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Sword Buyers Digest - December 2025, Issue #207 December 01, 2025 |
| Hey, As this year draws to a close, we can honestly say we’re relieved to see it end. 2025 has not been kind—neither personally, nor to the sword industry, nor in the way we imagined “celebrating” our 20th year. But them’s the brakes. Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. It sucks sometimes. And yet, we endure. That is the warrior way. That is the way of the sword. Musashi taught us: not to die with a sword still in its sheath. A simple precept, but one worth living by. Before you even think of throwing in the towel, you had better give it your best shot. That’s our plan for 2026—our best shot. To mark our 21st year, stepping into adulthood as a community and as a publication. As such, this edition of the digest will be a very short one. With so many countries now banning swords and restricting the sword market to a handful of open minded regions, and all the troubles of the last 5 years have more than taken their toll on the sword industry. So now it is time to rest before taking action - and there is a plan. I have been experimenting with some very interesting new concepts that might allow me to actually make SBG into something similar to what I had imagined it should have been at the start. Back in 2005, even YouTube had just started and we were one of the first early adopters, embedding videos of cutting tests and destruction tests onto our site. The forum, the store, the blog, all of these things I had hoped to centralize but the technology wasn't quite there. But from some recent experiments, it might be here now.. So stay tuned guys, things rarely if ever go to plan. But as much as the haters might want it to be, SBG is not done yet. That's for sure..
DECEMBER 2025, ISSUE #207
Click the image above for our top recommendations for Christmas Gifts for 2025! Support SBG and get a great deal - but hurry, the cut off date to get a sword delivered is in 5 days time - and for many items in our collection, it is already too late. Find out how to avoid a Christmas Sword disaster. Swords in the News Round-Up
Sorry guys, not exactly cheery stories to end the year on - but we got to keep it real..
Aussie Giant 'Global Gear' Shut down..
My advise to Australian sword collectors is do what I did and relocate. Crocodile Dundee would turn in his grave... (That's not a knife! We banned them in Australia!).
Yikes, a collector martyred in the U.K.In the U.S.A. and previously in Australia, and once upon a time in the U.K., having an extensive sword collection makes/made you a little eccentric. Not a criminal. In 2025, it's sad to say that in many parts of the world sword collecting is no longer an acceptable hobby, despite swords still appearing in ceremonies, martial arts competitions and in the collections of history buffs, re-encactors and those who just love the things. My advice, if you are a sword nut and find your home country hates your hobby, leave. That's what I did, and that was even before the actual ban hit years later. But you know when the writing is on the wall.. Trying to make legislators see common sense these days is an exercise in futility.Just another historical weaponry collection it looks like... Glimpse into another world, a rare iron sword find in HungaryIt is actually one of the rarest sword finds of its type. A rare curved iron cavalry sword from 1300 years ago from a high status Avar warrior. An amazing find into a little known culture and historical period. The sword has much to teach us all about our past, and our future no doubt.Tomb and Sword of the Avar Warrior Is the Katana Really 'Special'? Similar swords..The katana may reign as a cultural icon, but swords from China’s changdao to India’s talwar, Persia’s shamshir, Turkey’s yataghan, Germany’s messer, France’s falchion, and the nautical cutlass prove that curved steel brilliance was a global phenomenon. Each blade carried unique design quirks—whether the talwar’s disc pommel, the shamshir’s lion‑fang curve, or the cutlass’s ship‑ready guard—showing that while the katana is artful and enduring, it’s part of a much wider tradition of ingenious swordcraft across civilizations and worth a look even if you are a Katana die hard like myself!Is the Katana Special article on collector.com 
A couple of SBG Special Projects that made it through the 'Gauntlet'!After years of trial, error, and relentless refinement, we’ve reached a milestone worth celebrating. The Anduril project—our fourth and final attempt—has finally achieved the precision and quality we demanded. It’s the culmination of countless hurdles overcome, and the result speaks for itself: a blade that embodies both artistry and battle‑ready strength with a 65mn spring steel blade and hollow-ground blade profile as well as genuine leather handle and just, well, take a look. Think we finally nailed it this time?
Equally exciting is the Highlander project, born from years of requests by passionate fans who longed for a screen‑accurate sword that could truly deliver. More than just a replica, this piece is engineered to withstand the rigors of combat while staying faithful to its cinematic roots. 
Watch the video and you’ll see why we’re so proud—this is not only a sword, but a promise finally fulfilled.. 
Together, these projects mark a turning point: proof that persistence pays off, and that when fans ask, we listen (even if it takes years to get there)..
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Night Watchman Sword Cane - 1060 Carbon Steel Blade
Step into confidence with the Night Watchman Sword Cane — a sleek, discreet companion designed for presence, stability, and readiness. Its polished black finish and rounded top offer refined style, while the textured grip ensures total control. Hidden inside is a 22 3/4" carbon steel blade, smoothly concealed until the moment you need it. At 35 3/8" overall, it's the perfect blend of elegance, reliability, and commanding capability.
Legends In Steel Viking Warrior Sword & Scabbard - JUST $99.98!
Command the spirit of the North with the Legends In Steel Viking Warrior Sword — a striking blend of authentic design and bold craftsmanship. Its 30 1/2" mirror-polished 1095 carbon steel blade features etched Viking motifs, anchored by a full-tang wooden handle framed in cast metal accents. At 38 1/2" overall and paired with a leather scabbard and carry strap, it’s a powerful centerpiece for collectors, reenactors, and anyone drawn to legendary Norse steel.
We hope all our subscribers enjoy a wonderful holiday season filled with rest, joy, and steel‑bright inspiration. We’ll be back in February with our 21st edition anniversary special, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Until then—stay sharp, happy swordening, and we’ll see you soon! - Paul
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