Feb 02, 21 12:03 AM
All the Sword reviews from Sword Buyers guide in one place.
Listed reviews here are for swords that are still being made and able to purchase, while discontinued swords are listed at the bottom of each category.
To see the reviews by manufacturer rather than by type, visit the Sword Manufacturers Dossier here
Sword ratings are based on the overall quality of the product, how well it achieves its stated purpose (i.e. historical replica, cutting sword, etc) and overall value for money and are based on a sliding scale.
No matter how well made, a $20 Machete can never really have a 5 star rating (overall quality of the product). By the same token, some swords that are head and shoulders above other 4 star swords may only be 4 star because they are deemed to be overly expensive (value for money). Read More about the SBG Star Rating System in more detail here on our about us page
Currently 187 detailed, hands on reviews and counting..
Simple, economical with a serviceable blade. $59.00
Not a bad attempt, even comes with a bonus (if flimsy) kozuka knife $54.95
Quite a detailed look at two typical bare bones swords. One was pretty much what you would expect for the price. But the other one more than made up for it.
Just goes to show you that there are still some jewels in the junk to be found. Average price $60
It handles okay. But more wallhanger than cutter. $54.95
Unique appearance, not a bad attempt for the money. $99.95
Sub $100 with a real hamon? Almost too good to be true.. $99.95
To heck with tradition - just a cheap, super tough mean ol' blade.. $39.95
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
A fairly average sword overall, but a good deal for Australians.. $190
I designed this one, but did not quite nail my design idea - though it came close.. $199.99
The concept was revolutionary - import the bare blades and katana parts and assemble them to the customers preference within a week!
SBG helped test and refine the concept. Out of three swords tested, one failed, one did okay and the other exceeded all expectations. $229
The original entry level Katana. May be an old model but still holds it's own $322.95
Solid blade and extra long handle on this Paul Chen Classic $336.95
Was great value once, but the PK is showing its age $230
A step in the right direction with this 3' razor blade by Hanwei. $239.95
An excellent sword for the money with several huge improvements over earlier models. $349
Crazy sharp blade geometry, but maybe just a little too sharp for its own good.. $250
Good for cutting light targets, but lacks versatility $237
The Tatami Mat Killer that has stood the test of time. $299
Often overlooked, but something of a diamond in the rough $219
Made in batches with a narrow window to buy. Sold almost at cost price and still great value. $429.99
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
Machine polished and a simple design, they were the first monotempered blades yet still represent good value $324.95
"Handles like a crowbar, cuts like a light saber.." $305
It's big and it's bad. In a good way.. Tough but a little too heavy. $379.95
Designed by Shihan James Williams from the Bugei company, these are excellent blades but not without a few issues. $296
Tough as nails, the workhorse flagship of the Cheness 9260 Spring Steel line $279.99
Handles surprisingly well, the 9260 blade on this one is tough enough to chop into a steel barrel. $299.99
Cheness Cutlery SGC KatanaSpecialized Goza (mat) Cutter. True beast of a sword with a wide profile 9260 Spring Steel Blade. $299.99 ![]() |
Not quite a 'fail' but definitely not their best use of 9260 Steel.. $249.99
One of a series of 31 models - all with heavy duty, no-nonsense mono-tempered 1060 carbon steel blades and the best fittings available at swords in this price point.
Here we not only test them out to the max, but we even take a trip to where they are made in Longquan, China. $294.99
Double review of models #2 and #4 - and the first sighting of the legendary 'ghost' hamon. $294.99
A close look at the 29" bladed model # 8 reveals not just a workhorse, but a beautiful sword in its own right, inside and out.. $314.99
The ultimate review of not one but three swords by three SBG members, yet they all come to the same conclusion... $294.99
Fast, versatile and tough - what more could you want in a Ko-Katana beater? $294.99
Wakizashi blade, two handed Katana handle, versatile with a great little blade on it. $229.99
The first Wakizashi on the market it still holds its own, but while practical isn't much of a looker.. $187
A readily available high quality Katana and good choice to dip one's toe in the higher end.. $599.95
Strikingly attractive, and a nice cutter, it's a tad overpriced but still worth the asking price. $1349.99
One of the projects we are proudest of that grew out of our dealings with master smiths in Longquan - here we take a close look at the kind of designs you can make yourself and put them to the test. Price includes all standard customizations and even free worldwide shipping. $699
A second opinion review - while they have an almost impeccable reputation for quality, not every sword comes out perfectly. But even when it doesn't all quite go to plan, in the end, it turned out for the best..
Still just $699
Opinions on their swords are often highly polarized. So here is an impartial review to try and set the record straight. $2400+
Attractive and well made folded blade, but let down a bit by average fittings. $749.95
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
Historical or not, its a fast mean little stabby cutter of a sword. $239.95
Only slightly better than any other budget 'Ninja' sword. $59.99
Requested by members of the Bujinkan Federation, this 9260 spring steel sword has a short blade with long handle in a normal length saya and is considered by many experts to be what a Ninja sword may have REALLY been like.
