| Back to Back Issues Page |
 |
|
Sword Buyers Digest - September 2025, Issue #204 September 01, 2025 |
| Hey, To our returning subscribers—welcome back! To all returning subscribers—whether you joined us last year or way back in Issue #1—thank you. This relaunch has been a labor of love, and your messages over the past few weeks have meant more than you know. I read every one, even if I couldn’t reply to all. The stories, the memories, the encouragement—it reminded me why this Digest exists in the first place. What surprised me most? Just how many of you have been with us since the beginning. You’ve seen the evolution, the experiments, the quiet months, and now this rebirth. That kind of loyalty is rare, and I’m honored to have you here. This new format is leaner, more focused, and built for a tighter circle of readers who live and breathe the sword world. You’ll find curated insights, real-time forum highlights, historical deep cuts, and reflections from fellow warriors. No fluff. No filler. Just the good steel. So if you’re reading this, know that you’re part of something enduring. Let’s dive in.
August Swords in the News Round-Up
I See Renfaire Wallhangers, EVERYWHERE...!At a recent Renaissance fair, a weary sword enthusiast found themselves underwhelmed by the array of decorative blades on display, reminiscing about their own impressive falcata. As they navigated the world of overpriced souvenirs, they couldn't help but ponder the stark difference between genuine craftsmanship and the shiny trinkets aimed at captivated fairgoers. Read the Thread on RedditCustom Sword Craze – Bespoke Blades SurgeCollectors are flocking to artisans for hand-forged damascus, exotic hilts, and personalized engravings. This trend is reshaping the market, with indie makers gaining traction over mass producers - who are facing their own increasingly steep challenges this year. Feast Magazines 2025 Sword TrendsAshigaru Armory at the SBG ForumsA bold new vendor has entered the field—Ashigaru Armory is now offering authentic Japanese nihonto, complete with Torokusho certificates and full transparency on blade imperfections. Founded by Christopher Goodall, the armory is already turning heads for making historical steel accessible to martial artists, not just collectors. Find out more on the SBG Sword ForumNew Sword Maker: Sam from Coldclaw BladesSam, the smith behind Coldclaw Blades, has officially entered the SBG Forum scene—bringing years of custom knife and sword experience and a bold new project inspired by Slavic legends. With commissions paused to focus on a signature piece, Sam’s forging identity is about to be defined in steel. Here is his introduction! Read his intro and more on the SBG forumsSir Lancelot Under the Ice Cream Shop..Archaeologists in Gdańsk, Poland have uncovered a stunning 13th-century tomb beneath a local ice cream shop—complete with a limestone slab carved in the likeness of a knight in full chainmail, sword and shield in hand. Dubbed the “Gdańsk Lancelot,” the burial offers a rare glimpse into the city’s medieval elite. The skeleton was found intact, and researchers are now conducting 3D scans and genetic analysis to reconstruct the knight’s face and story. Turns out, even centuries later, chivalry isn’t dead—it’s just chilling beneath the waffle cones! Read this 'ice-cold' story hereRed Sonja Still Forging Ahead..The long-awaited Red Sonja reboot is finally forging ahead, with Matilda Lutz stepping into the iconic role—and transforming herself physically and mentally to embody the sword-wielding heroine. The film promises a fresh take on the classic warrior archetype, blending grit, myth, and modern edge. Find out about the demands of becoming Sonja here
Video of the MonthEver wondered what medieval carnage actually looked like? The Sellswordarts crew found out the messy way. Armed with historically accurate blades and a dummy stuffed like a horror movie prop, they dive into a hilariously cringey experiment that’s equal parts educational and equal parts “ew.” 
But meh.. Lynn Thompson would have done all of this before breakfast..!
Some Swords From Our SponsorsKojiro Red Emperor Katana With Stand!
Command attention with the Kojiro Red Emperor Katana—a striking fusion of power and prestige. From its fiery red blade finish to the detailed tsuba and matching scabbard, every inch of this katana radiates bold authority. It comes complete with a display stand, making it perfect for collectors who crave both beauty and presence. Don’t just own a sword—wield the legend of the Red Emperor.
