Which companies make good production swords?

[Radioactive]

I'm new to swords and was wondering which companies out there make good production swords. Doesn't matter if they're katanas, etc. Or do you have to go the custom route? Thanks for any help.

 

[JRB]

Two of my favorite...
Albion Armory
Arms & Armor

 

[ccr]

im a big fan of the munetoshi series from swordnarmory.com

http://www.swordnarmory.com/Munetoshi-Brand-Handmade-Japanese-Samurai-Sword-s/304.htm?searching=Y&sort=13&cat=304&show=90&page=1

 

[misque]

Hanwei. Full line of swords covering most budgets.

Inexpensive, monotempered swords garnering a decent reputation are made by Mushashi. Check out the "Bamboo" model. It got a decent review over on Sword Buyer's guide.

http://www.kultofathena.com/ has an excellent selection of the major manufacturers and have some of the better prices found on the www.

Good luck!

 

[Triton]

Two of my favorite...
Albion Armory
Arms & Armor

For European swords those two are probably top of the heap, also there's Del Tin and the Valiant Armory stuff using Angus Trim designed blades and Christian Fletcher designed fittings.

 

[JRB]

...there's Del Tin and the Valiant Armory stuff using Angus Trim designed blades...

Whatever happened to Gus? He used to have several websites selling a large line of his swords (the ones actually made by him). Now, none of the sites I knew of are around. He even had a tactical line that seems to have disappeared.

 

[Loki]

Gus' swords are still sold over at Christian Fletcher's site - http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fletcher/Welcome.html - albeit seemingly at a much reduced volume. I'd guess there are production/economic issues with a one man shop. Good blades but somewhat sporadic availability.

 

[Triton]

That pretty much sums it up, I believe he also got his tail in a crack when he made the mistake of taking a whole bunch of orders and cash up front to pay off some piece of equipment. Then he found that he couldn't produce the orders or not very quickly anyway from what I can tell. I think he's still finishing them but there were a lot of people that were left a bit unhappy with ordering from him directly and if I were to guess I'd say he's decided it's not worth the hassle to try to sell directly and is letting CF handle all that.

Caveat: this is all supposition based on observation on my part.

 

[Battlesword]

If your down in my neck of the woods try Manning Imperial.They make very nice swords.

 

[Bimmer1]

Seems like Dynasty Forge and Kris Cutlery get good reviews.

 

[JRB]

...Kris Cutlery get good reviews.

I have a couple Kris Cutlery pieces and they are excellent quality for their cost. Just don't expect much historical accuracy or fancy fittings. The blades themselves are where the quality is. Mine came razor sharp and have held up very well to test cutting. In their price point they are hard to beat.

 

[AfterTFD]

I'm new to swords and was wondering which companies out there make good production swords. Doesn't matter if they're katanas, etc. Or do you have to go the custom route? Thanks for any help.

You do not have to go the custom route and I recommend you don't unless you have piles of money sitting around.


Several companies do very good work. If I were to spontaneously decide tomorrow to buy a sword it would probably be a longsword from Angus Trim or Albion.