Battling Blades: Question and Answers About Our Company

Welcome to Battling Blades, your one-stop-shop for unique, handmade goods. Our specialties include swords, axes, knives, armor, costumes, chess sets, and more. Our passion for craftsmanship is reflected in the high-quality metals, bone, wood, leather, and stone used in every product we create. As a family-owned and operated business, we take great pride in the quality of our work and our exceptional customer service.

What does Battle Ready mean?

Battle Ready is a general term used to describe swords that can withstand contact.  To be Battle Ready, a blade must be made with high quality steel.  Generally, high carbon steel is best.  Battle Ready swords are typically full tang or have reinforced guards, pommels, or handles.  Unless otherwise specified, all of our blades are made with high carbon steel.


Battle Ready Example

What payment methods do you accept?

We offer a variety of payment options to ensure that you can purchase our products with ease. We accept any major credit card, money order, cashiers check, or cash. Our on-page checkout system is 100% secure and runs through Authorize.net, a Visa company. We also offer PayPal and Sezzle, so you can buy now and pay later. To pay with a money order, cashiers check, or cash, simply mail your payment and the item you wish to purchase to Battling Blades at 444 Lake Cook Road, Suite 26, Deerfield, IL 60015.

 

How can I contact you?

The best way to contact us is through email at info@battlingblades.com.  You can also use the link below to access our contact form.  We will usually answer within 1-2 business days.

Contact Us

If you need us more quickly, you can text us at (930) 219-4132. We can't answer all questions through text, but will do our best!

You can also call us at (847) 766-0630.

What is Damascus Steel?

Damascus Steel is layered or pattern welded steel.  Different types of steel are layered together, heated, and folded or pattern welded.  This allows beautiful patterning to be shown on the blades while staying strong and sharp.  Although the process can vary based on available supply, our steel generally has 352 layers and is made with 11 pieces of steel.  This steel composition includes 3 pieces of #43 steel, 3 pieces of #40 steel, and 5 pieces of high carbon 1095 steel.  Our Damascus Steel is typically made through the following method:

          6 Pieces of Carbon Steel #43 and #40

          5 Pieces of High Carbon Steel 1095

          1st Fold- 11x2=22 Layers

          2nd Fold- 22*2=44 Layers

          3rd Fold- 44*2=88 Layers

          4th Fold- 88*2=176 Layers

          5th Fold- 176*2=352 Layers

If it is made any other way, the hardness and flexibility will match this steel combination.  If you have a steel construction request, please contact us before purchasing.


Damascus Steel Example

What is 1095 steel?

1095 Steel is a form of high carbon steel, and is commonly used in swords and knives.  It has a carbon content of .95% which hardens the steel.  This reduces the amount of wear that a blade will experience over time.  Other common types of carbon steel include 1060 steel and 1045 steel.  Steel under 1045 is considered "low carbon" steel.


1095 Steel Example

Is Damascus or 1095 steel better?

It depends what you are looking for in your blades.  Damascus steel is beautiful and strong, yet flexible.  The flexibility reduces breakage of the blade, but the edge will wear faster than 1095 steel.  1095 steel lacks flexibility which allows a blade to keep a sharp edge, but does not have much flexibility which can cause the steel to fracture.  Clay tempering can reduce the hardness of the steel to increase the flexibility while maintaining a strong edge.  Both types are steel are very strong.

What is Rockwell Hardness?

Rockwell Hardness, or the Rockwell scale, is a hardness scale based on indentation hardness of the steel. The Rockwell test determines hardness by measuring the depth of penetration of an indenter under a large load compared to the penetration made by a preload.  When testing metals, indentation hardness correlates directly with tensile strength.  This important relation permits nondestructive testing of metals with portable equipment.  Higher Rockwell Hardness indicates stronger steel, but also indicates less flexible steel. 

Do you sell swords for theater?

Yes, many of our 1095 steel swords, other than katanas, are intended for theater.  If you need a theater sword, please ask!


Theater Sword Example

Are your items all handmade?

