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Choosing the Right Display for Your Collectible Swords

1 comment By Samurai Filed in Samurai Swords Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , August 3rd, 2009 @ 5:26 am
Samurai Sword:

Now that you’ve got the sword you want, it’s time to display it. Finding the right sword stand is like putting the right tires on your new car.

You need a stand that complements the look of your sword and doesn’t over play it. Not to mention you want a reliable stand that won’t collapse under a little weight. Be sure to check the dimensions of your sword against the sword stand. You want to have a stand that has plenty of room for your particular style sword.

These tips will help you pick the right stand for your sword:

Standing Sword Stands:

A standing sword stand can be a really beautiful piece of furniture. There are two main types of standing sword stands. One stands squarely on the ground and can be over five feet in height. This type of standing sword stand will hold many different swords.

The stand is built around two main beams that allow the swords to rest horizontally on bracket shelving. Most of the brackets offered have a rounding to them that cradles the sword safely without fear of dropping them. Samurai style sword stands have more of an Asian flair to them with their shapes. This makes it easier to accommodate the varying sizes of Samurai swords available.

Standing sword stands are most usually made of wood and have a craftsman look to them. They can be stood in any room and come in a variety of finishes.

The second type of standing sword stand is the one that just holds one or two swords. It can sit flush on a desk, mantel piece or anywhere you fancy! Individual sword stands in this style have more variety available to them. You can get stonework stands, enamel covered stands and just about any type of finish you can imagine.

Horizontal Hanging Stands:

Horizontal hanging stands are probably the most popular because they take up the least amount of space. These stands are braced on a wall and can be used in any room of the house.

A horizontal hanging stand can have a single bracket holder or several. Most often you’ll find these made out of wood. They are made in many different finishes and stains and can even be painted. A hanging stand needs to be braced properly so that it can manage the weight of your fine sword collection.

Vertical Hanging Stands:

Vertical hanging stands are a unique way to display your swords. These stands bolt in to your wall and can hold one sword each. A vertical hanging stand is highly decorative and are often made of finely wrought metal work.

Samurai swords can be hung with fascinating Japanese characters. Medieval swords can be hung by ancient crests and symbols. Even the fantasy sword will find the right stand here.

Easy to mount and beautiful to display your sword with, a vertical hanging stand is a neat idea! We hope these tips for choosing a sword stand help you make your decision about which is right for you!

Shop for an sword display stand at a reputable online dealer like http://SwordArsenal.com.

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How to Care for Expensive Samurai Swords

1 comment By Samurai Filed in Samurai Swords Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , August 2nd, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
Samurai Swords:

Keep your sword away from humid environments. Every point of contact is a potential place for water to condense. If rust develops on your blade, you should clean it off as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the deeper the rust will pit your sword. If you clean it quickly then you can usually restore the original polish.

Wooden handles may be treated with a light coating of lemon oil or tung oil to help prevent cracking.

Use a sheet of harai gami or erufu to remove oil and debris from the blade. Hold the sharp edge away from you while working on the blade.

Tap the uchiko lightly against the blade. Continue tapping to the tip of the blade.

After powdering the blade, use a clean harai gami or erufu to polish the blade in a circular motion. Repeat this until the powder dissolves.

Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the blade.

Apply a few drops of oil along each side of the blade and use a piece of harai gami or erufu to spread the oil evenly over the blade.

 

Do not touch the blade before re-sheathing as the oils on your hand will promote rusting on the blade.

There are many types of cleaning kits available for swords and depending on your budget, select the kit that best suits your needs.

The more expensive the swords you own the more care should be taken to keep them in prime condition. Your swords could be handed down to your next generation and prodly displayed just as they have been in your home.

Samurai

The Top Swords on the Market

0 comments By Samurai Filed in Samurai Swords Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , August 2nd, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Samurai Swords:

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!

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Kendo-the Way of the Sword

0 comments By Samurai Filed in Samurai Swords Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , August 2nd, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Samurai Swords:

one of the few martial arts that necessitates the use of several protective gear aside from the traditional kimono or gi. Practitioners look threatening and quite ominous with their black hakama (wide pants covering the legs), bogu body armor (for the torso, shoulders and part of the head), the men or helmet and the metal grilled mask, and of course, the sword.