Sword Of Dragons Fantasy Sword - 68% OFF!!
Unleash fire and fury with the Sword of Dragons Fantasy Sword—a blade forged for legends. With its fierce, dragon-themed hilt and razor-sharp stainless steel blade, this sword looks like it was plucked straight from a fantasy realm. The detailed scabbard and display-ready design make it a must-have for collectors and dragon lovers alike. Channel the beast within—add this mythical masterpiece to your arsenal today.
Legends In Steel Persian Bone and Damascus Sword
Own a blade worthy of kings and conquerors with the Legends In Steel Persian Damascus Sword. Featuring a hand-forged Damascus steel blade and an intricately carved bone handle, this sword is a true work of art and craftsmanship. The ornate brass guard and pommel add a regal touch, making it a striking centerpiece for any collection. Rare. Refined. Relentlessly bold. Add this legendary blade to your display today.
Featured ArticleSteel Under Siege: Tariffs, Trials, and the Blades That Almost Were
The sword world is no stranger to disruption—but this month, the tremors are hitting harder than usual.
In late August, the U.S. imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on Indian imports, a move tied to India’s continued energy dealings with Russia. For sword collectors, this hits home: Deepeeka and Windlass Steelcrafts, two of the most prolific and affordable Indian manufacturers, are now facing steep price hikes and uncertain restock timelines. These brands have long been the backbone of budget-conscious historical replicas. That era may be ending. But India isn’t the only area whose forges are under fire. Earlier this year, SBG explored a new partnership with a Pakistani smith who reached out with a bold offer: a free sample to prove his skill. The blade was decent - it had some 'newbie' flaws, but it had a lot of potential, and with China locked out of trade at the time, we were willing to explore almost anything. So we decided to commission a recreation of
one of our legacy designs, the Sword of Danu.
Click here for the Archived Danu from BCI for comparison
I will let the pictures do the talking.. 
It looked kind of cool right? So I awaited the final pics with final refinements and the decorated, embossed, wood-core leather lined scabbard before shipping for prototype testing and, well... 
Just as we were weighing next steps, a new tariff struck Pakistan. With regret, we shelved the project and wished the smith well. And that, my friends, is that.. So as you can see, not every SBG sword sees the light of day. Some remain stillborn, others fail quietly. Maybe it’s time we share more of these behind-the-scenes stories—because every blade has a journey, even the ones that never get sheathed. And if that weren’t enough, postal suspensions are now complicating imports from Europe and the UK. The end of the de minimis exception—a trade rule that previously allowed low-value items to enter duty-free—is forcing many small suppliers to halt shipments to the U.S. altogether. That means fewer boutique blades, longer delays, and rising costs across the board. We’ll keep adapting. But for now, the rules keep shifting—and the forge fires, they wait for no one... Hot off the PressAnd just as we were preparing to publish this issue, the story twisted again: a U.S. federal court ruled most of the recent tariffs illegal, prompting a fiery defense from President Trump, who insists they’re essential to national survival. Some tariffs remain intact, others may vanish by October, and new ones could be introduced to sidestep legal challenges. It’s a fast-moving storm of policy, politics, and unpredictability.For sword buyers and sellers alike, the message is clear: nothing is stable, and timing is everything.
A final, very personal note..As we close this month’s Digest, I want to share something personal. My father, George Southren, passed away at 1am on the 30th of August, at the age of 91. This month has been very, very tough. His final days were not easy, and the journey leading there was one of deep challenge and reflection.My father was a British born 'ten-pound Pom' with a handyman’s hands and a heart full of generosity. He helped every neighbor who needed a fix, a lift, or a hand—never asking for anything in return. Animals adored him. People trusted him. He loved the beach, the bush, and the quiet joy of making things better. He had a sharp wit, a warm smile, and a spirit that made the world feel just a little more kind. I wanted to mark his passing here—with you. Because this community means something real to me, and he meant everything.. Happy swordening - and may we all carry our blades with grace, humor, and the kind of quiet strength my Dad lived by.
|
| Back to Back Issues Page |