On its own merits, it is a versatile and very durable cutter and we push it to the limits in this destructive review. $249.99
The old sword hidden in a stick trick.. But not sure if is it truly 'functional'.. $162
Designed by Sifu Scott Rodell THIS is the must have budget Jian for every CMA practitioner. $329
Not just for Tai-Chi, this is actually a pretty good entry level Jian. $120.95
Awesome cutting blade with a rewarding ringing sound when it hits a target. $189.95
Great cutter with attractive fittings at a good price = happy customers. $199.99
Chinese Warsword with some serious attitude. $149.95
If you want it for martial arts, forget it. But otherwise, you might end up falling in love with it. $249.95
Less beater and more suited to CMA use, it's a good value attractive functional piece. $469
Tough 1060 carbon steel blade and stunning fittings. Looks much more expensive than it is.. $174.99
We aren't sure if this company is coming back. We surely hope so.. $299
It has some unique problems, but still comes out as a reasonably good choice. $149
Almost as tough as the Spartans themselves. A nice effort. $130
THE most historically accurate replica of a Celtic La Tene Sword & also quite well made. $385
A leaf blade Celtic Sword that doesn't mix up the hilt. Very solid but sporadic availability. $469
Only vaguely anthropomorphic, but a tough little leaf shaped blade. $225
Nicely made, if somewhat contemporary in appearance. $210
Maybe just a bit too simple and lacking in historical accuracy. $210
Actually quite historically accurate, and as tough as nails. $195
Is it a dagger or a shortsword? Whatever it is, it's not that bad, but not that great either.. $95
Very historically accurate, even down to the rather soft steel.. Still, a good buy for the price. $149
Oh so promising, and quite historically accurate - but with a few disappointments. $169
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
Looks and performs like a much more expensive sword. $269
Awesome handling, solidly made and incredible value for money. $220
Attractive, good handling, solildy built - even the scabbard is nice..! $238
Maybe not quite as good as the originals, but quite good for the money. $188
A nice piece of functional sword art, though a little tip heavy. $294
It's not really Viking, not really Celtic, and not really well balanced. $299
A Damascus folded steel blade with austere fittings. Not a bad attempt, though a little expensive. $439
Part of the Tinker Pearce designed sword series, a great blade and so much potential, but not the complete package.. $233
An early review by Brenno from Fableblades shows his early inclinations to customize.. $141
A sword that has been revised several times, getting better each revision.. $460
A short but sweet review that explains a little more about transitional Viking Swords. $443
A good historically accurate replica of the famous Cawood Viking Sword by Del Tin of Italy. $424
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
It's sturdy, blunt and cheap, and a favorite of re-enactors on a budget. $138
We never intentionally buy a one star sword you know.. Looks okay at first glance. But.. $147
Buying medieval swords at this kind of price point is a big gamble. But sometimes, it pays off.. $150.95
A exceptionally good replica of the original, though it had a few teething troubles to get there.. $329
Extremely well made and a fantastic bastard sword at a bargain price. $193
Definitely not a bad sword for the money, and a true Windlass classic. $175
Mount it up your way - a decent arming sword with your choice of fittings. $170
Three medieval swords, one low price - all 3 tested on the rooftops of Hong Kong with Lancelot Chan on a variety of targets - from water bottles, bamboo and even a pigs hoof..
