News Update: ___April 2010

by Arnold Kotlyarevsky

New Product Releases

Albion

After years of waiting, Albion Swords has finally released The Dane. The Dane is Albion's take on the XVIIIe type, and the images posted on the website speak for themselves:

As if Albion didn't already have a veritable armory of gladii and spathae, they decided to add yet another spatha! This time it's The Decurio, which is, according to Albion, a Buch-Podlodow style, subtype I spatha. This spatha features an all walnut hilt, not unlike the rest of Albion's Roman themed arms. The most striking feature of this sword is the prominent double fuller runnning nearly the full length of the blade.

Windlass Steelcrafts Ltd.

Windlass Steelcrafts has put out 5 new swords and a mace. The only single handed sword is The Sword of Robin Hood. This sword is an officially licensed replica of the sword that can be seen in the upcoming movie: Robin Hood. You can see their creepy promo video here

The first of two bastard swords released by Windlass is the Oakeshott Type XVIII Sword. This well executed sword features a handsome scabbard and suspension system.

The second bastard sword is the Sword of Bramham Moor. This sword comes with a matching blue scabbard fitted with a steel throat and chape. Windlass has also included a belt that works as the suspension system for this sword.

Windlass also released two greatswords, the first of which is the the Hero's Warsword. This sword is quite long, and at 64", this sword is the longest sword Windlass offers. Due to the immense size of this sword, it comes scabbard-less and is meant to be treated like a pole-arm and slung over the shoulder.

The second greatsword released by Windlass is the Sword of Pavia. This 62" greatsword is quite a good looking sword. The cross features side rings for increased hand protection, and the handle is wrapped in a reddish brown leather. Unlike the Hero's Warsword, The Sword of Pavia come with a matching scabbard.

Stuff I Missed: Product Releases

Albion Swords Ltd.

This type XV single handed sword is designed to deliver a serious thrust, without sacrificing the cut. Albion Swords has released a handsome sword which they promise is the liveliest of the next generation line of swords.

Hanwei

OK, these already live up to their namesake, as they completely snuck by me. Hanwei released two new ninja-to: The Kouga and The Iga. The Kouga and Iga are virtually identical in blade form and only differ in the fittings. However, they each have a disticnt personality originating from "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls", a novel centered around the rival ninja clans. The Iga ninja-to is fashioned in a more traditional style with black ito over white rayskin. The saya features a strong spike at one end and a rattan wrap for the first third. This makes the saya a weapon in its own right.

The Kouga, on the other hand, is finished in a much darker style, reflective of the need for invisibility of the ninja. This sword sports a black combat wrap over black rayskin, which really emphasizes its purpose. Unlike the Iga, the Kouga has a saya with blackened iron fittings and a longer iron spike at the end.

Hot Topics

Darksword Armory's Sword Contest

Darksword Amory's sword constest is well underway! Two lucky people will have their designs chosen to be fabricated by the fine craftsmen over at Darksword Armory. The winners will get a free copy of their sword before Darksword makes thier designs available to the genral public. Designs are due by April 29th, 5 p.m. EST. You can see the submissions already posted here