Sword, Knife & Armor Guides

Everything we’ve learned about blades, in one place. Over the years we’ve written hundreds of thousands of words about blade types, how they differ, and how to care for them — organized here by subject, with links to the matching collections.

Swords

The largest part of what we make and the largest part of what we’ve written about. Start here if you’re trying to work out which type of sword you actually want, or if you’ve bought one and want to understand what you’re holding.

History & General Guides

• Parts of a Sword: Every Piece from Pommel to Point
• Types of Swords
• Know the Facts and Types of Swords
• The Arming Sword: The Knight's One-Handed Blade
• Unraveling the History of the Longsword
• Bastard Sword: Your Comprehensive Buying Guide
• What Is a Broadsword? The Sword Behind a Confusing Name
• The Zweihander: Germany's Giant Two-Handed Sword
• Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur's Sword
• Legendary Blades: 10 Famous Sword Names from Mythology
• Which Sword Is the Most Legendary in History?
• What Type of Sword Did Kings Use in the Middle Ages?
• Sword Steel Guide: 1095, Damascus, and Stainless Steel Explained
• The Allure of 1095 Steel: A Choice Metal for Swords and Knives
• How to Start a Sword Collection
• Top 6 Essential Swords to Have in Your Collection
• The Most Iconic Medieval Weapons and Their Uses
• The Popular Weapons of the Top Deadliest Warriors
• Unveiling the Mystique of the Sword: History, Mythology and Swordsmanship
• Famous Swords in History
• The Iconic Blades of Kings, Vikings and Warriors
• The Age of Knights and Their Swords
• What Is a Fuller on a Sword?
• Best Sword Fighting Styles
• The Legacy of Iron Age Blades
• The Enigmatic Bronze Age Swords
• Superior Swords of the 18th Century
• The Artistry of Renaissance Blades
• Medieval Swords: Discover Your Warrior Spirit
• The Timeless Appeal of Steel Swords: A Collector's Guide
• The Legacy of Steel: Blades of the Ancients
• Faith, Fortitude and the Evolution of Swords
• 7 Legendary Swords Wielded by Kings That Shaped History
• A Versatile Bastard Sword a Comprehensive Guide to the Hand and a Half Sword
• Battle Ready Swords Explained What the Term Actually Means
• Mastering the Craft a Journey Into the World of Extraordinary Blades by Battling Blades
• Short Sword vs Greatsword Which Blade was Better Suited for Combat
• The Evolution and Diversity of Swords a Journey Through History
• The Most Notable Swords in History
• The Swords Journey Through Time Tracing the Evolution of Medieval Weapons
• The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Sword Tips and Considerations
• Title Unsheathing History Exploring the Legends of Battling Blades Swords from the Middle Ages
• Top 10 Deadliest Medieval Weapons of the Middle Ages
• Unveiling Excellence Discover the Top 5 Battle Ready Sword of Battling Blades
• What is the Best Sword to Buy for Beginners

Shop: All Swords · Longswords · Bastard Swords · Giant Swords · Broadswords · Greatswords

Viking & Norse Swords

• Spatha and Seax: The Two Blades That Became the Viking Sword
• Famous Viking Swords
• The Best Preserved Viking Swords
• Ulfberht: The Mystery of the Viking Sword
• Can You Buy an Ulfberht Sword Replica? Buying, Vetting, and Shipping Guide
• How Were Viking Swords Made? A Step-by-Step Guide to Viking Forging
• What Metal Were Viking Swords Made From?
• Viking Sword vs. Longsword
• The Legacy of Seafaring Warriors
• Viking Swords: From Battlefields to Your Collection
• Legendary Viking Swords
• The Complete Guide to Viking Arms
• A Complete Handmade Viking Sword Price Guide from Entry Level to Collector Grade
• Are Viking Swords Battle Ready What Every Collector Should Know
• Features of the Viking Sword
• How Much Does an Ulfberht Sword Cost? Originals, Replicas, and Price Tiers
• How Much Does a Viking Sword Cost from Battle Ready Blades to Collectibles
• How to Buy Quality Viking Swords Online
• How Viking Swords Were Forged and Why They Became Legendary Weapons
• The Artistry and Might of Viking Swords a Closer Look at Ulfberht Carolingian Spatha Hedeby and Petersen Type X
• The Romans and the Vikings Encounters on the Edge of the Known World and Their Art of Warfare
• Viking Swords What Buyers Should Know Before They Buy
• Vikings and Blades
• What Are the Different Types of Famous Viking Swords
• What Features Should You Look for in a Battle Ready Viking Sword
• What Is a Carolingian Sword? History, Design, Battle Use, and the Viking Connection
• What is a Viking Sword and What Were Viking Swords Used for
• What is the Best Metal for Viking Sword Durability and Strength
• What Is the Most Famous Viking Sword? Ulfberht, Saga Swords, and the Great Finds
• What Is the Ulfberht Sword and Why Is It Famous? The Ultimate Guide
• Which Viking Sword is Recommended for Reenactments Top Picks

