Sword Buyers Digest

Issue # 202, July 2025

Welcome to the July issue of the Sword Buyers Digest Online Magazine, great to have you aboard again!


It's a very trying time, and while we do our best to keep the digest both informative and yet lighthearted and 'fun', there is no denying that right now - the sword world stands at a crossroads.


As trade tensions shift and consumer priorities evolve, makers and merchants alike are re-evaluating where—and how—swords are forged. Many are branching out, seeking alternatives to China’s massive manufacturing ecosystem. Yet, despite the headwinds, China remains unparalleled in its ability to deliver high-quality, high-volume blades.


In this issue, we explore how the industry is adapting—new sourcing paths, rising craftsmanship in unexpected corners, and what these changes mean for collectors, customers, and the future of the forge. Plus of course, our usual mixed bag of sword related goodies.


So grab your favorite beverage of choice and take a few minutes out of your day to catch up on the latest news on the beleaguered but resilient sword industry as the year reaches the halfway point...


P.S. Sorry there is not a whole bunch of Sword News, we reported on what is there - including something that hits rather close to home - hopefully will be more news articles online generally next month!

Some Swords from Our Sponsors

Despite all the upwards price pressures buffeting the industry, our friends at Trueswords keep the deals coming!

Kit Rae Black Axios Sword Cane


Step into the shadows with the Kit Rae Black Axios Sword Cane, where elegance meets hidden power. Designed by legendary fantasy artist Kit Rae, this cane conceals a 1045 carbon steel blade within its sleek, black shaft. With a uniquely sculpted handle and custom details throughout, it’s the ultimate blend of style and stealth. Whether for display or everyday carry, this piece is pure fantasy forged into reality. Walk tall—strike swift.

kit-rae-axios-sword-cane-artistic-display image

Kojiro Fire Dragon Katana and Scabbard – NOW ONLY $73.98!


Unleash the fury of the dragon with the Kojiro Fire Dragon Katana — a blazing fusion of elegance and power. Forged from sharp 1045 carbon steel and etched with intricate fire dragon artwork, this katana isn’t just a blade — it’s a masterpiece. Whether you’re a serious collector or a sword enthusiast, the fiery motif and premium design make this piece an irresistible addition to your arsenal. Claim yours before it vanishes in smoke for under $75!

kojiro-fire-dragon-katana-on-stand-with-scabbard image

Honshu Tactical Broadsword – Customer Favorite!


Command the battlefield with the Honshu Broadsword, a modern warrior’s answer to medieval power. Crafted from razor-sharp 1060 high carbon steel, this broadsword blends traditional might with cutting-edge design. The slip-resistant grip and full-tang construction make it as functional as it is formidable. Complete with a premium scabbard, this is not just a display piece — it’s built to be wielded. Own the blade that means business.

honshu-tactical-broadsword-1060-steel-blade-scabbard image

Swords in the News

Positive sword stories to counter some of the Negative Nancy hoplophic (weapon-phobic) nonsense out there these days that passes for 'news'..

MY OLD HOMETOWN BANS SWORDS!!!

The state in Australia I was born and raised in has killed the sword industry there and banned swords across the board in one fell swoop! Why? Because a neighbouring state had a spike in KNIFE crime (ref), so they decided to become 'the state with the toughest laws on knife crime' with 3 months to dump your collection at the police station or face severe penalties. Sudden, irreversable and unexpected..


Read the full story here

MEET THE 1000YR OLD LINSCHOTEN SWORD

Named after the river in the Netherlands where it was believed to have been ritualistically deposited over 1000 years ago, the Linschoten Sword is remarkably well preserved and features beautiful copper inlays of spiritual symbols. Truly amazing that such an old sword was found in such great condition - and it is now on display to the public at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.


Read the full story here

UK Ninja Sword Ban Last Call..

At least in the United Kingdom they compensate you for confiscating your sword collection - but apparently this is the last month you can do so. After which, expect heavy fines...


My old hometown, South Australia bans swords!!!!

Sword bans are insidious, and now they have crossed the border from neighboring Victoria and will apply to swords and machetes in my old home town, South Australia. To say I am shocked and deeply saddened is an understatement. Shame on you Australia.


