Sword Buyers Guide Blog

May 9, May Vacation - 15th to 25th of May

Wed, 09 May 2012 01:32:50 GMT

Just a quick heads up - as stated in the May issue of the sword buyers digest online magazine that I will be taking a quick break to head back to Australia from the 15th to the 25th of May. You can read more on the store blog (link below) - sorry for any inconvenience guys. - Paul

Mar 27, Very quick update

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:06:33 GMT

With all the changes being prepared for SBG this year I have just realized that it has been several months since my last update here! However, the other blogs have been going strong (especially the SBG Custom Katana blog) - as is of course the monthly edition of the digest. I'll try to concentrate a bit more on THIS blog as well, but in the meantime stand by for the next issue of the digest as well as the launch of batch 19 of the SBG Custom Katana! - Paul

Dec 4, Lots going on..!

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:26:42 GMT

I haven't had much time to update the news blogs or anything recently as I am busy finalizing all the SBG custom Katana orders from batch 18 and working to try and get the balance of batch 17 out to their owners/designers, plus a ton of other things mentioned in the Christmas edition of the Sword Buyers Digest (click to read it online) so for everyone waiting for something, bear with me - the wheels are turning full speed and I'll be updating everyone shortly!! In the meantime, if you haven't already read it I do recommend you have a look at this months issue of the digest as it is choc full and contains some, er, "Christmas Eggs" - Easter Eggs at Christmas - plus a guide to the best buys for the season, cool videos, articles, and more!

Nov 11, Blogs, blogs, blogs!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:36:08 GMT

It seems that for one reason or another I have gone a little 'blog crazy' the last few days.. First off, as we are literally only DAYS away from opening up on new orders of our famous SBG Custom Katana I decided now is a good time to ressurect the old SBG custom Katana blog But while I was at it, I thought why not update the SBG Store News page - so I created yet another blog to showcase everything that is going on at the store (and there is a lot) which you can check out here I'll be tweaking the blogs as I go, but for now have a look and see what you think! That's all from THIS blog for now (I guess you could call this the 'Master' Blog?) - talk (or should I say blog) to you all again soon! - Paul

Nov 2, News and Updates

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:19:33 GMT

I've been getting some great feedback on the November issue of the sword buyers digest (of which, if you are not a subscriber, you can read online here) with regards to our featured article and our guide to pre-Christmas sword shopping, so if you haven't seen this issue I highly recommended you do so..!

This month is going to be a busy one, there are several major SBG projects going on at the moment (several of these mentioned in the newsletter, and several others that are still yet to be revealed at all) so its worth keeping an eye on..

I'll be posting again soon, but in the meantime I hope you will enjoy this months issue

- Paul

Oct 3, Quick Update

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:22:45 GMT

Below you'll find a couple new reviews, one of an ebay tanto and the other a quick overview of the Hanwei Tori XL (which between these two reviews, cover both the low and the high price range of the production Japanese style blade market!) so check them out and keep the reviews coming guys! You'll find more bits and pieces, including an excellent article on tactical swords in this months issue of the Sword Buyers Digest which is of course a must have read in preperation for the imminent Zombie onslaught that is commonly known as 'Halloween'... ;-)

The Angus Trim Designed ‘Zombie Slayer’ ready for action..

Oct 3, Review - Wang Katana (Ebay) Tanto

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:16:30 GMT

As promised, here is a review of the Wang Katana (Ebay seller) tanto. Keep in mind I have purchased this as a practice piece, to obtain tsukamaki skills,

Oct 3, Tori XL Light

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:07:25 GMT

I purchased this katana for my collection and not for a cutter as it was built for. I have a less expensive sword for that. The Tsuka wrap is a black

Sep 14, Musashi shirakawa 1060 DH katana with burgundy saya

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:21:15 GMT

Hi everyone, So it was my birthday last month and to treat myself I purchased the musashi shirakawa series 1060 differentialy hardened dragon katana with

Sep 11, NEW Add a Review Feature

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 08:03:12 GMT

As mentioned in the September edition of the Sword Buyers Digest (which you can read online here), this month has seen a new feature added to the site whereupon ANY site visitor can submit a sword review While this feature is in its infancy, over the coming months - especially as new reviews are submitted - it will be rolled out onto every page, providing additional resources to the sword community (plus it also features a dynamic comments section, where further discussion of the review can be made in a kind of 'semi forum' kind of atmosphere). As new reviews are added they will be listed in the blog, but in the meantime - lets start to build up the new database of reviews, so if you have a sword and want to give your $0.02 on it, here's your chance!

