Exploring Japanese Sword Types: A Glimpse into the Art of the Blade Japanese swords are not just weapons; they are symbols of culture, craftsmanship, and centuries of martial tradition. Throughout history, different sword types were designed to fulfill unique roles in combat, ceremonial rites, and daily life. Whether you’re a martial arts practitioner, a history […]
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Finding the Right Katana Length For You
Finding the Perfect Katana Length: A Guide for Every Practitioner The katana, often regarded as one of the most iconic weapons in history, has a blade length that holds deep significance. Historically, the katana has been crafted in various sizes, with typical blade lengths ranging from 27 to 30 inches (68–76 cm). This range reflects […]
Read MoreHistorical Sword Types: When, Where & How They Were Used
What Has Shaped Sword Design Through the Ages? Geography and Resources The resources available to a society greatly influenced sword design. Availability of metal, the skills of local blacksmiths, and access to different forging techniques determined the quality and characteristics of swords. In some places, iron was scarce, leading to different materials being used for […]
Read MoreBuying Swords and Building a Sword Collection – From the Ultimate Expert
“Swords are for everyone and we view it as a shared culture. Everyone can play along.”
“Swords are for everyone and we view it as a shared culture. Everyone can play along.”
Read MoreLandsknecht Emporium Arrives at Kult of Athena
We are proud to add another prestigious European Maker to our Site
We are constantly looking to expand our offering of swords with new, quality makers. This month, we brought the well respected Landsknecht Emporium to our site. We asked a few questions of our new friends in Hungary, and here is what we learned – What does the Name Mean? The Landsknecht was the archetypal mercenary […]
Read MoreBalaur Arms – Introducing the Asian Line
After developing the Dark Ages and Medieval foundation of Balaur Arms, the KOA product development team has released the first portion of its Asian Line – a focus on the Japanese Katana and Shirasaya. The History of Balaur Arms A few months ago, we asked Matt – our development lead – to explain the origins […]
Read MoreThe Katana: Buyer’s Guide Basics
Understanding the katana can be a study that truly lasts a lifetime, with even the top experts learning more every day. While authentic Japanese Katana can range from $3-$5K, the average collector is looking for that authentic look without the price tag. But how do you know what makes a good Katana? What factors should […]
Read MoreNew Demo Video: Devil’s Edge – Steel Certified High Carbon
Demo Video is live, focusing on the new Egyptian Pharaoh Dagger from Devil's Edge.
Read MoreJapanese Blades: Bo-hi or No-hi?
Navigating the world of Japanese swords and the related terminology can oftentimes be confusing. You may see terms like bo-hi, no-hi, or fatasuji-hi but what do all these mean in terms of sword function and appearance? A “bo-hi” is the Japanese name for the grove that runs along a blade, with the bo-hi being the […]
Read MoreNew Demo Video: Darksword Sword of Alexandria
Darksword Armory has always had a strong following on our site, and we put the Alexandria through its paces for a new demo video of this historically significant, Medieval European sword. The Alexandria – an Oakeshott Type XVIIIc sword – was found interred and preserved in the Mameluke Armory at Alexandria. It is not known […]
Read MoreNew Feature only at Kult Of Athena: 3D Imaging
For years, KoA has taken the time to take our own photographs of most of the items we sell. In fact, most weapons get a minimum of 5 Kult-owned images and sometimes as many as 8. Every angle matters. Every detail matters. And you don’t get these images anywhere else. Now, we are trying something […]
Read MoreNew Demo Video: Musashi Bamboo Lightweight Fast Katana
We hear “lightweight and fast” often in descriptions of katanas. With so manufacturers making that claim, we thought doing a demo of a Musashi Katana – that calls itself Lightweight and Fast – would be the right thing to do. We should also mention the Bamboo Lightweight Fast Katana is very affordable. Check out […]
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