F.A.Q.
Are your prices in Canadian or American currency?
A: We currently offer our products in American (U.S.) currency and Canadian (CAD) currency.
What steels are your swords made from?
A: Right now, we make our standard models from 5160 High Carbon Steel and dual hardened at a Rockwell of 60 at the edge and 50 at the core. Our Elite series is made from a blend of 1095, 5160, L-6 and O1 steel pattern-welded into a single billet.
Should I use vinegar to clean my sword blade?
A: You shouldn’t be using vinegar to clean the blade. We recommend using Autosol to polish the blade or remove rust.
You can also use other products such as Silvo or Brasso (both sold at Walmart for approximately under $5). We also recommend reading our maintenance instructions posted on our blog HERE.
If your swords has any black residue due to buffing compound, you can use Acetone. This will remove all blemishes, spots or dirt from your blade. Make sure not to put any acetone on the leather handles or scabbards. Latex gloves should be used with Acetone and done in a well vented area.
What are your guards and pommels made from?
A: Depending on the model, our guards and pommels are made from mild steel, antiqued bronze, or polished brass.
Do your swords have full tangs?
A: All of our swords are fully functional swords with full tangs.
Are your swords peened?
A: Yes, our construction does not involve threading the tang at the pommel portion of the tang. Our fittings are slotted and keyed with a sturdy Peen construction. The exception is our WMA practice line, which uses hex nuts for easy maintenance and repair.
Do you offer a warranty on your swords?
A: We offer a full one-year warranty for all of our swords. If your sword suffers from any kind of manufacturing defect or breaks in any way, we will repair or replace it at our cost.
I’d like to see where your swords are made. Do you offer tours?
A: We do indeed offer tours of our shop. We do request at least 24 hours notice that you are coming.
What is the difference between your Elite Series and Standard Series swords?
A: There are considerable differences between Damascus (pattern-welded) steel and 5160 or 10XX series High Carbon Steel.
First, it is important to understand that Pattern welded (AKA Damascus Steel) swords are not more durable than properly made 5160 high carbon steel blades. The structural integrity of both our series (Standard 5160 High Carbon Steel and the Elite Series Damascus Steel series swords) are equally resistant and can take equal stress.
The difference is really the manufacturing techniques, material used and the amount of labour involved in making the swords, especially in regards to the pattern welded guards and pommels. Whereas the standard series are made of 5160 High Carbon Steel and dual hardened, the Elite series is forged with a blend of 1095, 5160, L6 and 01 tool steel. These are then placed in a billet and folded repeatedly to produce the stunning pattern. This is really where the extra labour is accounted for.
The Elite Series is really for the collector looking for a center piece to his/her collection.
Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes, we ship globally generally.
Do you make custom swords?
A: Unfortunately, we no longer accept custom pieces as we are constantly backed up on our current productions.
I don’t like the color of the sword handle or scabbard – can I get it in another color (such as red, green, etc.) ?
A: Unfortunately, most of the time the answer is “no.” However, we can usually accommodate requests for leather in brown or black. But this does depend on how busy we are at the time of the order. Also, please note that while a standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty still applies, we are unable to offer returns and/or refunds on any such customized items. Please see our Shipping & Returns page for more details.
I like a sword but I want a hilt/guard/handle from a different one – can you swap it out for me?
A: As mentioned above, we don’t do custom orders any longer. However, we do offer leftover sword fittings from our production runs for sale, with all proceeds going to the Animal Rescue Network, a no-kill animal shelter in Montreal. If you want to purchase one of sword fittings sets in addition to your sword, we would be happy to swap the hilt around for you before we ship it out.
Are you blades razor sharp?
A: In regards to the edge of the sword, it should be noted that medieval swords were not made with a razor edge. This is not only due to the blade geometry, but also due to the fact that the purpose of a European sword is not to cut through armor but rather break (slash) armor and pierce (thrust) an opponent. Katanas on the other hand are very different. The edge of a katana is razor sharp as its purpose is to cut through (leather) armor and bone. The thickness and edge geometry however is very different to European weapons. As such, a medieval sword cannot and was not sharpened with a razor edge as katanas.
That said, we are continuously improving out sharpening service to have the sharpest edge possible with an apple seed (convex grind) edge with no noticeable secondary bevel.
For further details I would suggest reading the following article by renown author and reenactment combat teacher Hugh Knight. Click HERE to read it.
I also suggest reading the i33 combat manual for insight into the use and therefore sharpness of the medieval sword. Click HERE to read the manual.