Sep 11, handmade ninja-to designed by master park

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:32:38 GMT

This is my first review plus I'm doing it on a smart phone so if its a little sloppy, I apologize. I am reviewing the munetoshi ninja-to. Now I know the

Aug 3, A quick trip away

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:47:59 GMT

Hi all, As mentioned in this months issue of the Sword Buyers Digest (which you can read online here by the way) I'm heading back to Australia until around the 16th or so to recharge my batteries, tie off a few loose ends and otherwise prepare for the rest of the year (because as mentioned, there will be some big and very positive changes ahead, and I've been SOOOO busy of late I really do need to take some time off for a little bit). The last issue was a little bit rushed to make the deadline as I was also handling batch 17 of the SBG custom Katana, and one notable mistake was that I offered the Hattori 2204 Katana as a special, while in fact this sword has actually been discontinued! (see? THIS is why I need a short 'vacation'! Lol). To make up for this I have instead decided to offer a special on the equally (if not more) stunning model 2202 - which you can see pictured below (click on the image for more info).

Anyway, this plus every other Katana is currently available with a 5% discount by entering the coupon code August 2011 in exchange for waiting until I am back around the 16th before any orders ship. Apologies for any inconvenience, but I do need to take this trip for a whole host of reasons - however I am really also looking forward to getting back to Japan and taking things to the next level! Talk to you all again when I am back and thanks for bearing with me. - Paul

Jul 27, Better Late Than Never..

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:03:36 GMT

Yes, yes - I know - another late update.. ;-) But as the title suggests, better late than never - and this post has some pretty important news.. It is THAT time of year again, or should I say, THAT time of year is nearly over..

We are now in the final 24-48 hours of accepting new commissions for the SBG Custom Katana Series - orders have been coming in hard and fast since we opened up on new commissions a few days ago, and at this point we only have just a little more room to squeeze in a handful more orders before we need to close off, batch them up and send the orders to our forge to be completed. Right now I am dedicating the next two days to processing any and all email enquiries to make sure than anyone who has an unanswered question gets a chance to get a decent answer and an opportunity to get in on this batch as the next one will not be open until November, so if you are waiting for an email response from me please just bear with me a little longer - I am doing my best (sending something like 200 emails a day, my fingers seriously need shockabsorbers on the tips!). I do have quite a bit more news to report to everyone, but had to get this information out there first - not sure if there will be time as I also need to write next months issue of the Sword Buyers Digest so I'll probably just have to put it all in there (you can sign up for the free newsletter in the link above). Okay, too much to do and not enough time! I feel a bit like the mad hatter running around a clock, but I'll have another coffee and plough on ahead! ^_^ I'll blog again sometime after the newsletter goes out, so talk to you all again soon. - Paul

Jul 3, An Overdue Update!

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:11:14 GMT

Hi everyone, Definitely somewhat overdue for an update here - I've been so busy just keeping things going that I haven't had the time to put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard) for sometime now so need to cover quite a bit in this quick post. The easiest and quickest way you can get up to date with what has been going on with SBG is to read this months edition of the Sword Buyers Digest Online here (plus the feedback from this issue so far suggests that it is at least a somewhat interesting read in its own right). Otherwise though, I have been trying to handle a slew of daily emails and finalizing batch 16 of the SBG custom Katana with a view to opening up on new orders early in the week (fingers crossed) - plus listing a very exciting new line up of the acclaimed Ronin Katana Dojo Pro Series

Plus I should also mention that right now we have some great offers available in the Hot Specials section of the store that are well worth a look, so despite the apparent lack of updates, as usual there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Anyway, check out the links and I'll make another quick post here when we are ready to open up on new orders for the custom Katana - in the meantime I've got several hundred emails to catch up on (phew, better install those shock absorbers in my fingertips!). Talk to you all again soon. - Paul

Apr 30, Competition, Donations and Store Stuff

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 07:01:53 GMT

Hey all,

Update time, you may have noticed my most recent review added to the site of the Samurai 3000 Sword below - but there has been a lot more than that going on at SBG (though not all of it is good news I am afraid)..