Shop: Viking Swords · Viking Axes

Japanese Swords

• Katana vs. Wakizashi vs. Tanto: The Samurai's Three Blades
• The Ninjato: Myth, History, and the Straight Ninja Sword
• Odachi vs. Nodachi: A Guide for Collectors
• Why Odachi and Nodachi Swords Are a Special Treasure for Serious Collectors
• The Power and Prestige of the Odachi and Nodachi
• The Legacy of Samurai Swords: Katana and Short Katana
• True Japanese Katana Blades for Serious Collectors
• Owning a Genuine Katana: Where to Start
• How to Buy Katana Swords: Factors to Consider
• The Katana in Anime: Steel and Soul
• Samurai, Ninjas and the Connection to Chinese Swords
• High Quality Samurai Swords Sharp Durable Hand Forged
• How to Buy a Katana Steel Construction and What to Check
• How to Protect Your Katana Collection

Shop: Katana Swords · Naginata · Wakizashi · Ninjato Swords · Odachi and Nodachi Swords

Greek, Roman & Iberian Swords

• Iberian Swords: Falcata, Toledo Steel, and the Blades of Spain
• 8 Smart Ways to Choose a Premium Falcata Sword Online
• The Gladius: The Roman Short Sword
• History of the Gladius Sword
• Edge of Empire: The Gladius and the Roman World
• Xiphos Sword Guide: History, Design and Where to Buy
• Why Collectors Choose the Greek Xiphos
• The Phalanx an Ancient Greek Formation of War
• The Xiphos Sword a Timeless Ancient Warriors Weapon

Shop: Gladius Swords · Greek Swords · Iberian Swords

Scimitars, Sabres & Curved Blades

• The Cavalry Saber: History of the Horseman's Sword
• The Scimitar Through Centuries and Cultures
• The Scimitar Sword: A Symbol of Power and Precision
• The Deadly Scimitar: A Sword of Power
• The Legendary Scimitar: An Ageless Blade
• Finding the Scimitar That Matches Your Style
• The Arabian Scimitar: The Saif
• Scimitar vs. Katana
• The Ultimate Guide to Sabre Swords
• Refined Elegance of the Sabre Tracing its Historic Origins

Shop: Scimitar Swords · Sabres · Falchions

Rapiers & Fencing Swords

• Rapier Swords: History, Types and Uses
• The Art of the Rapier Sword: History and Design of a Renaissance Weapon
• Choosing the Right Rapier or Fencing Sword
• The Evolution of Rapier Guards
• Rapier vs. Longsword
• Rapier vs. Longsword: A Comprehensive Analysis of Two Iconic Medieval Swords
• Rapier vs Fencing Sword What is the Difference and Which One Should You Buy
• The Best Fencing Swords for Trainers Collectors
• The Estoc Sword a Guide to the Medieval Armor Piercer

Shop: Rapier Swords · Fencing Swords

Cutlasses

• Cutlass Swords: From High Seas to Ceremonial Use
• The Heritage of the Cutlass Sword
• Choosing the Perfect Cutlass Sword
• Pirate Cutlass Sword
• Cutlass Sword for Sale How to Spot an Authentic Blade
• What Makes a Cutlass Sword Both Deadly and Collectible

Shop: Cutlass Swords

Claymores & Scottish Swords

• The Claymore Sword: Scotland's Two Legendary Blades
• What Is a Claymore Sword? Definition, Uses, and Tips for Buying
• What Is a Broadsword? Broadsword vs. Longsword Explained
• The Legendary Claymore: A Collector's Dream
• Claymores: Giants of the Scottish Highlands
• Lion Claymores
• Blades Clash Unravelling the Myth of Bastard Sword vs Claymore

Shop: Claymores · Broadswords

Chinese Swords

• The Beauty of Chinese Sword Craftsmanship
• Authentic Chinese Swords for Serious Collectors
• Chinese Carbon Steel Sword
• Discover the Beauty of the Authentic Chinese Straight Sword
• The Chinese Halberd a Weapon of War and Art
• What is Chinese Swords a Guide to Types Uses and How to Buy Them