Most of our items are handmade but not all.  Originally, all of our blades were handmade, but we have expanded into newer designs that are occasionally machine made.  We have also added more products, including our instruments and costumes, that are machine made. If you require a handmade item, please ask!

Can you make customs swords?

Yes!  We love making custom swords!  Our order minimum on customization is $500.  We either create a design you make or we can make a new design for you.  Just send us an email at info@battlingblades.com to get more information about customization.

Can you make custom knives?

Yes!  We also love making custom knives!  Our order minimum for custom knives is $300.  We either create a design you make or we can make a new design for you.  Just send us an email at info@battlingblades.com to get more information about customization.

How do I care for my high carbon blades?

The most important factor is keeping it dry and well oiled.  Choji oil is best but mineral or coconut oil also works well.  Food safe oils are recommended for knives.  Leather sheaths can absorb water so it is best to keep it out of the sheath whenever possible.  If rust does appear on the blade, it can be wiped off using a 50/50 vinegar and lime mix.  After it is cleaned, re-coat the blade in oil for storage.

Are the mugs and drinking horn safe?

Yes!  All of our mugs and drinking horns are made with natural, safe materials.  Most are coated in food grade resin, and the others are made with stainless steel or copper.


Mug Example

How are your games made?

Our stone, bone and wooden game boards are hand cut and sculpted by expert artisans.  It takes a tremendous amount of care and experience to be able to craft a stone chess set.  Our metal chess sets have hand casted pieces.  The boards are also hand built and painted.


Game Example

Where can I find your reviews?

Our website reviews are run through Judge.me. This ensure that all reviews are verified to be from only current and previous customers. You can check out our reviews on their website: Judge.me

Is Battling blades trustworthy?

Yes! Battling Blades is absolutely trustworthy and legitimate. At Battling Blades, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy source for all your bladed needs. With years of experience under our belt and a physical presence in Deerfield, Illinois, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service and top-notch products that you can depend on.

Here are a few reasons why you can trust Battling Blades:

  1. Established Business: Our longstanding presence in the industry has allowed us to build a reputation for quality and reliability. We have a proven track record of satisfied customers, and our physical store location in Deerfield is a testament to our dedication to serving the community.

  2. Secure Payments: Your financial safety is of utmost importance to us. Our website utilizes state-of-the-art encryption technologies to ensure that your personal information and payment details remain secure throughout the purchasing process.

  3. Insured Shipping: At Battling Blades, we understand the importance of prompt and secure delivery. That's why we provide shipping insurance for all our orders, giving you peace of mind that your purchase will arrive safely and in perfect condition.

  4. High-Quality Products: We stand by the quality of our products and are committed to offering only the best in terms of materials, craftsmanship, and design. Our curated selection of blades undergoes rigorous quality control checks to ensure that they meet our high standards before they reach your hands.

  5. Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you're not completely happy with your purchase, we offer a hassle-free return and exchange policy to ensure you have a positive shopping experience with us.

Choose Battling Blades as your go-to source for bladed products, and experience the assurance and peace of mind that comes with partnering with a reputable and trustworthy company.

How long will it take to get my order?

The average time of arrival is 3-4 business days after shipping but please allow up to ten business days due to variant shipping speeds.  Shipping times have been very slow lately due to recent current events so please be patient after getting a tracking update.

Every item we sell is handmade and we hold most in stock.  If you purchase a less popular item or we are out of stock, it may take up to twelve weeks to arrive.  If you need an item before a certain date, please contact us at info@battlingblades.com to make sure we can deliver on time.

Are returns free?

Yes! 

Returns are completely free and very easy.  Just go to our return center, enter your order number, and you will receive instruction for an approved return within two business days.

What is your return policy?

You can return your item within 30 days of receiving your item.  For more information on returns, please follow the link below: 

Refund Information

To access our return center, please follow the link below:

Return Center

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Battling Blades. We're here to provide you with exceptional products and customer service. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@battlingblades.com or via our contact form.