CUSTOM SWORDS by AoV - Interview Feb 2008

Most custom swords and options simply do not exist for the economy minded collector.

In late 2007, Jason and Brian from Arms of Valor began offering a very innovative and extremely well received service – customization options on their range of sub US$300 swords!

In this interview we have a chat to them about how the service came about, what exactly they can do and why it is such a revolutionary concept…

SMG: What gave you the idea to start doing custom work?

Brian: Jason and I feed off of each other for ideas. One day, I started customizing one of my own swords, and I sent Jason a picture of it. He was very impressed, and told me we should start selling it. I did a few more, and discovered I really found it very relaxing and rewarding.

SMG:Why is there such a big difference between the prices of your custom work and the custom work done by other manufacturers?

Brian: I'm not aware of anyone else who is customizing the sub $300 sword market, actually. It's hard to justify the money needed to be spent on the bigger name(s) of customizing, on a sub $300 sword. The prices they charge cater more to the higher end swords, and rightfully so, as their work is beautiful. We want to provide the 'affordable' option for the sword enthusiast on a budget. In doing so, I have found ways to customize that save time and money, which saves the customer money.

SMG: How much time goes into doing the various applications of the custom work?

Brian: There are several variables involved, of course. A handle wrap can take anywhere from a half-hour, one-hour, and sometimes longer. It has to meet my own satisfaction, or it doesn't go out. The scabbards are much more time consuming, and the first couple took a days worth of work each. I've got it down pretty well now though. A squire line is about two-hours, and the more detailed versions obviously add even more time, as you can imagine.

SMG: From start to finish, how does a customer order and receive their custom work?

Jason: There are a few ways a customer can order. The first is to order online and use the drop down choices provided for the custom swords (select swords in other categories also have this feature). Our eventual goal is to add the drop down customization choice boxes to all of the customizable swords on our website. This will take time to get in place. If a customer has questions or wants to customize a sword that does not have the drop down choices they can call or e-mail to discuss the item and receive a price quote.

SMG:What do the manufacturers think of what you're doing to their products?

Jason: The only manufacturer I have talked to directly about the customization is Clyde Hollis from Generation 2. Clyde takes a lot of pride in his swords and feels that we are doing justice to the quality he strives to achieve. He is very happy with the results of Brian's efforts and appreciates the work that goes into each of the custom swords.

SMG: How has this changed the nature of your operation?

Jason: Obviously we have always strived to get product to the customer as quickly as possible. With the custom work we have slowed things down to an old world concept of taking our time and ensuring each custom piece receives the care and attention as if it were our own sword. It has also increased the amount of "touch" labor on our part as far as dealing with customers. As with any business our goal is to streamline every process as much as possible. A typical order will be received online, processed, shipped, and received by the customer with minimum contact (e-mail conformation that order was received and tracking number from UPS Quantum View notify). The custom orders usually include several e-mails or phone calls with questions and clarifications. This can be time consuming and a lot of work, but we feel that it has really taken our customer service to a new level. Each customer is taken care of as if they are our only customer and I wouldn't have it any other way.

SMG: Do you have plans for any additional customization options in the future?

Brian: I'd like to think it will evolve as it grows, which means more options. I'm constantly finding new things I can add, or finding new ways to customize. So in a word, yes.

I hope this interview with Aov About their range of custom swords has been informative. To return to AoV Customs from CUSTOM SWORDS by AoV - Interview Feb 2008, click here