Free Shipping on Every Order
Shipping details
30-Day Returns on Eligible Items
No restocking fees. View return policy
Secure Checkout
Swords
Shop longswords, katanas, Viking swords, gladius, rapiers, claymores, broadswords, cutlasses and more, in 1095 high-carbon, Damascus, and stainless steel. Can't find what you're after? Build a custom sword.
413 products
Recently viewed
Buying a Sword: Steel, Construction, and What to Check
The swords on this page are made in 1095 high-carbon, Damascus, and stainless steel. Every Damascus and 1095 blade is hand-forged. Most stainless blades are too, and a few designs are machine made. Steel, tang construction, and fittings vary by design, so check the product page for the specification of any sword you are considering. Nearly all come with a scabbard. Here is how to choose.
Pattern-welded Damascus, our flagship steel
Our Damascus starts as eleven separate pieces of steel: five of 1095 high-carbon steel and six of 15N20, a high-carbon steel with about 2% nickel. They are forge-welded into one billet, drawn out, folded and welded again, five folds in all, until the bar carries 352 layers. The composition is certified in writing by the forge.
Each steel is there for a reason. 1095 brings the carbon that lets the blade harden and hold an edge. The nickel in 15N20 resists the acid used to finish the blade, so those layers stay bright while the 1095 darkens, and that contrast is the pattern you see. Most working bladesmiths use this combination or its close cousin, 1084 and 15N20.
Because the pattern is forged into the steel rather than etched onto the surface, it runs through the blade, and no two are alike.
Why high carbon matters
Carbon is what lets steel be hardened and tempered. A high-carbon blade, Damascus or single 1095, can be brought to a working hardness, holds an edge well, and can be resharpened many times.
1095 high-carbon steel is the classic single steel: about 0.95% carbon, a clean satin finish, and a long history in American knife and sword making. Stainless steel trades some edge holding for corrosion resistance, so it needs the least upkeep. Our sword steel guide compares all three in detail.
Then choose the tradition
One-handed European and Mediterranean forms include the Viking sword, gladius, cutlass, Greek xiphos, and arming sword. Hand-and-a-half forms include the bastard sword, longsword, and katana. The two-handers, including the claymore, zweihander, greatsword, and giant swords, are the showpieces that anchor a wall. Curved, single-edged blades include the scimitar, saber, and falchion, while the narrow, sharply pointed rapier represents the thrusting tradition. Chinese, Iberian, wakizashi, and fantasy swords round out the catalog.
What to check before you buy any sword
Three things are worth confirming on any sword listing, here or anywhere else. The tang: in a full tang, the blade steel runs the length of the grip and anchors at the pommel. Our product pages state the tang construction for each sword. The steel grade: if a listing does not name its steel, ask before you buy. The heat treatment: a hardened and tempered blade flexes and returns true, while an untreated one stays bent or snaps. Our battle-ready guide explains what that term does and does not mean.
Custom swords
If the sword you want is not here, build it. The custom sword builder lets you choose the blade type, steel, guard, grip, pommel, scabbard, and engraving, or submit your own design from a drawing or photo. Custom swords are made to order in the same 1095 and Damascus steel as the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to buy a sword? From a seller that names its steel, states its tang construction, and has a clear return policy. Every order is inspected before it ships and is covered by our return policy, and you can read customer reviews on our product pages. Order online or visit our showroom in Deerfield, Illinois.
What is the difference between 1095 and Damascus? Both are high-carbon steels that harden, hold an edge, and resharpen. 1095 is a single steel with a clean satin finish. Our Damascus is forged and folded from layers of 1095 and 15N20, which is what gives it its pattern. Damascus is our flagship steel.
How are these swords made? Battling Blades is a family-owned business, founded in 2017. Every Damascus and 1095 blade is hand-forged to our specification; most stainless blades are too, and a few designs are machine made. Fittings may include wood, leather, and brass. On hand-forged pieces, small variations in pattern and finish are normal.
How do I care for a carbon steel sword? Wipe it after handling, keep a thin coat of oil on the blade, and store it dry. Our sword care guide and sharpening guide cover the rest, and the cleaning kits have everything you need.
Do you ship internationally? Yes. International buyers are responsible for checking their own country's import rules before ordering.
New to swords? Start with our beginner's buying guide, the labeled sword diagram, or the full library of guides.