The katana, or samurai sword was the centerpiece of Japanese history. Noble samurai held these in almost god-like regard. To these medieval warriors, the sword was an object of profound veneration and is one ot the three sacred treasures of Japan. According to Japanese folklore, when Susa no wo no Mikota, nephew of Amaterasu- the Sun Godess slew an eight-headed dragon, he found a katana in its tail.

The study of the Japanese art of swordsmanship or Kenjutsu was restricted only to those of nobility and included many aspects which included Tameshi-giri or the art of cutting and Iai- the art of drawing a sword. This is where the modern art of Kendo descended from. Derived from the words ken, or sword and do or way of life, Kendo literally translated means ‘The Way of the Sword’. It reflects the spirit of the Samurai whose aim it was to cut through their opponents in one initial blow. Being able to achieve such a feat needed a combination of speed, strength and flexibility.

Because the design of the sword used in Kendo is quite different from the traditional Western sword, so too are the movements used in the sword strikes. For obvious reasons, the razor-sharp katana is replaced by wooden bamboo swords called shinai or sometimes boken or wooden swords. Strikes are allowed on specific targets like the top of the head, the upper-left and upper right areas of the head, the right wrist, the left wrist when it’s raised, and either side of the torso. Thrusts to the neck are only allowed for kendokas (practitioners) who have reached advanced levels to avoid risking accidental injury.

Kendo training sessions are relatively noisier because in addition to the kiai shouts, stomping-like fumikomi-ashi are also performed every time a strike is executed. These are essential as improperly-timed steps result in invalid strikes- meaning no point is awarded for the hit.

With approximately 8 million people around the world practicing Kendo, it is hardly a secret martial art. Its combination of strong martial arts values and competitive and physical aspects have earned it a huge following in throughout the world. Kendo halls or dojos has been a long-time symbol Japan and its culture and movies have been using Kendo scenes to add Japanese flavor to the film.

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What Does Functional Swords Mean?

0 comments By Samurai Filed in Samurai Swords Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , August 2nd, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
Samurai Swords:

I have been selling swords and knives for the past seven years on my site Brothersmith-Swords.com and Brothersmith-Knives.com, doing research and answering questions on the different types of swords and their uses. I’ve lived for six years in Europe and seven in the Orient seen and held swords that are easier dated in centuries rather than years.

Functional Swords like the ones listed on Brothersmith-Swords.com’s Functional Swords page are made to be used and to keep an edge. However, to really answer this question you have to explain the three kinds of swords people sell. The first is a Decorative Sword. These are swords made to decorate and for display only. They are very elaborate and are sometimes heavy replicas of historical, fantasy and movie swords. They often come with a sword plaque or stand for their display in the home or office. The blades are made of stainless steel and are generally highly polished. They look really good but are not designed or made for use. The second is a Costume Sword. While they have many of the same characteristics of a decorative sword, they are generally lighter and come with a sheath or some means of wearing the sword with a costume. The last is the Functional Sword.

So What’s The Difference?

To keep it simple, quality is the thing that makes a functional or battle ready sword different. The quality of the materials, design and workmanship all play a part in a good functional sword. The materials are very important. High carbon steel is generally used to make the blades and other more durable materials are used for the guard, pommel and grips. High carbon steel is much harder. This type of steel is better suited for keeping an edge and less likely to break upon contact. The quality of the materials use in the guard, pommel and grip are of equal importance. A great high carbon steel blade with a pot metal or inferior guard and grip is a wall hanger.

Some people say the original design of a sword is the best. I agree. Swords were originally made for combat at the time they were designed and forged. Some like the samurai sword were designed to cut while others like the medieval claymore and long sword were made to bash and stab. The major design element is the tang. The tang is the part of the sword that attaches the blade to the guard, grip and pommel. Some decorative and costume swords use a rat-tail design. The blade is welded to the tang and not very durable. The best functional design is a full tang. Here the blade and tang are on piece of metal and less likely to break.