Simple yet impressive, they have since gone on to cause quite a storm for lovers of quality medieval swords ready to cut straight out of the box $249.99
Arguably the best entry level Longsword seen in years, find out what makes it so great in this hands on review. $249.99
An impressive newer entry to the line up that has been compared favorably to swords three times the price. $425
A solid, well designed two handed sword based on swords of the Knights Templar. $324
Sturdy enough, and a decent replica of a historical type X/Xa.But you either love it or hate it, there really is no neutral opinion on this one $264
It's attractive, fairly historically accurate - and darned near indestructible..! Very tough. $409
Ornate, attractive, tough and handles so well it's hard to put down.. $525
The 'antiqued' version of this classic Hanwei design - and evil looking and rather massive sword. $223
A little to 'whippy' to cut or thrust as well as it should. Average at best and not Windlasses finest. $220
Designed by Michael 'Tinker' Pearce, harmonically balanced & handles with the best of them. $229
While not the best 'Tinker' Pearce design, it is an excellent sword for the money. $240
A serviceable and decent sword for the price, though the blackened finish does put some off. $238
It's big, bad and beefy. And actually fairly historically accurate. $319
With a blade bigger than the whole length of most two handed swords, this sword is a monster and very affordable too. $256
Historically accurate, handles well and tough as nails. Just wish they would keep them in stock. $289
Affordable, tough and well made - one of the best Scottish Great swords on the market. $221
The 'jewel in the junk' of a series some rather clunky beaters by Hanwei. $214
Historically accurate and a typical example of a Del Tin. That is to say, excellent. $487
A historically accurate, tough and attractive two handed late medieval Longsword. $487
Attractive, tough and well made - but a tad on the heavy side. $449
A great handling and nicely made Irish sword by Gen 2/Legacy Arms. $279.99
Looks good - but this DSA offshoot series is nowhere near as tough as a real Darksword blade. $325
Almost perfect, maybe too perfect, and a fairly typical example of a high end Albion Sword. $855
Most Albion reviews are done by raving 'fan boys;. Instead, this is an impartial review by your average sword collector. $855
Review of one of the limited edition releases through Kingston Arms. $1200
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
Solidly built and fairly historically accurate. $265
Excellent handling, and the biggest surprise, can cut tatami mats when sharpened right up. As you might expect, a very nice piece. $1200
So much potential, with great stats and a nice blade. But if you have normal sized hands, its almost unusable out of the box. $220
Our reviewer said: For those having little time and/or who are averse to reading long texts: Go out and buy the thing! $265
A little on the heavy side, but overall nicely done. Very durable and tough. $249
Ornate, and a fairly faithful replica of the original with a decently made blade and eye catching fittings. $299
Beautifully detailed and well constructed, a piece of sword art. $692
In production for nearly 3 decades, a solid time tested replica, though a but too heavy.. $256
The Battlecry version of the Windlass Basket Hilt Sword, great handling, sharpened and overall, good value. $292
Great value for money, tough and quite functional. But be sure to check its local legality.. $89
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
Not to bad in terms of historical accuracy, but as tough and mean as they come. $204
A redesigned version of the original Cold Steel Gross Messer that suits a different crowd with an emphasis on speed and handling. $179
So much potential, but it doesn't quite make the grade. $154
A decent historically accurate replica of a medieval Falchion and perhaps the only real choice other than going custom. $373
Looks excellent, is a joy to wield and my oh my is it a good cutter. $239
Historically accurate, solidly constructed and excellent value. $179
Almost a perfect replica of this lightweight, fast and responsive Saber. $239
A whole lot of sword for a very reasonable price. One of the best saber deals around. $89
A functional civil war sword for $40? Totally amazing value.. $39
Made by Universal Swords of India,it looks the part and has a nice scabbard. But it falls down in the handling department. $251
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
The ONLY exception we make where we review purely decorative, non battle ready swords.. Because they are cool..
If only that beautiful blade was carbon steel.. Given a SBG rating based on its own merits.. $94
You have probably seen rip offs of this blade. But they really don't have anything on the original. $104
Come on. admit it. It's cool. Imagine how much cooler it would be in carbon steel.. $89
Designed by an SBG member and capable of shattering cinder blocks. Need we say more? $274.99
Just a solidly made, cool looking and affordable functional fantasy saber. One of Windlass' best swords. $193
An authentic replica from the wheels of time series. A good replica, but a pretty average sword. $247
All about the blade on this simple hybrid euro/katana like sword. Good, cheap, serviceable. $119
Reviewed by SBG sword tester and designer Jason Woodard. $425
Reviewed by SBG sword tester and designer Jason Woodard. $410
A stunning fantasy Viking sword based on Norse mythology. $784
The most recent version, more expensive than the first incarnation, but oh so much nicer.. $629
A stunning custom sword by Jeffrey Robinson that our reviewer liked even more than the original by Albion! $3100
One of three highly acclaimed Legend of Zelda inspired originals. $2750
DISCONTINUED FANTASY SWORDS:
A truly beautiful recreation of the John Boorman Excalibur Sword and one of the first battle ready swords in my personal collection. $475
A relatively readily available and accurate replica of the John Boorman Excalibur Sword that while expensive, is still great value. $645
A custom build of the John Boorman Excalibur Sword, hand made by US based artisan Jeffrey Robinson. Approx $3000-$4000.
Pretty basic no-nonsense machete based on ancient European blade designs. A little expensive. $28 ea
Great brush cutters. Here pitted against merciless, poisonous, 2 inch long spike bearing mesquite. $14 ea
A tactical version of the Burmese Dha, and yes, it can actually slice bullets too.. $182
Extremely well made, unique and versatile Filipino fighting sword. Exceptional value. $294
An SBG design hand made by Chris Palmer in the USA. Turned out even better than expected. $284.99
Mean, heavy and super tough, this rock n' roll made in the USA sword is based on the Chinese Warsword. $384
DISCONTINUED SWORDS:
LIGHT SABERS
Here we review one of their champion level sparring blades. $520
A follow up review on a second lightsaber by Saber forge. $520
A good overview of Kyberlight Sabers, considered by many to be the best.
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