Swords - Guides, identification, resources | Japanese / Samurai swords | Antique and medieval swords | Replica swords and weapons | Martial arts weapons

Swords - guides, identification, resources

The Highlander Sword Shopper's Guide - Newsletter guide evaluates all Highlander-style swords from replicas to Taiwanese. Gives photos, discussions, and letters to the editor.

Kelley's Sword Identification - Offers a growing list of sword identification photographs, marking references, and recommended reading.

Mediaeval Sword - Information on antique European medieval edged weapons from the Dark Ages to 1500 AD. Includes a list of related events, museums and bibliography.

Oakeshott Institute - Minesota based institute with mission statement, sword documentation project, research and articles, and typology.

Pihakaetta - A collector demonstrates and explains the piha, an edged blade from Sri Lanka.

Sabres - Documents the history, use, and photos of Russian sabres from the 9th to early 20th century.

The Swordcollector Homepage - Includes collector's forum, articles, sword identification, resources, classifieds, and dealer links.

SwordInfo.com - Resource for sword terminology and classifications with an easy to search arms dictionary. With online community and forum to answer questions and aid research.

Japanese / Samurai swords

Japanese Sword Index   - Collecting information relating to Japanese swords (Nihonto), including sword history, identification, care, glossaries, swordsmith profiles and translation aids for kanji inscriptions, a discussion forum, and links.

Blade Fittings - Custom made tsuba and other blade fittings by Pat Hastings. Site has a picture gallery of products and ordering information.

Blade Shark - Site for helping identify Chinese characters used on Japanese swords and fittings.

Chris Husar's Japanese Sword Site - Information on Japanese swords, forging, and a glossary of terminology.

Hizen Tadayoshi - Seller of swords and resources on the Japanese swords of Hizen and the Tadayoshi line of Japanese swordsmiths.

Japanese Art Swords - Thomas Buck has articles on saya lacquering and tsuka-maki. Saya repair and tsuka-maki services in various styles are available.

Japanese Military Reference - Provides information on WWII Japanese military swords.

Japanese Sword - Nihonto - Japanese swords (nihonto) information plus files to assist translation of the characters used in swordsmiths signatures (mei).

Japanese Sword Books - Books translated from Japanese to English for sale to students and collectors of Japanese swords.

Japanese Sword Exchange - Specializing in the sale and purchase of Japanese swords, fittings and related items. Accepts items on consignment. Includes a well reviewed links section.

Japanese Sword Society of the United States - A society concerned with the study and preservation of Japanese swords (nihonto).

Japanese Swords Arms and Armor Home - Sales and information regarding antique Japanese swords.

Meiboku Index and Site Guide - Information on using Japanese language software for translating the characters used in swordsmiths' signatures (mei) on tangs. With graphic depictions of the details of blade structure as well as information on cutting test inscriptions.

Nihonto.com Japanese Sword Website - Sword glossary, schools, events, equipment and supplies.

Nihontophile - Dedicated to the preservation and collecting of Japanese swords.

Nipponto - Italian dealer in antique Japanese swords, tsuba, bronzes.

Northern California Japanese Sword Club - A non-profit organization for the study and preservation of Japanese swords, related items and arts. Meetings are held in San Francisco's Japan Town.

Sakura Art - A Japan based dealer in antique and collectible swords and tsuba.

San Francisco Japanese Sword Society - Group for Japanese sword enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate Japanese culture, history, language, philosophy, and customs.

Satcho Japanese Sword Books - Specialists in books related to the study and appreciation of the Japanese sword as art. Both in-print and out-of-print tiles on swords, armor, and fittings.

Shoshin.com - Site on Japanese history, historical figures and accounts, women's histories, Japanese swords and appraisal, investment strategy and antique sword sales. Acrobat reader required to view much of site.

The Story of the Japanese Sword - Demonstrates the process and techniques used to make Japanese swords.

Sword Forum International - Site relating to all areas of sword collecting and usage including articles and an active discussion forums.

Sword.ne.jp - A historical guide to the Japanese sword. Read about samurai culture and martial arts, or featured articles.