Workmanship may well be the most important. There are two basic ways to make a sword. They are machined and hand forged. The machined sword is almost entirely forged by a machine while the hand forged is done by a human. Purest say hand forged is the only way. However, I’ve seen many machined forged swords I feel more comfortable with. The key is micro-fractures. During the forging process sometime small fractures are left inside the sword. The more fractures there are the more likely the sword can break. There are many carbon steel swords not advertised as functional because of inconsistency. One sword might be great the next might not hold up. You take your chances when you buy these swords for use. One last note on design, a practical sword is made for stage plays and reenactments where safety is the key. Practical swords have rounded or dull edges and points.

Functional swords can cost much more than decorative or costume swords. Prices can run from less than $ 100.00 for an entry level sword to thousands for a made to order sword. Prices are also based on the degree of functionality. An entry level sword can cost from under $ 100 to $ 200. These are light duty swords which are great for a beginner. A medium duty sword or battle ready sword can cost up to $ 1000 and are usually used in reenactments and plays. Heavy duty swords can cost thousands. They can be used for any purpose but are better suited for extended use as in a nightly stage combat plays. After being in the US Army for 21 year, I can tell you anything can be broken. No matter how well a sword is made abuse, neglect and improper use will damage or break any sword. I’m not talking about small dings in the sharp edges. Some carbon steels are so hard it’s almost impossible to sharpen them. Most swords are forged so the edges are softer and can be sharpened. Please consult a qualified fight director on the proper use and quality of weapons needed for heavy use in stage plays.

I hope this helps to explain the term Functional Swords. One rule to use in selecting a sword is safety first. You are buying a weapon and get what you pay for, price should always be second.

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Fantasy Swords for Serious Collectors

0 comments By Samurai Filed in Samurai Swords Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , August 2nd, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
Samurai Swords:

The online as well as offline marketplace is awash with a plethora of fantasy swords and if you are looking at buying one for yourself’ you would truly be spoilt for choice. The wide range of fantasy swords includes ancient medieval swords’ popular movie swords’ replica swords’ military swords’ samurai swords’ etc. One can also take heart in knowing a fantasy sword can be bought suiting almost any budget.

With the wide range of fantasy swords on offer’ the process to buy one can often be quite confusing. There are scores of manufacturers and sellers to choose from’ and the material used in making these swords also differs from sword to sword. You should pay particular attention to the buying process if you haven’t bought one before’ and in buying your first sword’ it is always suggested that you do so from a reputed dealer’ as this would ensure quality.

Buying online:

For the people who cannot visit stores that deal in fantasy swords’ there are a number of websites that cater especially to people looking for these swords. In buying a fantasy sword online’ you should take aspects such as length and weight into consideration. It is best to use a measuring tape and some real weights to get an actual feel of how long and heavy the sword in question is.

Another factor that plays an important role in your buying a fantasy sword is the reason that you want to buy it. If you are looking at buying a sword to add to the display value of your home (by hanging it on a wall) then looking for swords made using stainless steel is a good idea. This is mainly because they require little maintenance. On the other hand’ if you intend to get yourself a more usable sword’ look to get one made from high carbon steel. While these are sturdier’ they also require a fair amount of maintenance and are prone to rusting if not maintained properly.

Depending on your budget’ you would essentially have to base your search accordingly. If budget is not a restraint you could get yourself an intricately worked upon medieval sword; and if budget is a constraint’ you could probably get yourself a replica of exactly the same sword. Of course’ since the replica would come at a considerably cheaper price’ the quality would definitely vary. However’ even in choosing replica fantasy swords’ you should know that there are many providers that sell extremely high quality replica fantasy swords.

With the surge in popularity of fantasy swords created by movies such as the Gladiator’ Lord of the Rings’ 300′ King Arthur’ etc; an increasing number of people now consider buying swords. Besides’ these swords also make a great present for someone interested in history. Medieval European swords and authentic Japanese Samurai swords feature highly on the list of many avid fantasy sword collectors’ as do swords used during the Civil War.

Irrespective of the reason that you are looking for a fantasy sword’ with the wide variety on offer’ you can surely find one you fancy.

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The History of the Japanese Samurai Sword

0 comments By Samurai Filed in Samurai Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , July 24th, 2009 @ 3:38 am
A Quick History of Samurai Swords:

The Samurai sword would be more properly defined as any Japanese sword wielded by Samurai or Bushi, as they were known in Japanese history; however modern films and television shows have incorrectly portrayed them to be only the well known katana, and very rarely use the proper terminology or classifications of true samurai swords. Read more

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