For the last few months SBG has been really struggling to keep itself funded, so much so that as of this moment we are dangerously close to the razors edge (pardon the pun, even in adversity it seems my very tacky sense of humour kicks in as usual!) - and while I'm confident we will make it through the otherside, SBG could use your help..

To this end, I've created a new 50/50 split competition where for every $10 you donate to the site you get one ticket to enter the draw to win half of all the donations entered this way as store credit at the SBG sword Store (to be drawn randomly on the 20th of May).

Click here to make a donation and/or buy a 'ticket'

Plus, another way you can help - and get something VERY cool in the process is by checking out what's just been added to the SBG Sword Store in our Store News Section here - some pretty exciting additions I think..!

Thanks folks!

- Paul

Apr 26, Samurai 3000 Plasmium Sword Review

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 07:29:07 GMT

Paul Southren's hands on review of the Samurai 3000 Plasmium Fantasy Sword by United Cutlery

Apr 8, Quick Update

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:05:29 GMT

Hi All and Greetings from Japan! I know I said I would update the SBG blog as soon as I was back online, but getting used to working exclusively from my laptop, settling in over here and everything else meant that by the time I had answered the days emails and done everything else in the day to day running of the site I was never able to find the time to make this belated post - anyway, here it is - lol..! I've been fairly busy with the site since coming here so haven't had much time to do any real 'siteseeing' (unless you count SBG that is!) which is a bit of a shame really, but as SBG is a full time endevour its the price I have to pay.. But that said, I was able to take a short trip to the Osaka History Museum whereupon I was ambushed by a group of around 10 Japanese museum staff and volunteers who dressed me up in a 8th century Osaka outfit that I really can't pull off very well..

Anyway, also wanted to post a quick update on the SBG Custom Katana, batch 15 are well on their way now and I am just waiting on the tracking numbers to be compiled together and I'll be sending out an update on batch 16 sometime next week with the view to trying to accomodate the demand for these swords on a more ongoing basis - we don't make much money on them but with the way things have been for SBG we need every dollar we can get to keep the lights on (and of course, no matter what happens, all existing orders will be honored!). So yes, hope you'll all continue to support the site - it's business as usual for our warehouses and the SBG Sword Store so I hope you'll all continue to support the site that supports the sword community and do your bit by buying a cool sword from my personal selection at the very best prices we can muster! I have a couple more reviews that I will be working on over the next week or so too, so stay tuned! Talk to you all again soon. - Paul

Mar 28, Second Japan Trip

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:20:10 GMT

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update - I'm in transit to Japan again shortly and there may be a slight delay getting back to everyone's emails and processing orders from the SBG Sword Store until I am settled in properly on Tuesday or Wednesday the 30th (sadly there is no internet access while in transit, and the first place I am staying before I move into an apartment in Osaka also doesn’t have internet access, though I will be making up for it as soon as I get it back either on Tuesday or Wednesday).

Anyway, I’ll update the blog again as soon as I am back online so talk to you all again then.

Thanks all,

- Paul

Mar 18, Cold Steel Katana Machete Review

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:53:06 GMT

The Cold Steel Katana Machete Review by Paul Southren reveals a very strong, but perhaps not so sharp blade that despite this is just what the doctor ordered for the casual backyard cutter

Mar 15, Ancient Chinese Swords - Jin Shi's Han Dynasty Jian Reviewed

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:59:29 GMT

Paul Southren's hands on review of one of the ancient Chinese swords made by Jin Shi Trading, the Han Dynasty Jian, a replica of a two handed sword from this period

Mar 15, Thanks for your support guys...

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:27:56 GMT

I just wanted to give a big thank you to all the kind people who have emailed me over the last few days expressing their concern for my 3 year old daughter Lana who lives in Japan with my ex-wife...

I am pleased and greatly relieved to say that she is quite far away from where the drama of the past few days has been unfolding. Though of course I am concerned about the events still occuring there (though not enough to postpone my upcoming trip) but I am deeply touched by the kind emails I have been receiving from site visitors, friends and customers and cannot express how much this means.

Since there is not a lot I can do about the situation, I am choosing to immerse myself in the site - and am pleased to say that I have FINALLY been able to complete another long overdue review that I will be loading up on the site in the next few hours, so hope you guys enjoy it!

Thanks again folks.

