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Sword Buyers Digest - October 2025, Issue #205
October 01, 2025
Hey,

Great to see that so many of you made the transition to the new format last month, and thank you for all the messages of support and condolences after I shared news of my fathers untimely passing last issue..

It has most certainly been a very challenging year - but for the time being lets put all those challenges aside and enjoy the 20th Halloween special edition of the Digest!

Dressed to Scare

Halloween Costumes For Sword Collectors

Most years, we go all in on Halloween - cursed steel, haunted hilts, and costume guides worthy of a fog-drenched battlefield. This year, we’re dialing it back just a touch. But for those who still want to dress up and show off their love of blades, we’ve put together a few tips for building a sword-friendly costume that balances collector pride with seasonal flair.

Start with what you already own. That replica longsword or katana hanging on your wall? It’s not just for display - it’s the centerpiece of your look.

Whether you’re channeling a knight, samurai, vampire hunter, or mythic wanderer, the sword should guide the costume, not the other way around. Layering robes, cloaks, belts, and armor pieces can elevate even simple outfits into something cinematic.

And if you’re heading to a public event, safety matters: peace tying your sword—securing it in the scabbard with cord or zip ties so it can’t be drawn—is often required. We also recommend using blunted training swords or LARP-safe foam blades to avoid any issues with venue rules or crowd safety.

My top pick for a fun and cheap costume that is cool and fun enough not to just be a Halloween suit but something you could have fun with backyard cutting is this $25 Samurai Hoodie!

Looks pretty awesome for $25, I am getting one myself!

August Swords in the News Round-Up

Japanese Master Smith Makes REAL Ninja Gaiden Swords

When it comes to swords based on video games and pop culture, most of the time you get a stainless steel replica with an inflated price tag to cover the cost of licensing (or scammers price padding for the knock offs). But this, this is very different. Though, no, they aren't for sale (unless you have Elon Musk kind of money or something).. Check it out here: See these X box designs made real by a Japanese smith


Special Article

Swords in the Shadow of the News: Where Have All the Sword Related News Stories Gone?

There’s been a strange silence in the headlines this September. No new sword discoveries. No museum acquisitions. No pop culture spotlights. Not even the usual trickle of fantasy tie-ins or collector showcases. It’s as if the blade itself has vanished from public discourse.

But this isn’t just a seasonal lull. Sword-related videos have long struggled with algorithmic suppression on platforms like YouTube. Payment processors flag sword retailers. Banks hesitate to support businesses selling replicas. International couriers - once the lifeblood of global sword collecting - have quietly dropped blades from their shipping lists. Even domestic transport is fraught with restrictions and red tape.

This marginalization isn’t limited to swords. Across the globe, citizens are increasingly distrusted to own anything deemed “potentially dangerous.” In the UK and Australia, legislation has chipped away at the right to possess functional replicas, large dogs, or even non- autonomous vehicles. The message is clear: responsibility is no longer presumed. It must be earned - or revoked!

Is this censorship? Not overtly. But the erosion is real. It’s slow, quiet, and cloaked in bureaucracy. And in a year dominated by "doomscrolling" — wars, climate collapse, economic instability, you name it — there’s little room left for stories of craftsmanship, legacy, or personal agency. Sword news, once a niche but vibrant corner of the internet, is being crowded out by crisis and small suppliers drowned out in search by AI.

We’re not saying this is a coordinated effort. But we are saying: be vigilant. Because hoplophobia—the fear of weapons and those who wield them responsibly—is alive and well. And there are voices, near and far, who would rather see your collection dismantled than celebrated.

So where have all the swords gone? Perhaps they’ve retreated to the shadows. But they’re still here. Still gleaming. Still waiting.

For now.

We will keep you updated as best we can of any new developments (even though it is the Halloween issue, we don't need THAT kind of horror this year, that's for sure)..


Video of the Month

This month’s standout video comes from the IN THE BARRIER 2025 tournament, featuring a clean, technical longsword bout between Borislav Krustev and Martin Fabian. Fabian, a respected HEMA veteran from Slovakia, brings decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the German longsword tradition. Krustev, newer to the scene but gaining recognition, holds his own with sharp counters and adaptive movement.

