Noble Armory Service@NobleArmory.com (click to send email) Most swords are made to view...the Noble Sword is made to use Experience the Edge of History       Noble Armory Swords are NOT flimsy and weak "made in ...some strange place" swords like most others.  Noble Armory Swords are hardcore sparring swords made in America from high quality raw materials.  Our durable, high-strength 7075 aluminum alloy blades are designed for light or heavy swordplay.  The aesthetics of our swords are very important but the form and function are the highest priority.  For the look, feel, and ringing sound of the real thing as well as rounded edges for safety and very durable full-tang construction the hand-crafted swords at the Noble Armory are ideal.      The light weight of the aluminum alloy blade allows for more surface area on the edges of the blade while still maintaining the same profile as its steel sword cousin which greatly increases the safety of these weapons.  For a steel sword to have an edge as wide and safe as these it would be 2-3 times heavier with the added mass or the profile would be 2-3 times narrower to keep the weight of the weapon the same.  The result would be an inaccurate sword in its handling or appearance.  The 7075 aluminum alloy used in Noble Armory's blades is the best cost effective material available for making a metal sparring sword as safe as possible while the blade's profile stays true to the real thing.  7075 is a very hard and springy aluminum alloy and has the characteristics of a well-tempered steel except that steel is three times heavier per unit of volume.       These swords need to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Greater enjoyment comes from two or more swords being used together among sparring partners, friends, and/or family.  The feel of the solid hilt construction and the sound of ringing metal are deeply gratifying as you perform, practice, play, or just wear the sword with a costume.  Sparring swords constructed of wood or plastic simply cannot compare to the look, feel, and durability of these swords.  Wooden and plastic swords will usually need replaced more often if they are used frequently or if they see hard use and will not have historically accurate weight and balance characteristics.  There are some well made steel swords designed for training but they are more expensive and have a narrower (thus more dangerous) edge and usually have a narrower profile.       Sword makers that do not use traditional methods for hilt construction usually cause the overall sword performance, appearance, and durability to suffer.  Some do not have the distinctive ring of a well built sword.  The traditional peening method used at the Noble Armory was used by sword smiths throughout history because it is very strong and long lasting.  Most models have the guards are peened into place as well as the pommel.  The handles on our swords are a hard plastic piece tightly custom fitted to the tang of each sword.  The tangs are left wide for strength and durability.  They are almost as wide as the handle and are tapered down inside the pommel till they reach the base.   The tip of the tang is peened for a secure bond and puts some compression force on the entire hilt to help keep it strong and secure even with frequent use.  If your sword is found to have any manufacturing defects we will repair or replace the sword within one year from the date of your purchase.       Our focus is on a high-quality, durable product.  Please keep in mind that these swords are handmade, like their historic counterparts, and generally ship within four weeks from the time that they are ordered.  Periodically, order volume is high and completion of orders may take up to two months.  If the swords you order are in stock they will ship quickly, however, due to the vast customization available this is uncommon.  If you need the sword by a certain date in the very near future check the option for a "rush order" and let us know the date that you need the sword.  Currently, payments for orders can be made by credit card or bank account through paypal at checkout (no paypal account required to pay by credit card).  Once the payment is received the order will begin processing. The current series of swords described below can be seen by using the menu in the upper left part of the screen or by clicking the red lettering below. Noble Series High end swords for stage, film, decoration, costume, gift, or collection.  Blades are beveled on the edge yet still rounded.  The bevel is more pronounced than the optional beveling on the Master series.  The hilt components are constructed of blued steel as well as being more complex and pleasing to the eye.  We will be adding more swords and pictures as they are available. Master Series Durable, well finished full size sparring swords.  Steel guards and pommels are used for accurate weight and balance.  Many options to choose from for a customized sword.  Stainless steel hilt upgrades are available. Apprentice Series The Apprentice Series sparring swords are designed for rugged reliability.   These swords are less expensive training versions of the Master series.  This no-nonsense series is intended for serious martial arts practitioners or anyone looking for a less expensive, durable, and safe sparring sword. Squire Series This series has the same high quality finish work of the Master Series at a lower price.  This the lowest price series we offer.  The Squire swords work well for those that just want a shorter, lightweight sword and for those that need smaller swords due to space limitations on a stage.  They are also great for those with brave hearts but small stature (children).  These smaller-sized swords will give a young person the sense of wielding a full size weapon.  The items in this series are sized at about 80% of full sized swords and have wide rounded edges and tips for safety.  Guards and pommels are crafted from aluminum alloy which makes the swords very lightweight and rust free.  Our Squire swords are much more realistic and much more durable than any other toy sword in the world. Each of these lines will have more sword styles added in the future as we research, develop, and finalize testing. Check back often to stay abreast of new developments or sign up for The Noble Messenger to receive updates as they are available by entering you email the textbox in the left column. If you are involved in stage/live performance, film, martial arts, or other combat activity and require safe weapons that have the look, feel, and sound of real steel then a Noble Sword is what you need.  We do some custom sword crafting if you want a sword style that you do not see on our website.  We can also put aluminum blades on a sword you currently own if the hilt allows.  Prices will vary depending on the sword.  There is a one time $50 fee for design and development.  Once we set a price for the sword you may purchase as many as you like at that price.  The $50 fee applies to the first sword only.   Contact us today if you have any questions or need any further information.