Lonewolf and Cub to make a comeback!

The classic 1970s manga 'Lone Wolf and Son' is set to be republished by Darkhorse Comics with a beautiful hardcover set. Great to see that this awesome tale will be revived for new and old audiences alike.


Maroon 5 lead singer balances a sword on his nose?

Adam Levine showed off one of his odd hidden talents by balancing a wooden Gladius on his nose! Let's hope to goodness it doesn't become a tiktok trend as the ratio to wooden swords to wallhangers out there is not encouraging..!


Tarantino on Kurosawa..

Quentin Tarantino has put it on the record many times that he is a superfan of the legendary Japanese moviemaker Akira Kurosawa. This is why - so Quentin, let's make that final movie of yours a Samurai flick in black and white!


NorthCarlonia - Warriors of Ash

Recently featured in the Carlonia Moment, this article explores this tight knit reenactors from the Warriors of Ash, how they get down and what it is all about.

NatGeo Katana Deep Dive


More of an overview for newbies, but also a snapshot of Japanese sword makers in Japan in 2025.


Click for the full article

Made in China?

The Future of the Sword Industry as We Know It, a Perspective...

The sword industry stands on uncertain ground—and at a historic turning point.


For years, enthusiasts and collectors have enjoyed a golden age of affordable, quality blades—especially those produced in China, where decades of refinement and scale have made high-quality mass production possible.


But with a new 55% tariff slapped onto Chinese imports (which no honest manufacturer could hope to absorb), the aftershocks are already rippling across the market. Prices surged throughout last month, and sadly the trend is only gaining steam..


What were once budget-friendly swords under $300 are now drifting into mid-tier territory, forcing a shift in how we think about entry-level accessibility.

As a result, many in the community—from legacy brands to emerging makers—are turning their eyes toward other shores. The movement is clear: micro-forges in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the USA are beginning to spring to life. It's a quiet yet determined migration, planting seeds of innovation that may take years to mature but could reshape the future of sword-making altogether.


Of course, it won’t be easy. China’s sheer capacity is difficult—if not impossible—to replace. Microforges in South East Asia are subject to unpreciable electrical outages, extreme weather, high shipping charges and low production capacity - with a price roughly double what China can do. And US sword makers aren't dropping their prices to match anything near what China can do, and even with usuriously high taxes and government charges applied, they are still the world leader in sword production.


Yet amidst the disruption, a sense of renewal stirs. The big question: will the current players ride the current or get swept away? A hard reset isn’t off the table, but resilience runs deep in the smithing world..


So while the waters ahead may be stormy and impossible to predict with any clarity as the goal posts continue to shift, onwards we go..

Video of the Month

With the U.K. banning Ninja swords and Australians (of all people) banning swords and machetes, Shadiversity hits the nail on the head with why weapon bans simply do not work...

Where and when will it end?


And don't think it will never happen where you live. It just happened to my old home town, and if it can happen there without any incident prompting it "just to be on the safe side" then it can happen anywhere..

The Final Cut:

Why We Must Ban Hands to End Violence Forever

In a bold and visionary move, South Australia has taken a decisive stand against knife crime… in a neighboring state. The solution? Ban swords. Naturally.


Because when your neighbor’s house is on fire, the first thing you do is flood your own. It’s called proactive governance, people.


But why stop at swords? The United Kingdom, ever the trendsetter in public safety theater, has already shown us the way. Faced with a tidal wave of kitchen knife crime, they bravely outlawed decorative swords, antique blades, and anything vaguely pointy that might offend the King's corgis (or Jabberwockies, or whatever he keeps as pets).


And yet—shockingly—knife crime persists. Almost as if criminals don’t follow laws.


Curious.


So let’s take it to the logical conclusion. If the problem is people using weapons, and weapons are just objects wielded by hands… then clearly, the hands are the problem.



The Hand Ban Act (HBA): A Modest Proposal


Imagine a world where no one can:


  • Wield a sword
  • Brandish a knife
  • Throw a punch
  • Fire a gun
  • Drive a car into a crowd
  • Or even (gasp) write a strongly worded letter!!!


