Vendor Links
Please feel free to e-mail me suggested links. Thank you.
-
Christian Fletcher
- Well regarded rapiers from Christian Fletcher's site.
- Well recommended.
-
Arms and Armor
- Chris Poor, Craig Johnson -- two guys near the twin cities.
- Has "garnitures."
-
http://www.brightblades.com/
- Brightblades sells some good swords (e.g. CAS Iberia swords).
- It also has better catalogs for the MRL licensed works than the MRL site (e.g. Highlander, Robert Jordan Wheel of Time, etc.).
-
Don Fogg Knives
- Bladesmith making knives and swords.
-
Del Tin Armi Antiche
- Sword Maker
-
Dragon
Fist Forge
- Randal Graham, custom sword smith
-
Dragonfly Forge
- Michael Bell.
- Price range is about $4,500 to $15,000 (depending on steel used). $50.00 an inch for naked blades.
-
Jose de Braga
- art knife and sword maker
-
Kevin
Cashen
- ABS Master Bladesmith, lecturer, maker of exquisite art swords
-
Kris
Cutlery
- manufacturer of tough inexpensive "bash around" swords.
- I own a couple. He sells naked blades as well as swords.
-
Morgan Valley Forge
- Howard Clark Custom Knives. Swordmaker.
-
Salamander
Armoury
- Dr. Jim P. Hrisoulas (JPH), sword maker, reknowned author on damascus steel.
- Buys siderite (meteoric iron) and forges into swords.
-
Tinker
Blades
- Performance swords by Michael "Tinker" Pearce.
-
A Work
of Art
- Del Tin dealer. Also a sword customizer. Customers have found his scabbards to be of truly superb quality.
-
Christian Fletcher
Medieval Military
- Del Tin dealer. Primarily maker of Historical-style, Fantasy, and SCA-grade armour.
- East Coast Martial Arts Supply
-
Fred Lohman
Company
- Japanese sword parts, supplies, restoration services, etc. Great catalog.
-
Nosyuiaido / Cutting
Edge Technologies
- Sellers of custom iaito for non-impact practice, and US$6,000+ martial arts shinken swords.
-
Seven Stars Trading
- Antique Arms and Armor from Continental Asia, the Pacific, Islamic and African World, specializing in Imperial Chinese Arms.
-
Twilights
Door
- Decorative/replica retailer. Also a Del Tin dealer. SFMO Group discount no longer effective nor necessary, as a new pricing structure has taken place effective March 6, 1999. Out of business.
-
Tuscany Trading Company
- Sells authentic Marto ("Highlander" "Wheel of Time" "Xeena") Swords, Martespa, CAS Iberia, etc.
- Huge site.
-
Meier
Steel
- Daryl Meier has been providing pattern welded steel to the knives and sword industry for over 30 years.
- Has very loyal family. "Grandpa" Meier for those who know him.
-
Albion Armorers
- HACA recommended.
- http://www.ikkyudo.com
-
Room for more links
.
I should note that in a "real" fight, a short sword and shield are probably going to beat almost any other sword combination, including a rapier or gim. In "open" fighting (i.e. the middle of a gym floor or other formalized dueling area), a naginata will clean house against a katana. On the other hand, for pure looks, it may be impossible to find anything that compares to the rapier, gim and katana (except for a scottish baskethilt).
