By the Sword, or, a trip to the 10th level of Hell

by Dave Kelly
(Petersburg VA.)

In fairness I think these folks have made a real effort to improve their customer service over the last year. The last few exchanges with them I've got the sense that they are trying to be more sympathetic and helpful.

They do sell a lot of stuff. I mean really a lot of stuff. As far as period costuming and accessories nobody has as diverse a range of items.

Problem is that a lot of it is junk. Do they know it's junk? I dunno. Have bought several seuded leather jerkins from them that look like the critter they came from died from being drug under a truck. But By the Sword marketed it anyway.

It's a frustrating lottery. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you have to get on the phone and return the orders to try something else. If you're not happy the BTS folks just say, okay, and take it back.

I'm not going to tell you to not buy from BTS. I still do. But know what you're getting yourself into. Better ask questions via email than impulse buy.