Shop: Chinese Swords

Fantasy, Anime & Screen Swords

• Falchion to Zweihander: The History Behind Fantasy Swords
• The Top 10 Coolest Swords in Film & Television
• Mythical Swords Inspired by Epic Movie Sagas
• Complete Guide to Anime Swords
• The Most Epic Anime Swords
• Choosing an Anime Sword for Display or Cosplay
• The Resurgence of Anime Swords in Collecting
• Anime, LARP, and Cosplay: Swords, Costumes, and Armor
• Swords in Dungeons & Dragons
• Swords Inspired by Aragorn
• Unraveling the Mystique of the Elven Realm Fantasy Folklore and Legendary Blades
• Steampunk: Blending the Past, Present, and Future
• What to Consider Before Purchasing Anime Swords Online

Shop: Fantasy & Anime Swords

Knives

Kukris, bowies, trackers, karambits and hunting knives. Most of these guides exist because someone asked us the same question twice.

Shop: All Knives · Cool Knives

Kukris

• Kukri Knife: A Collector's Guide to Nepal's Famous Blade
• The Gurkha Kukri: A Legacy of Valor
• The Traditional Kukri Knife
• Simple Guide to the Gurkha Kukri Knife
• Unknown and Amazing Facts About the Gurkha Kukri Knife
• Top 6 Reasons to Add a Gurkha Knife to Your Blade Collection

Shop: Gurkha Kukris

Bowie Knives

• Bowie Knife History and Blade Design: The Knife That Became a Legend
• Bowie Knife: America's Versatile Blade
• Best Bowie Knife Buying Guide
• The Complete Guide to Bowie Knives
• Uses of Bowie Knives
• Jim Bowie's Knife
• Bowie Knives: From Historic Origins to Modern Utility
• Best Bowie Knives of 2023
• All You Need to Know About Bowie Knife's Uses and Specialty
• Bowie Knife vs Hunting Knife vs Survival Knife Which One Do You Actually Need

Shop: Bowie Knives

Tracker, Survival Knives & Machetes

• Is a Machete a Sword? Where the Line Is and Why It Matters
• Tracker Knives vs. Regular Knives
• Choosing the Best Tracker Knife
• A Tracker Knife in Every Adventurer's Kit
• The Versatility of Tracker Knives
• 6 Essential Uses of a Camping Knife Every Camper Should Know
• Machetes a Versatile and Reliable Tool
• Tracker Knife Ultimate Survival Tool for Extreme Outdoor Conditions
• Why Packing a Machete for Your Next Camping Trip is Beneficial

Shop: Tracker Knives · Survival Knives · Machetes

Karambits & Haladies

• Best Karambit Knife Designs
• Why the Karambit and Other Knives Are Forever Tools
• What Is a Haladie Knife?
• Why the Haladie Is Different
• Haladie Double Edged Knife
• Karambit Knife the Top Choices for Self Defense and Fashion

Shop: Haladie Knives

Hunting & Skinning Knives

• Skinning Knives: Materials to Maintenance
• Key Qualities in a Skinning Knife
• Selecting the Best Skinning Knife for Each Hunter
• The Finest Blades of the Wild
• Read This Before You Buy Your Next Hunting Knife
• Reliable Hunting Knives Built for Every Outdoor Challenge

Shop: Hunting Knives · Skinning Knives

Knife Craft & Everyday Knives

• The Anatomy of a Knife
• Iconic Knives Every Enthusiast Should Own
• Culinary Damascus Knives
• A Comprehensive Guide on Kitchen Knives
• How to Keep Your Kitchen Knives in Good Shape
• 5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Kitchen Knives
• Fighting Blades: Everything You Need to Know
• How Safely Store and Display Your Knife Collection
• The Ultimate Guide to the Knife Uses and Benefits
• Why Does a Custom Knife Offer Better Performance Than Mass Produced Blades

Shop: Kitchen Knives

Armor, Shields & Costume

What the pieces are called, what they protected, and what to look for if you’re buying for display, re-enactment, LARP or cosplay.

• Iconic Types of Medieval Armor
• A Comprehensive Guide on Medieval Knight Armor Suits
• The Tale of Medieval Suits of Armor
• 6 Things to Know About the Medieval Suit of Armor
• The Spartan Shield and Helmet
• Viking Armor and Weapons
• Caring for Leather Armor: Storage and Cleaning
• Buying Medieval Boots
• Choosing a Replica Weapon for Display or Cosplay
• The Medieval Knight Costume
• Evolution of Medieval Knights and Armor from Chainmail to Plate Armor
• Medieval Dress of Armor Durable Hand Forged and Functional
• Middle Ages for Kids a Knights Armor and Weapons
• The Most Iconic Medieval Collectibles Armor Pieces and Their History
• Things to Consider When Building a Costume for Live Action Role Playing
• Your Full-Scale LARPing Store
• Unveiling the Enigmatic Styles of Medieval Clothing a Look at Various Options

Shop: Shields · Shields of the Ancients · Body Armor & Vests · Gauntlets · Greaves · Steampunk

Axes & Tomahawks

Where the tomahawk came from, how a Viking axe differs from one, and how to pick between them.

