Tips on Choosing Fantasy Swords
Fantasy weapons, and in particular fantasy swords, are available in a broad variety of styles including Highlander, Lord of the Rings, Samurai, Dragon and Final Fantasy swords. If you are seeking a fantasy sword you need to be aware of what you will use the sword for and what you should be looking for. There is a considerable difference in fantasy weapons made for simply decorative purposes and those made to be functional. The best quality swords are pricey though there are a few available below about $400.
Cheap Fantasy Swords and Weapons
A lot of the swords offered are produced in Pakistan or China and, whilst they look acceptable in a photograph they are cheaply made, which is very obvious when you receive them. They are poorly manufactured, often with loose hilts and brittle blades and sparse details. They are however, extremely cheap so you can’t expect too high a quality! If you only need an ornamental sword to place on the wall they may be appropriate however if you only pay $30 you cannot expect anything of higher quality.
Ornamental High Quality Swords and Weapons
There are various higher quality, decorative swords available and one designer to be aware of is Kit Rae who has been creating fantasy swords, axes and knives since 1984. Although not ‘battle ready’ these stainless steel ornamental fantasy weapons are superb value for money. There are though many phony Kit Rae swords as they are copied the most by counterfeiters. A lot of sellers even go so far as showing you photographs of true Kit Rae swords then will sell you a counterfeit one. Genuine Kit Rae swords can be purchased from approximately $150. These are ornamental rather than functional and are manufactured from stainless steel. They are outstanding works of art and are the finest value ornamental swords you will find.
Functional Fantasy Weapons and Swords
Fantasy designs are what they are, fantasy! Consequently to translate a decorative fantasy sword to a working sword is not always easy or even possible. Some manufacturers have managed to blend the fantasy element with function to make an adequate functional fantasy sword. One example is the Dark Sentinel Sword made by Hanwei Forge which is a blend of a European duelling sword and a Japanese katana. A functional sword made from tempered carbon steel is made by Windlass Steelcrafts some of which are based on the book the Wheel of Time or the game Dungeons and Dragons.
Lord of the Rings fantasy swords are made by Generation 2 who also manufacture a sizable fantasy sword the Sword of Chaos, while the bulk of their products are medieval sword replicas that are historically accurate. Another manufacturer that we can mention is Darksword Armoury which make durable functional fantasy swords. A number of of their creations are based on classic fantasies including Lord of the Rings and several are unique fantasy designs. They also make the Anduril Sword of Aragorn.
Final Thoughts
Do some homework before buying a fantasy sword. Make certain you are familiar with the difference between functional and decorative swords and buy one that suits your requirements. Do not expect a cheap replica to be worthwhile for anything more than decorating your wall. For a superior fantasy weapon purchase one from a reputable manufacturer and steer clear of the low-priced replicas that are imported from Pakistan or China.
Filed Under: Uncategorized
