M-16. And even then I'd be worried!"

Don't let that put you off though. You'll find that there are actually some pretty good swords to be found in this broad category, IF you know what to look for.

The first thing you need to look for in a truly "functional" sword is the type of steel it is made from. To keep it simple, 99% of all real battle ready swords are made from properly heat treated high carbon steel.

Stainless steel swords are a big no no. Why? Well basically, stainless steel is great for making knives. But any stainless steel blade over 12" in length tends to become brittle, which is clearly not the kind of thing you want for a "battle ready sword." So steer well away from sales pitches that describe "fully functional stainless steel blade"!
There really is no such thing...
The second thing to look out for is the swords handle, or more specifically the tang (the bit of metal which attaches the sword to the handle).

Most cheap "wall hanger" swords have what is known as a rat tail tang, in other words the tang is just a thin bit of metal welded to the sword blade. Rat tail tangs are a major cause of a sword breaking when swung through the air, and can be extremely dangerous, creating what sword enthusiasts refer to as a "helicopter". (very scary stuff when this happens, trust me!)

What you should be looking for is a sword that has a "full tang", in other words a tang that has been forged as part of the sword, not tacked on afterwards...

Finally, it's also important to consider a swords overall weight and balance.

Contrary to popular belief, a heavy sword is NOT a good sword. Historically, nearly all swords weighed under 3lbs, and this was because to reach maximum speed and deliver the most powerful blow, they needed to be relatively light and well balanced. So swords over 3lbs should be viewed with a very cautious and suspicious eye.

Of course, it's not always possible to see immediately in a swords description if it has all these essential characteristics. So if you see a sword being described as "battle ready" or functional, but aren't sure if it really has all the above characteristics - either ASK the seller what kind of steel the sword is made from, how it has been heat treated, what kind of tang it has or how much it weighs, or look for another listing that does.

Otherwise, you'll probably end up with a sword that snaps in half the first time you swing it really hard, or worse still, shatters into shards of steel when you try and hack up a cardboard box...

For more information on choosing a good battle ready sword, as well as some easy ways to find them, including reviews and tests of some of the most affordable yet high quality blades on the market, check out my website http://sword-buyers-guide.com

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Buying Your First Sword - Tips and Suggestions

By Dirk Mathers


If you've always had an intense desire to own your own sword, you're not alone. Many people share your interest and spend thousands of dollars on their huge sword collections. Sword collecting is a popular and fun hobby, but if you're new to the game, there are definitely some things you should take into consideration before plunking down a huge wad of cash on your first sword. You'll want to find the perfect sword, so it's incredibly important think about function, quality and style.

There are three main types of swords on the market: decorative, battle-ready and combat. Decorative swords are exactly that, decorative. They often offer great intricate details, but they are not intended for actual use. If you're looking for a beautiful sword to display in your home, then a decorative sword may be perfect for you. In general, these swords range in price from as low as $10 to upwards of $300. If you are looking to use your sword for more than just decoration, you might want to consider purchasing a battle-ready sword. They are great for battle reenactments or just messing around with your friends. Similar to decorative swords, they offer plenty of intricate details, but they are usually made from carbon steel.

These swords start at about $100. While battle-ready swords are a great combination of style and function, they are still prone to damage if used frequently. If you are less concerned with aesthetics and are looking for a more durable weapon, then you'll want to consider a combat sword. These swords often appear cruder and thus are less visually appealing, however they are much thicker and heavier than your typical battle-ready sword. They are made to endure the wear and tear of frequent usage. They also start at about $100.
Once you've decided on the type of sword you want to add to your collection, you should take quality and style into account. When it comes to quality, price really matters.

You shouldn't be surprised to hear that the more you spend, the higher quality sword it will be. More money means that more time and better materials have been put into the sword's construction, so don't be cheap. Define your budget, then shop around and compare prices so that you know you're getting the best possible deal. As far as style is concerned, your options are really endless. There are swords to fit everyone's interests, whether it be anime or medieval.

Do plenty of research so that your first sword will reflect your personal interests. If you follow these tips, you're sure to have a great collection in now time.
Find a whole slew of perfect swords for you at swordssource.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dirk_Mathers


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Traditional Making of a Samurai Sword