While the article is not specifically about swords, it describes the current global shipping bottlenecks that started in 2020 and will be a long time coming before the effects are fully played out. But the long and short of it is - expect delays, shortages and price rises..

If you are not all that familiar with the so called 'Vikings' - this cool article busts some myths, confirms some tropes and gives a general overview.

There is always a good chance that anyone who moves in after a sword collector has been at a house for many years might expect to find a few swords buried in the backyard. But how about when i turns out to be a 19th century antique?

It might not be a very 'Practical Katana'. But if Nikola Tesla was a sword collector, he would DEFINITELY have done this too.. Just check it out, the visuals are quite amazing..

It was cancelled last year, but the annual Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival is back on and promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Sept. 11-12, Greenville, Alabama.

Also back the site of the historic 600 year old Chetham's library, the Manchester Medieval Festival will take place over the 25th and 26th of September after also being cancelled in 2020.

Hanwei make some amazing blades from Swedish powder steel, famous for its purity. But the Swedes are also developing a new carbon free steel set that they plan to roll out in the next 5 years or so that could revolutionize the sword industry.

If you are in or willing to travel to the Olean area, have kids and want them to get outside and learn historical Spanish (Montante school) swordsmanship, Wayne Welburn is teaching free lessons in the War Memorial Park.

If you liked the Green Knight, here are 6 other medieval tales that could be 'rejuvenated'.

The fundamentals of any martial art are something that everyone can benefit from, be they seasoned veteran or fumbling beginner.

In this video that deserves to be seen more than it was, YouTuber Björn Rüther demonstrates the basic warm up drills he practices following the Meyer school of swordsmanship.

Why not give it a try (just watch the ceiling if you are doing it indoors!).

We have all probably been tempted by some of the cheap bladed goodies out there from time to time, but for the sake of science, one of our members drops a few hundred dollars at BudK to put a range of low end blades through the hoop and posts his results.

A lot of people love to hate on them - but for better or for worse, secondary bevels on mid-range (and even high range) medieval swords is pretty much the industry standard. Buyers share their experiences (and the 'secret mouse-pad' method of honing a blade revealed!).

Probably the hardest part of commissioning a truly unique custom sword is finding someone who is a) able to physically make it and b) actually has the time to do it for you. Here one member looks for a very specific design style and gets the most up to date recommendations.

It makes a lot of sense that manners and civility and important when handling any type of weapon, so what are the biggest gaffes - both in the real, and the virtual, forum?

Hope that despite its brevity you found something of interest in this months issue.

Many of the plans I had for last month have spilled over into September - so if all goes more or less to plan (and as they say 'no plan survives contact with - reality!') we should have a bumper issue for the Halloween special.

So until next time, stay safe, buy swords and happy swordening.