• The Battle Axe: From the Dane Axe to the Knight's Poleaxe
• The Native American Tomahawk
• History of the Tomahawk
• The Tomahawk as a Symbol of Heritage
• Tomahawk vs. Viking Axe: A Buying Guide
• Choosing a Viking Axe
• The Complete Guide to Selecting an Axe
• Where to Buy a High-Performance Axe Built for Real Use
• Medieval, Elven and Steampunk: Tomahawk, Bowie and Sword
• Best Viking Axes to Add to Your Armory in 2026
• Axe vs Sword Battle Axe Viking Axe and Tomahawk for Collectors Displays and Gifts
• Best Throwing Axes

Shop: Axes · Tomahawks · Viking Axes

Spears, Polearms & Ancient Weapons

Javelins, spears and the older end of the arsenal — including what to look for if you’re buying a spear for training rather than display.

• What Is a Spear? Types of Spear and Uses
• Selecting a Javelin or Spear for Training, Display or Collection
• Beginner Javelin and Short Spear Choices
• Key Features of the Light Spear and Javelin
• The Enduring Legacy of the Spear
• The Spear Unveiled
• The Halberd a Versatile and Deadly Polearm in Medieval Warfare
• The Rise of the All-Purpose Halberd
• Poleaxe vs. Halberd: Which Is the Best Weapon for Battle?
• Prehistoric Weapons and Tools
• Women in Combat: Historical Weapons
• Medieval Weapons for Collectors
• The Top 10 Most Deadly Medieval Siege Weapons
• What Are the Best Spear Types for Beginners and Collectors

Shop: Spears · Archery · Archery Armor

Collecting, Care & Craft

Damascus steel, sharpening and polishing, custom work, and the odds and ends of collecting.

Damascus Steel

• What Is Damascus Steel? The Pattern, the Myth, and the Truth
• Decoding Damascus: How to Identify Real and Fake Damascus Steel
• Why Damascus Steel Swords Shine
• Restoring Damascus Steel: Why Re-Etching Matters
• The Enduring Power and Beauty of Damascus Steel
• Buying a High Carbon Damascus Steel Sword
• The Quality of Damascus Steel Blades
• Custom Damascus Steel Swords Where History Strength and Timeless Design Meet
• How to Take Care of Hand Made Damascus Knives Properly
• Pattern Welded Folded Damascus Steel Sword Purchasing Guide
• Real vs Imitation Damascus Steel What Buyers Need to Know
• Revealing the Art in Artistry Bringing Out the Damascus Pattern in Your Blade

Care, Sharpening & Customization

• How to Sharpen a Sword: Angles, Stones, and What Never to Do
• How to Use a Knife and Sword Sharpening Stone (and How to Choose One)
• All You Need to Know About Knife Sharpening Stone Kits
• How to Care for a Sword Storage Cleaning and Maintenance
• The Art of Polishing a Sword
• Etching and Engraving: A New Era of Customization
• Custom Knife Crafting
• Sword Customization
• Sword Stand vs Wall Mount the Best Ways to Display a Sword at Home

Shop: Engrave Your Blade · Cleaning Kits & Sharpeners · Belts

Collecting & Curiosities

• Best Products for Collectors, Re-enactors and Cosplayers
• The Battling Blades Sword Quiz
• Why Buy From Battling Blades
• The History of Medieval Viking Mugs
• Viking-Style Drinking Horns, Cups and Tankards
• Choosing a Horn Mug
• Nordic and Viking Rings
• Why a Marble Chess Set Is a Statement Piece
• Marble Chess Sets: Artwork and Gameplay
• The Thrill of Playing With a Marble Chess Set
• The Chess Set of Duels
• Chess Set Buying Guide for Beginners Battling Blades
• Ultimate Gifts for Dad for Any Occasion
• Authentic Viking Horn Craftsmanship by Battling Blades
• Traditional Drinking Horn Mug Viking Inspired Collection for Sale

Shop: Mugs & Drinking Horns · Sale Items · Overstock

Reference

Labeled diagrams and glossaries for when you need to know exactly what a part is called.

• Parts of a Sword — labeled diagram and glossary
• Parts of a Katana — labeled diagram and glossary
• Parts of a Sword — full written guide, pommel to point

Popular Categories

• Swords
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• Axes
• Costumes
• Create Your Own
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