The Token Society of Great Britain - An organisation in existence for over 30 years dedicated to the study and preservation of Japanese swords, fittings and armour.

Antique and medieval swords

The Anvil Tree - Offers Renaissance, fantasy, and Medieval weapons, swords, and armor.

The Armoury - Offers a variety of swords including medieval swords and Japanese swords, medieval armor and Japanese armor.

Bladezilla.com - Offers a large selection of collectible swords.

Crusader-Swords - Offers collectible replicas of historic swords including Richard the Lionheart's sword, the Black Prince's sword, William Wallace's great longsword (featured in the film Braveheart).

The Dragon's Edge - Specializes in knives, swords, martial arts gear, and collectibles.

Fineswords.com - Includes American swords and arms, European swords and rapiers, medieval swords, axes and polearms, daggers and knives, and rare items.

InterAction Mukashiya, Inc. - Offers a large selection of Japanese swords. Also Japanese guns, guards, and Tsuba Mempo. In Japanese and English.

Japanese Sword - Includes fine antique Japanese swords and fittings from personal collection and other collectors.

KnightStalkers.com - Offers latest fantasy knives, daggers, and swords, including Lord of the Rings swords and display stands.

Marlow White - US military swords and sabers, hand crafted.

OldAsia.net - Offers antique and reproduction Kris swords, Barong, Kampilan, Pira, and various east Asian bladed weapons.

Oriental Swords - A selection of Japanese and Chinese Swords, along side examples of ornamental and functional blades of the Samurai period of Japan.

Red Lancer Militaria - Includes swords and other edged weapons, antique books and prints, military reference books, Napoleonic as well as other fine arts.

Swords and Medieval Collectibles - Offers a large variety of swords, daggers, shields, armor, and pewter gifts from the Medieval, Renaissance, Celtic, Oriental, and Roman era. Includes swords from movies or television shows, such as Lord Of the Rings. Also offers display goblets, chess sets, miniature gifts, and collectibles.

Token Sugita Europe - Offers antique Japanese swords in mint condition, polished, and with proper Japanese papers from experts of the Japanese Sword Museum.

Tom Nardi Sword Restoration Services - Provides restoration of all military swords of United States origin. Offering supplies and restoration services for the antique sword collecting community. Sword makers include Ames Roby Horstman and Tiffany.

WKC - Ceremonial swords, sabers, daggers, uniform accessories, and blades. Made in Solingen, Germany.

Replica swords and weapons

1ABCStore.com Replica Guns and Swords - Features a variety of replica weapons with special emphasis on the US Civil War. Includes company information and search feature.

Age of Chivalry - Renaissance period reenactment arms, armor, and clothing of all varieties. Shops at numerous faires; on line ordering accepts credit cards.

Albion Armorers - Museum quality reproduction swords, knives, armor for reenactment events. On line ordering accepts credit cards.

Ancient Arms - Manufacturer of Asian, European, Indian and Arabian swords, hand-crafted daggers, armor, and other weapons.

Ancient East - Importers of Museum Quality Historical Reproduction Daggers, Swords and Jewelry from the Middle East and Far East. Also offering antique weapons. Online ordering accepts credit cards.

Armadillo Armory and Collectibles - Offers Medieval, Renaissance and Civil War armor and weaponry. Includes historical information and links.

Armi Sport Reproduction Black Powder Muskets - Supplier mainly for reenactors who need a quality reproduction of one of the more common black powder muskets used during the Civil War; on line catalog, ordering and contact information, accepts credit cards.

Armory of Bright Blades - General supplier of swords, knives, and armor of all Periods and Nationalities; fencing equipment and Fantasy weapons. On line ordering accepts credit cards.

Armour & Weapons - Replica weapons for reenactments, including rappiers, sabers, daggers, bullfighter swords, ceremonial swords, fencing swords; also armor, sword stands, swords letter openers. Ordering information; sword history.