The match is a respectful clash of styles - Fabian’s strategic control meets Krustev’s raw energy.

Less than 4 minutes long with lots of slow mo and crisp visuals, even if you have only a passing interest in Longsword techniques, it is worth the watch..

Some Swords From Our Sponsors

NEW! Honshu Historic Forged Two-Handed Medieval Sword

Command the battlefield with the Honshu Historic Forged Two-Handed Medieval Sword. Crafted from 1080 high carbon steel, its massive 35 1/2" double-edged blade delivers strength, reach, and precision worthy of a knight. The bow tie crossguard and round pommel ensure balance and protection, while the brown grip and matching scabbard honor medieval tradition. At 45" overall, this formidable weapon blends historic authenticity with Honshu’s modern reliability—built to impress in hand or on display.

Kojiro Midnight Hand-Forged Katana Set And Stand – Closeout for 41% Off!

Unleash the elegance and power of tradition with the Kojiro Midnight Hand-Forged Katana Set. This striking three-piece collection features razor-sharp 1045 high carbon steel blades, each masterfully balanced for form and function. With a sleek midnight finish and matching display stand, it’s as breathtaking to showcase as it is formidable to wield. A true centerpiece for collectors, this set captures the spirit of the samurai in every detail—strength, honor, and artistry.

Combat Commander Saber Sword

Step into battle-ready confidence with the Combat Commander Saber Sword. Designed for power and precision, its razor-sharp 1065 High Carbon steel blade delivers clean, commanding cuts with every swing. The rubberized handle ensures a secure grip in any condition, while the heavy-duty scabbard provides protection and portability. Built for modern warriors yet inspired by timeless saber design, this piece is equally at home in training, display, or action—strength and style combined in one formidable sword.

Featured Article

Forged in the Algorithm: What Global Search Trends Reveal About Sword Collecting in 2025

TIn the age of data-driven everything, even the ancient art of sword collecting has found itself under the lens of analytics. A recent report from Accio.com, a trend forecasting platform, reveals fascinating insights into what blades are captivating global attention—and why.

The Rise of the Katana (Again)

According to Accio’s September 2025 data, the term katana continues to dominate global search traffic, with spikes in interest from martial arts communities, anime fans, and collectors seeking functional blades. But this isn’t just nostalgia or pop culture—it’s a reflection of a deeper desire for craftsmanship and legacy.

“We’re seeing a shift from decorative wallhangers to swords with real lineage,” says Accio analyst Mira Chen. “People want blades that feel like they belong to a story.”

Fantasy Blades Surge—But With a Twist

Searches for fantasy swords and custom hilts are up 38% compared to last year, but the real surprise? Buyers are asking for functional fantasy swords—blades that look like they belong in a Tolkien saga but are forged with real steel and balance. This trend is driven by a new wave of creators blending mythic design with martial realism. Think Coldclaw Blades and other boutique smiths who build swords that could slay dragons and survive a sparring session.

Amazon & Etsy: What’s Actually Selling?

Accio’s retail data shows that:

• Damascus steel blades are outselling stainless by 2:1

• Sword stands and scabbards are trending as collectors upgrade their displays

• “Sword for cosplay” searches are down, while “real sword for training” is up—indicating a maturing market

Now THAT is a trend we can get behind!

What This Means for Collectors

The sword world is evolving. Collectors are no longer just hobbyists—they’re historians, martial artists, storytellers. And the data proves it: the blades people seek are those that carry weight, both physically and symbolically.

As one Reddit user put it:

“I don’t want a sword that looks cool. I want one that feels like it remembers something.”

Want to dive deeper into the numbers?

Read the full Accio report here Accio Sword Trends Report

Thanks to everyone who sent me messages of condolence and support last month. It made a difference and I appreciate it more than I can say.

So until next issue, Happy Swordening folks - hope you all have a fantastic Halloween and spare no pumpkins!!

Sincerely,



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