If you’re a fan of Bleach—and let’s face it, who isn’t captivated by Ichigo Kurosaki’s epic battles—you’ve probably debated the differences between Tensa Zangetsu and his Bankai sword. Let’s break it down: the Tensa Zangetsu is essentially Ichigo’s Bankai form of Zangetsu. When Ichigo achieves his Bankai, his sword transforms into this...
A katana is one of the most iconic swords in history, deeply rooted in Japanese culture and revered for its craftsmanship and cutting ability. However, with the abundance of mass-produced replicas on the market, it can be challenging to distinguish a high-quality, realistic katana from a cheap imitation.
Several factors determine a katana’s authenticity and functionality, including the...
Viking swords, less commonly referred to as Carolingian swords, and sometimes referred to as Norman swords, depending on the pattern, are indelibly linked in the pop culture mind with the image of a burly, bearded, horn-helmeted Northman, perhaps wearing a bear sark.
But if you want to get a real Viking sword - real in the sense that it’s usable, not that it’s a 1000-year old...
Many replica blade swords are battle ready, which means they are made from appropriate, high-carbon steel alloys that are suitable for live use.
The unfortunate aspect of this is that many steels that can be used to make battle-ready, replica blade swords are not corrosion resistant.
In other words, they will rust if you don’t care for them properly. Here are some high level notes on...
You’ve looked high and low for a battle cleaver, something like a dadao or a falcata, or perhaps a machaira. But, to no avail.
Too many of the “swords” on the market are little more than sword shaped objects that are but little equipped to sedulously fill the role of a wallhanger. Even that is an exaggeration.
But there are real, battle-ready battle cleavers out there, and...
There’s a whole world of variety out there in folding knives, not just for duty and everyday carry, but for collectible purposes.
Among the most popular types of folding knife configurations are out-the-side and out-the-front knives, also referred to as OTS and OTF knives, respectively.
But which is for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s an OTF Knife? Why Carry One?
An...
The Knights Templar, one of the most renowned military orders of the Crusades, were famed for their combat prowess and deep devotion to their cause. Their primary weapon, the Crusader sword, was not only a tool of war but also a symbol of their faith and warrior spirit.
Designed for the brutal medieval battlefield, these swords enabled knights to fight effectively against heavily armored...
So you’re the proud owner of a new Japanese sword such as a katana or odachi - congratulations!
If your new sword is battle ready - which means it is made from an appropriate steel, is tempered, and has a traditional, full tang (nakago) like a historical Japanese sword, it can be used for training, and this includes cutting practice.
With that said, here are 4 things that make excellent...
Viking swords, also known as Carolingian swords after the fact that many of them were made in France during the Carolingian Era, are iconic staples of the culture of Northern Europe. In the minds of many, a Viking just wouldn’t be a VIking if it weren’t for his (or her) sword - or, to some, for his ax.
With that said, many, perhaps most, even, would not be able to identify the...
The image of a blackthorn shillelagh is as Irish as Finn McCumhail himself. But what exactly is a shillelagh, where did these fighting sticks come from, and if you want to buy one, what do you need to know?
This (very) short guide should be able to help with that.
What Is a Shillelagh?
First, let’s get the pronunciation out of the way - it’s pronounced “shill-ay-lee”...
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