Arms and Armor - Catalog of weapons of all types and armor suitable for Faires, SCA competitions and similar events. (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA)

Arms of Valor - Replica swords, armor, shields, and other weaponry of the past, both both battle-ready and decorative weapons; ancient Celts, Scots, Medieval, Oriental, Fantasy, Renaissance, Civil War. Ordering information accepts credit cards.

Black Faerie - Modern and fantasy weapons, masks, and monster props for LARP meetings and similar events; ordering information. (Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland)

Black Knight Armoury - Offers historically accurate reproductions of arms and armour from Roman to Tudor periods. Suitable for re-enactment use.

Brothersmith-swords.com - Reproduction weapons from Ancient to Modern including guns, knives, swords, and armor. Online catalog and ordering; accepts credit cards. (Blairs, Virginia, USA)

Collectors Armoury, Ltd. - Features replica weaponry from a broad range of periods. Also offers related accessories and collectibles.

Discount Swords - General on-line supplier of swords and knives from many major manufacturers. On line ordering accepts credit cards.

Dragons Watch - Supplier of swords, daggers, and axes for the reenactor; on line catalog and ordering information, based in Canyon Lake, Texas.

ESA Mini-Swords and Fairbairn Sykes Knives - Offers a variety of knives, swords, daggers, mounts and showcases.

Extremely Sharp - Swords, knives, self defense equipment and other weapons from a variety of manufacturers; information on care and use.

Historical Weapons - Antique and replica swords, daggers, armor, shields, helmets, cannons, and books; on line catalog and ordering, based in Valencia, Spain.

Imperial Weapons - Swords, daggers, knives and martial arts equipment, including battle ready Medieval swords and limited edition Last Legend samurai swords; order form, accepts credit cards, shop in Jackson, Tennessee.

Lundegaard Armoury - Custom designed and fabricated weapons for theatrical combat and reenactment events; swords and daggers with high carbon steel blades, pins, brooches, and buttons. On line catalog and ordering, based in High Bridge, New Jersey.

The Mad Piper - Sells handmade weapons including basket hilt swords, dirks, pistols, and rifles. Offers custom items and repair work.

Mayhawke Armoury - Renaissance style replica weapons and armour for Faires and similar events; newsletter and events schedule.

Medieval Weapon Art - Specializes in weaponry, armour, and related gift items. Includes search feature and a history section.

Museum Replicas Limited - Fully functional replicas of armour and weapons, decorations and books, clothing and costumes. On line catalog, ordering information, accepts credit cards.

PhoenixMetalCreations.com - This site features custom swords, daggers, axes and accessories for theatrical, reenactment and collector purposes with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy. It also provides good research sources and links.

Purpleheart Armoury - Offers complete line of hand-crafted solid wooden practice swords. Suitable for training practice and controlled contact free-sparring.

Shanghai Cuttlery - Division of Wuu Jau Co Inc., based in Edmond, Oklahoma; knives, swords, martial arts weapons including United Cuttlery, Case, Bear, Smith and Wesson.

Starfire Swords - Makers of reproduction medieval, renaissance, and other period and fantasy weapons. Offers daggers, swords, axes, and accessories. Online catalog and ordering. Attends various faires.

The Swordmark Company - Swords, daggers, armor, and accessories for Renaissance Faires and similar events; ordering information, accepts credit cards, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Swords and Armor - A wide range of daggers, including medieval, oriental, fantasy and US Civil War types.

Swords Daggers and Such - Offers medieval and fantasy swords, knives and daggers, as well as statues, dragons, and axes.

Swords Direct - Replica swords and other weaponry for reenactors; fantasy daggers, crossbows, swords, guns. On line catalog and ordering accepts credit cards.

Swords from Spain - Swords, daggers, armor, shields, and accessories; Medieval, Oriental, general Period; based in Spain. On line catalog, ordering information.

Swords of Honor Internet Armoury - Offering battle-ready and decorative swords as well as full-size suits of armor. Online ordering accepts credit cards, with worldwide shipping.

Swords Online - Sellers of fantasy, oriental, medieval, classical and military swords for collectors and reenactors.