- Paul

Mar 10, Back from Japan (but not for long)

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 01:45:59 GMT

Been a while between updates, and obviously I have returned from Japan some time ago – but the email backlog it caused as well as processing the orders for batch 16 of our Custom Katana range (which was only open for a week before we had to close off again) – not to mention the usual day to day stuff has made updating the site a bit of a challenge..! (to say the least!).

Anyway, as mentioned in march edition of the digest online magazine (Read online here, if all goes to plan I should have another few reviews up on the site before the end of the month – but it did not mention that also at the end of the month I am heading off to Japan for a longer duration with a view to relocating there soon afterwards.

This time, because I am going for a longer period (while checking for any potential problems that running the site from Japan may cause), I am doing as much as I can beforehand to ensure any delays or interruptions to the site and store are to an absolute minimum (a day or two while in transit only).

Better get back to it as there are several half-finished reviews that I need to concentrate on, hopefully will have at least one finished by around this time next week!

- Paul

Feb 4, Quick Update and Japan Trip

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:26:46 GMT

Just a quick update and a bit of news, as anyone who read the February edition of the Sword Buyers Digest will know (click to read it online if you haven't already), from the 8th to the 20th of February (I said 18th in the digest, but messed up the dates) I will be travelling to Japan to visit my daughter Lana who lives there with my ex-wife, and so during this time there will not be any updates to the site and any orders placed via the store will not be processed until my return on the 20th (even though in theory it is a straight 12 hour flight to Japan, my flight is rather convulted, stopping several times along the way so a 12 hour flight is more like 24!! Not looking forward to the actual TRAVELLING, but very much looking forward to the little princess waiting at the other end of the destination). Anyway, with all this in mind, we do have some exceptional offers right now on the front page of the SBG Sword Store - some of which will expire a day before my departure, and others which will run for the month. All orders placed between now and the 8th will be processed as quickly as possible and I do not expect any delays with them, but do bear in mind that any orders placed after the 8th will not be processed until I get back. Anyway, have to start to prepare for my trip and will not be posting any more updates until I get back - though when I do I will post a couple of pics of some of the swprd related sights I will undoubtedly stumble upon in my journeys with my daughter over there (after all, I am staying a stones throw away from Osaka Castle!) - so talk to you all again then. Thanks all, - Paul

Jan 16, Some Windlass Classics Coming Back!

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:23:05 GMT

Hi all, Apologies for the lack of updates - I'll be making up for it in the February edition of the Sword Buyers Digest but just wanted to make you all aware of an exciting new development brought about by the SBG community. After YEARS of asking them to, some of the communities favorite medieval swords have been brought back by popular request - including the iconic European Sword that I used in the original Sword Buyers Guide logo from 2005.

Anyway, here is a quick list of the 4 extremely popular and well received blades: Oakeshott Type XIV German Bastard Sword Ulfbert Viking Sword The European Sword (my fave!) All are currently in production and should arrive sometime in May/June this year but are available to pre-order now. If you do decide to pre-order, don't forget to use the 10% discount code 'sbgweb' when you order. I should be making another update or two before the digest on the 1st of Feb, but thought that this news was so exciting I just had to let the cat out of the sword bag. ;-) Talk again soon all, - Paul

Dec 29, Ronin Katana Back in Stock!

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 04:44:17 GMT

Hey everyone, Hope you had a great Christmas! Just a quick update to let everyone know that even though they came in later than we had hoped, the much antipcated Ronin Katana Dojo Pro Series have finally been restocked and are good to go out the door! As many of you will already know, I firmly believe that these are the best value for money, heavy duty beater Katana currently on the market - and it gets even better because they added two new products to their line up, including one of the most impressive yet affordable O-Katana ever seen at the sub US$300 price point, the Dai-Ichi O-Katana (pictured below).

NEW RONIN O-KATANA!

Anyway, just wanted to give you all a quick heads up - tying off a heap of loose ends before the new year, so will have to leave this update at that for now, however I'll be posting again shortly so talk 'at' you all again then! :-) Thanks everyone, - Paul

Dec 13, And the winner is..

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:12:13 GMT

Just a couple of quick announcements, first off - I'd like to congratulate Morgan Carter for his comprehensive review of his SBG custom Katana submitted to the site here - nicely done Morgan, your prize of the limited edition Oyabun Katana will soon be on the way!

