European Swords

We have been collecting these links for some time. We are still in the process of adding to and cataloguing them. If you know of a link that you think should be added to this list please e-mail it to us and we will review it.

When buying blades of any type the transaction is always buyer beware. There are many fake and poorly constructed swords out there so we make no recommendations about these links. The descriptions you see are for information only and should not be construed as any form of recommendation. If the forgoing sounds like legalese intended to protect our buts, well — it is. But we equally don't want to see you conned so if you plan to spend a serious chunk of change start by joining a club or association and talking to people who know swords.

Reference

The Association For Renaissance Martial Arts: Lots of information here if you are interested in how these weapons were used and why they look the way they do.
Highlander Sword Shopping Guide: This is a great introduction to the various steels used in the modern construction of swords.
Internet Sword Collectors Association: Must read for the new and seasoned collector. This site contains a huge amount of information and the fake and scam section is invaluable. Look at this site before buying an old sword.
Old Swords: This is a very useful site if you are trying to identify your latest acquisition. The database appears to be extensive and easy to use. It does require you to register before you use the site but we aren't worried about it. Using the site is easy and intuitive as well as fun to browse.

Sword Forum International: Lots of great information.
Sword Manufacturers Guide: Covers the major manufacturers and contains lots of information along with reviews, both good and bad. This is a good place to start if you are looking for a modern manufactured sword

European and Western

Angel Swords: Some beautiful modern manufacture blades in both Japanese and European styles.
Antique Militaria: Mostly USA civil war era antique guns, edged weapons, cavalry items and accoutrements. If you collect this era they have a good selection of books.

Albion Swords: An exceptional line of beautiful weapons
Ames Sword Company: Located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, they have been making fine presentation swords since 1791.
Angus Trim: Some very interesting looking swords both modern and reproductions.
The Antique Sextant: A small line of swords and cutlasses are available here along with Sextants — interesting combination.
Armour Class: Made in Scotland. Some lovely swords here, a little different from the usual.
Arms and Armor: Make no mistake these are the real thing. Prices are hefty but the swords are beautiful.
Arms and Armor Manufacture: Located in central Europe. This site is slow to load but is certainly worth a look. Some nice looking swords and full armor. You will have to e-mail them to get pricing info.
ASA Sword Works: Based in Washington. Some nice pieces here. You will have to e-mail them for prices. Definitely worth a look.
Björn Hellqvist: Click at the bottom of the left side menu to get English. Very interesting site with links to European sword makers. Some of the links are not in English so they aren't included in our lists.
Castle Keep: Custom swords by Rob Miller. Very nice. Be prepared to be put on a waiting list if you're interested. He comes highly recommended. Nice site but the intro is slow to load so just use the skip intro link.
Civil War Shop: Like the name says this is mostly civil war era but some blades are WWII and the occasional Japanese blade. This site is slow to load but has some interesting items.
Cold Steal Swords: Nicely made modern and replica swords.
Confederate Ordinance: Sometimes some blades available.
Darkwood Armory: Good selection of fencing swords.
Del Tin Armi Antiche: Difficult to find better. Great close-up pictures with an informative Web site.
Fagan Arms: Tons of stuff here. It was great fun just looking.
Fredericks Antique Swords: Antique swords and knives, Japanese, German and Napoleonic. Lots of interesting pieces. Not a great Web site but interesting blades so worth a look.
Great Wave Forge: Lovely work. Both knives and swords.

Iron Age Armoury: Definitely not reproductions but interesting none the less. Take a look this may be exactly what you are looking for.
Jake Powning: Absolutely incredible. Pricing depends on the piece and availability but it doesn't matter because we can't afford them. This is a must see, the photos are beautiful.
Jody Sampson: More works of art. Just might be able to afford one of these.
JT Palikko: Beautiful work. Historical and fantasy blades.
Knights Edge: Need a display suit of armour for your living room or perhaps a real suit for your afternoon jousting match? This is the place to shop. Wide variety and pricing.
Kris Cutlery: A nice selection of swords from around the world.
LionGate Arms and Armour: Antique arms of all types. A good selection of blades.
Lutel Swords: Based in the Czech Republic they make a wide variety of nice blades. Click on the British flag in the top-left corner to get the English version of the site.
Macallen Armourers: Some very interesting designs both historical and otherwise.
Manning Imperial: They have some beautiful swords and armor. Prices are up there but the swords look superb. We were surprised that there were so few images of the swords on the site.
Medieval Reproductions: Based in Calgary Alberta, they make the most amazing armor and some nice swords. Not having worn any of the armor we can't speak for it's comfort but it is amazing in every respect. Great pictures and don't miss the signature piece shown on the home page, look in the premier collection on the armor page.
Medieval Sword Resource Site: A great deal of information here for the collector.
Michael D Long Ltd.: Often a number of original blades available on this site. Remember that buying an antiquity or Nazi era item is always buyer beware. You need to know what you are doing or trust someone who does. This business has been around for a while and appears to have a good reputation (not a recommendation on our part, search Google and decide for yourself).
Michael Simens: Antique guns, civil war swords, antique, weapons, artefacts, rifles, pistols, muskets. Nice pictures with good descriptions.
Military Heritage: Interesting European modern manufacture military swords. Some interesting information about military uniforms. Poor Web site but the information seem worthwhile.

Museum Replicas: Large selection of swords from various manufacturers.
Odin Blades: Nice designs. I can't classify them as fantasy swords because they are clearly made to be used. Worth a look.
Old Dominion Forge: This link takes you to the home page rather than the sword page. The link takes a little looking but is worth it. These blades look like they have come out of a museum, not old but manufactured in the time period. I'm not sure that the designs are authentic but they look like they should be.
Ollin Sword Design: A few very special designs. These swords appear massive but just look at the weight. Photos are good but few, and no close-ups.
Popinjays: I like the artwork on the home page A nice selection of practical swords along with some elegant work.
Raven Armoury: Some very nice swords here. Pictures leave a little to be desired. We'd like to see more close-ups. They produce some artificially aged swords that look very realistic.
Reliks Swords and Collectibles: An excellent selection of practical and battle ready swords.
Ritter Steel: Some nice looking pieces here. It's a little disappointing that no weights are given in the specifications.
Southwest Blades: A good selection of modern replica swords.
Sword and Stone: Movie props and weapons, some of which are for sale. Lots of interesting pieces here; real, fake and outlandish.
To The Hilt Sword Swallowing: OK so don't try this at home. We just had to include this link in our list.
Therion Arms: Some nice blades here. Mostly Paul Chen / Hanwei. Lots of good close up images that give you a very good idea of what the sword looks like.

Thank you to all contributors of these links. You know who you are. Please forgive my use of your descriptions because they are likely far more eloquent than mine. I can not even claim that English is my second language so I have no excuse.