Swords.com - Wide range of popular sword styles, patterned after classical historical models. On line catalog, ordering information.

Targemaker - Hand-crafted reproductions of original Scottish shields (targes) from the era of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites.

Twilight Armory - Replica equipment for all Periods for reenactment events; swords, crossbows, pole weapons, armor shields, leathergoods. On line catalog, contact information, based in Bristol, Connecticut.

Web Collection On Line - Medieval, Renaissance, Oriental, and Fencing weaponry for the serious collector, including replica guns, axes, and lances; on line catalog and ordering accepts credit cards.

Wooden Weapons - Hand crafted wooden weapons in Renaissance, Medieval and Period Pirate; swords, axes, daggers, pole arms, hammers. In stock and custom work. Events schedule, on line catalog, ordering information.

Martial arts weapons

Bogner Drill Blades - Marketing a safe alternative to facsimile knives made of wood, metal, plastic, or rubber for combative training drills.

By the Blade - Offers a variety of Japanese samurai swords, martial art supplies, and historical weapons.

Bynoon.Com - Online sale of self-defense products with secure on-line ordering. Includes martial arts weapons, brand knives, swords, and daggers.

Cobra Imports Ltd Inc - Offers Japanese and Medieval swords, and knives. Orders by online form, fax or phone.

Crane Mountain Weapons - Custom wooden kobudo weapons for martial artists

Custom Bo Staffs - Online customization and sales of a Bo staff.

Discount Martial At Supply, Inc. - Swords and other martial arts equipment, including knives, weapons, books, videos, and uniforms. Secure online ordering.

Dragon Limited Martial Arts - Provides information on various martial arts as well as acquiring weapons.

Dragon Martial Arts - Knives, swords, and other weapons and personal security products.

Edges2, Inc. Training Blades - Supplier of aluminum training knives and swords, rattan sticks, edged weapons training safety equipment.

Guest Bo's - Bo staffs made by Wayne Guest. Contains product list and ordering form.

JSP Bladerigger - Custom knives, custom rattan and metal fighting sticks, heavy-duty large capacity stick bags.

Keen Edge Knives - Aluminum training knives.

Kris Cutlery - Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and European bladed weapons.

Kuden Jutsu & Romatron Self Defense Keychain - Personal security ninja weapon for men and women.

Layne Enterprises - Offering knives, swords, and personal protection items. Includes catalog, resource links, and contact information.

Mantis Swords - Traditionally made swedish steel and carbon steel swords, as well as naginata, cane swords, helmets and goza cutting mats.

Martial Art Weapons - Handmade wooden training weapons for martial arts using domestic and exotic hardwoods.

Martial Arts Gear - Many types of martial arts weapons, clothing, and books.

Midnightpark - Offering namebrand edged weopons from the practical to fantasy.

No Lie Blades - Offering training blades the leaves an ink mark where the cut would have been.

On Target - Sales of various types and styles of weapons. From martial arts, medievel, edged, and general self defense products.

The Red Wing Dragon Supply Co. - Specializing in hand made weapons. Ninja apparel, accessories, and equipment also available.

Samurai Swords at First Sightings - Samurai and ninja swords.

Samuraiblade - Supply swords to suit a wide range of interests.

Shadow Warriars Intl. - Full line of martial arts supplies. Books, videos, swords, nunchakus, sais, kamas, gis, patches, training, and sparring.

Sof-Stx Concepts - Online sales of soft training weapons. Includes FAQ, catalog, and contact information.

The Steel Source - Retailer for primarily Eastern and Western martial art weapons and armor. Other related products and accessories are also available.

SunDragon Martial Arts - Provider of SunDragon light weight nunchakus.

The Sword Armory - Over 325 swords, katanas, and armor from Paul Chen, Marto, Iberia, and Gladius.

13 Swords - Wise selection of quality swords, knives and martial arts supplies, both eastern and western. Special requests available.

Weapon Kingdom - Offering knives, swords, airguns, bows, and related weaponry. Includes catalog, ordering details, and contact information.

World of Weapons - Specializes in swords, knives, and martial arts equipment.