Secondly, I would like to announce the winner of recent SBG Forum Fundraiser Competition, Richard McCaughey who won half of the $980 raised as a special coupon that he can use on any and all products in the SBG Sword Store! Congratulations to both of you and thanks for supporting SBG!! - Paul

Dec 3, Lots going on, but no time to update!

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 07:32:28 GMT

Hi everyone, sorry for the long time between updates - it's been crazy busy around here as we try to untangle the red tape from China that hit us (and pretty much every other sword importer) since mid to late November, which of course you can read about in the December issue of the Sword Buyers Digest (click to read the backissue).

Actually, I recommend that if you haven't already you should check out this months issue anyway, because it also contains our guide to the best buys for Christmas 2010, two cool competitions closing in the next week, some insights into the sword industry for next year and much, much more! (plus in online issue I corrected a bad link I put in there, when I saw it I shook my head in disbelief, oh the joys of html!! Hehe)

Anyway, because of all the stuff going on behind the scenes, it may be some time before I get a chance to do any major updates - but I'll do my best as I do have quite a few half written reviews, articles and other projects that I hope to tidy up and get online over the holiday season.

One final thing before I sign off, I should mention that our full range of Cheness Cutlery Swords are finally back in stock (some have been out of stock for at least 4 months)!

I'll be in touch again with everyone shortly, but in the meantime - be sure to read the Christmas edition of our online newsletter!!

Talk again soon all.

- Paul

Nov 2, SBG Custom Katana - last few days to get one!

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:20:21 GMT

Hey guys, Sorry for the lack of updates - it has been insanely busy the last couple of weeks (I wont re-iterate it again here, for more details you can read this months issue of the Sword Buyers Digest) but I just had to post to let everyone know that we are preparing to finalize the last batch of SBG $330 Custom Katana so if you have been waiting for this opportunity (and it will be the LAST one for 2010) then you'd best get your order in as soon as possible! We have also added several new options to this line, including options for engraving the blade, upgraded saya, folded steel and more, allowing you to further customize your design to make it even more unique! It really is my favorite line in the SBG Sword Store - even though we barely break even on them, and the amount of time spent working with customers is pretty intense, I get excited each time I see a design come to life almost as much as the new owner! :-) Talk to you all again soon. - Paul

Oct 19, Ronin Katana Dojo Pro Series Review

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:11:15 GMT

Paul Southren's hands on review of the Dojo Pro Series Katana, including heavy testing on bamboo and a triple mat of tatami!

Sep 23, Wrapping Your Own Tsuka Ito: Tsukamaki for Beginners

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:05:04 GMT

Ever wanted to wrap your own tsuka (Katana handle)? Check out our guide to basic tsukamaki here

Sep 23, How to do a Battle Wrap Ito for a Katana

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:50:06 GMT

A simple to follow tutorial on how to make your own Battle Wrap Ito on a Katana (Katatemaki)

Sep 23, How to make your own tsuba

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:32:23 GMT

Have a unique idea for a tsuba, but don't want to buy 100 pieces to get a commercial forge to make it for you? Here's how to make your own tsuba!

Sep 23, Sword engraving the Professional Way

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:28:51 GMT

how to do your own sword engraving without acid or a dremel!

Sep 15, Official Forum Countdown

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:32:21 GMT

Hey guys,

Official update time on the new forums - we have encountered a few technical setbacks and glitches on the new forum which will mean that the planned migration will be delayed slightly from the 18th of September to the 1st of October - which will allow us some extra time to try and iron out the bugs, add in a new new features, and also make the official announcment easier as it will coincide with the October edition of the Sword Buyers Digest..

For the time being its business as usual on the old SBG forum and it seems that our measures to appease proboards have been successful - so over the next couple of weeks we will be continuing to invite selected members over to the new one this month for testing and to 'hang paintings on the wall'.

Thanks for your patience - it seems to be taking forever to bring it all together, but I'm sure you'll find our new home to be worth the wait..

- Paul

Sep 13, How to Straighten a sword blade

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:42:16 GMT

A simple tool you can use to fix a bent sword or straighten a sword blade

Sep 13, Sharpen a Sword

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:39:50 GMT

Several more advanced techniques to sharpen a sword Are you looking for authentic Japanese swords? This guide shows you the essential qualities of a real, practical samurai sword - and how to buy one without breaking the bank.