Without hands, we eliminate 99.9% of violent crime. (The remaining 0.1% will be handled by banning feet next quarter.)


Of course, there will be critics. “But how will people eat?” they’ll whine. “How will they work?” “What about basic human dignity?” To which we say: safety first. Besides, with AI and robotics on the rise, who needs hands when you can have a government-issued feeding tube and a state-sponsored TikTok implant?


Pre-Crime is So Last Season. Welcome to Pre-Limbination!

Why wait for someone to commit a crime when you can prevent the possibility of crime by removing the tools of potential violence? It’s not dystopian—it’s visionary. And if you disagree, well… we’ll be confiscating your hands for dissent.



Official World Government FAQ: The Hand Ban Act (HBA)

“Because freedom is dangerous.”


Q: Why are we banning hands?

A: Studies show that 100% of violent crimes are committed by people with hands. Coincidence? We think not.


Q: But I’ve never committed a crime. Why should I lose my hands?

A: That’s exactly what a future criminal would say. The HBA is a preemptive strike against your potential.


Q: Can I keep one hand for non-violent tasks like gardening or petting my cat?

A: No. Cats are statistically more dangerous than swords. Also, gardening tools are sharp. Nice try.


Q: What about prosthetics?

A: Prosthetics will be allowed, but only if they are government-issued foam paddles with no opposable thumbs. Safety first!!


Q: How will I work, eat, or live?

A: You will adapt. Or you won’t. Either way, crime rates will drop.


Q: Isn’t this a gross violation of civil liberties?

A: We prefer the term “civic enhancement.” Also, questioning the HBA is a Class 3 offense. Please report to your nearest Compliance Center.


Q: What if criminals just use their feet?

A: Phase Two of the HBA will address this. Stay tuned for the Lower Limb Liberation Act (LLLA).


Q: Is this satire?

A: Only if you still have the hands to write it.

Want to add a “How to Surrender Your Hands” guide or a mock testimonial from a “grateful citizen”?


Testimonials from Proudly Disarmed Citizens

Real stories. Real compliance. Real progress.


🧓 Mavis T., 67, Former Knitting Enthusiast

“At first I was skeptical. I mean, I loved knitting sweaters for my grandchildren. But then I realized—yarn can strangle. Now I just hum softly and stare at the wall. It’s so peaceful. Thank you, HBA!”


👨‍💼 Darren P., 42, Middle Manager (Now Foot Typist)

“Losing my hands was a small price to pay for the illusion of safety. Sure, emails take longer, but I’ve never felt more morally superior. Plus, I get to wear socks on Zoom calls.”


👩‍🎓 Kayla R., 19, University Student

“I used to protest government overreach. But now that I can’t hold a sign or type a tweet, I’ve learned to internalize my dissent. It’s very character-building.”


🧑‍🍳 Chef Antonio B., 54, Michelin-Starred (Retired)

“People said I was crazy to support the Hand Ban. But I say: who needs knives when you’ve got pureed everything? My new restaurant, Slurp, opens next month. No chewing required.”

Best Forum Posts

Skallagrim is Selling a Lot of his Collection..

Having chronic pain is never fun (I'm very much in this camp myself) - but Skallagrim has a medical option, and is selling much of his collection to cover it. Wish him all the best and that he will rebuild his collection once his health is restored.


Cheap Effective Blades - Machetes and More!

Best set aside some time to read this recent 6 page thread where SBG forumites give their best suggestions for cheap, highly effective sword like objects (in the good sense of the word)..


The Kijili from Lonely Wolf Forge

A sneak preview of one of the latest cool, hand made blades by one of our long term members.


Uhlan...

It's always tragic when one of our most respected, knowledgeable and genuinely nice members goes to join the big sword forge in the sky.. R.I.P. Good Sir... You will be missed..

Phew, another tricky issue navigated - and no doubt things will get more involved and complicated as this all too 'interesting' year plays out..


I said it last issue, but is it 2030 yet?


Seems not - so until next issue, stay healthy, stay strong and happy swordening to all..!!!

{Paul Southren} | {paul@sword-buyers-guide.com}

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