How to Choose Fantasy Swords and Weapons

Fantasy weapons, and particularly fantasy swords, are available in an extensive range of styles including Highlander, Lord of the Rings, Samurai, Dragon and Final Fantasy swords. If you are looking for a fantasy sword you need to know what you will be using the sword for and what you should be looking for. There is a significant difference in fantasy weapons made for only ornamental purposes and those manufactured to be battle ready. The best quality swords are usually high-priced although there are some obtainable below about 0.

Cheap Fantasy Weapons and Swords

Many of the swords and weapons available are manufactured in China or Pakistan and, although they look OK in a photograph they are made very cheaply, which is very obvious when you hold them in your hands. They are poorly made, often with loose hilts and brittle blades and scanty details. They are of course, very cheap so you get the quality that you pay for! If you solely require a decorative sword to put on the wall they might be suitable although if you only give $40 you cannot expect anything of better quality.

Ornamental High Quality Swords and Weapons

There are several higher quality, ornamental swords available and one designer to look for is Kit Rae who has been making fantasy axes, knives and swords since 1984. While not ‘battle ready’ these stainless steel decorative fantasy swords are excellent value for money. There are though many bogus Kit Rae weapons as they are the ones most copied by counterfeiters. A lot of sellers even go so far as showing you pictures of true Kit Rae weapons then will sell you a counterfeit one. Genuine Kit Rae swords can be bought from around $150. These are attractive rather than functional and are manufactured from stainless steel. They are excellent art works and are the top value decorative swords obtainable.

Functional Fantasy Swords and Weapons

Fantasy designs are just that, fantasy! Therefore to translate an ornamental fantasy sword into a functional sword is not usually possible. A number of manufacturers have managed to bring together the fantasy element with function to manufacture a satisfactory functional fantasy sword. One instance is the by the Hanwei Forge is the Dark Sentinel Sword which is a combination of a Japanese katana and a European duelling sword. Tempered steel functional swords are made by Windlass Steelcrafts some of which are based on the Wheel of Time series or the game of Dungeons and Dragons.

fantasy swords are made by Generation 2 who also manufacture a large fantasy sword called the Sword of Chaos, though the majority of their products are replicas of medieval swords. A further producer that we would mention is Darksword Armoury which turn out strong functional fantasy swords. Several of their models are based on classic fantasies including Lord of the Rings and several are novel fantasy designs. They also make the Anduril Sword of Aragorn.

Conclusion

Do some homework before you buy a fantasy sword. Ensure you are aware of the distinction between ornamental and functional swords and purchase one that suits your requirements. Do not expect a low-priced reproduction to be useful for anything more than putting on the wall. For a high quality fantasy weapon select one from a good manufacturer and steer clear of the cut-rate replicas imported from China or Pakistan.