Sep 13, How to fix a loose peened pommel

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:36:39 GMT

A simple way to fix a loose peened sword

Sep 13, How to fix a loose tsuba

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:30:51 GMT

A loose tsuba can be very annoying. And while it is rarely a cause for concern as far as safety, fixing a loose tsuba is a good idea if it annoys you.

Sep 13, Affordable Choji Oil Substitutes

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:15:51 GMT

You don't need an expensive cleaning kit with Choji Oil to take care of a Katana. Here are some substitutes that you probably have laying around the house right now..! Are you looking for authentic Japanese swords? This guide shows you the essential qualities of a real, practical samurai sword - and how to buy one without breaking the bank.

Sep 8, looking for naked / plain sword blades

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:56:56 GMT

Have wood/bone working experience, tools, etc. Looking to buy sword blades. Serious purchase request. PLEASE no stainless, no cheap commercial, prefer

Sep 8, The "ring" you can hear as a sword is pulled from scabbard

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:24:09 GMT

Hi Paul, I purchased a sword based on the outstanding info and recommendations found in your website. I thank and congratulate you for this superlative

Sep 8, Favorite type of sword?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:59:04 GMT

I was just wondering what your favorite type of sword is in general? Especially in modern day practical uses.........For example like a katana or bastard

Sep 6, Backups and Forums, old and new

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:29:36 GMT

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update about what's happening SBG - we are currently working away on the new forum, as well as archiving and backing up as many of the best forum submitted articles, reviews and other fantastic stuff submitted by members as we possibly can.

Below you can see five new posts to the blog detailing some of the best ones, and rest assured that many more have been backed up and will be released on the site over the coming months.

I also spent a bit of time over at SMG putting together a quick guide on how to make your own sword with approval from Brenno over at fable blades you might want to check out (a lot more articles of been backed up and will be saved over there in the coming months too!).

Finally though, I wanted to announce our official target opening date for the new forum's - September 18, so please pencil that one in your sword diary!

A lot more surprises in store actually - so please bear with me, it's pretty heavy workload at the moment - but well worth the effort!

Will update you all again soon.

P.S. please keep the suggestions on the NEW FORUM coming - I'm reading them all and take them very seriously! Thanks guys.

Oh, and yes - P.P.S. the Old Forum is back up again, hopefully until the new one is up and running! (fingers crossed, we are doing our best!)

Sep 6, Munetoshi T-10 Sword Review

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:23:26 GMT

Hands on review of the Munetoshi T-10 Sword.

Sep 6, Angus Trim Makers Mark XIIa Longsword Review

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:22:27 GMT

Hands on review of the Angus Trim Makers Mark XIIa Longsword.

Sep 6, Hanwei Godfred Viking Sword Review

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:01:10 GMT

Hands on review of the Hanwei Godfred Viking Sword.

Sep 6, DSA Black Knight Sword Review

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:58:13 GMT

Hands on review of the DSA Black Knight Sword.

Sep 3, SBG Sword Forum Down..

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:21:36 GMT

As many of you are no doubt aware, the SBG sword forum has been facing an uncertain future with our hosts, Proboards.. A few hours ago, it would appear that a miscommunication between myself and proboards has resulted in them suddenly pulling the plug on the SBG Sword Forum and while we are working with them to try and get it back up, even if we are successful any restoration of the forum will be temporary until our new, independently hosted forum is completed. Rest assured that we are doing all that we can to restore the old forum and get the new one online and fully operational as quickly as possible. In the meantime, my apologies for the darkness - but please take a few minutes to have your say and help shape the direction of the new forum by clicking on the link below. Thank you in advance for your patience. - Paul

Aug 31, Have Your Say and Shape the New SBG Sword Forum!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:56:17 GMT

Leave Your Ideas, Feedback and Comments to help shape the new SBG Sword Forum! Thanks Guys. - Pau

Aug 29, FREE Find a Sword Service

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:56:41 GMT

Behind the scenes things have never been busier at SBG - new reviews are being made, a new Sword Forum is in development, the store is getting an overhaul, you name it - it's happening and it will all be discussed in next months issue of the Sword Buyers Digest online magazine.

But in the meantime, below are two posts by SBG visitors who used the new Sword Finding Service - where any visitor can ask for help to find their perfect sword and I'll give my advise and opinions, plus other visitor can contribute their own ideas and opinions to create what I hope will be a helpful resource! More info to follow in the September issue of the digest, so talk to you all again then! - Paul