Zabuza Momochi is one of the first strong adversaries appearing at the beginning chapters of Naruto. Zabuza was once a member of the Kirigakure's Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, a group of shinobi who wield exceptionally large swords. The swords are passed down from one generation to another. Zabuza's sword is called Kubikiri Hocho which translates to "Decapitating Knife".


After a failed coup to assassinate Kirigakure's leadership, Zabuza and his followers fled the village and began working as hired assassins. As a Kirigakure shinobi, he is well-skilled in water-jutsu and this was shown in the fight with Hatake Kakashi and company which marks one of the early pinnacle battles in Naruto. In the end Zabuza was defeated by Kakashi and this failure caused him his life when his employer decided to hire other assassins to take him out.

After his death, Zabuza's sword ended-up in the hands of Suigetsu Houzuki who is the brother of Mangetsu Houzuki (believed to be one of the Seven Swordsmen). Suigetsu later joined Uchiha Sasuke's Hawk group after Sasuke defeated Orochimaru.


Sometime before being introduced, Suigetsu trained to be one of Kirigakure's Seven Swordsmen of the Mist but failed. Suigetsu then begun his quest to collect all of the swords of the Seven Swordsmen for himself instead. To this end, he hopes to be able to take Hoshigaki Kisame's sword Samehada by working with Sasuke.


Zabuza fans will certainly want a life-size replica of Kubikiri Hocho which is a whopping huge sword to wield, not to mention the weight. Bad news is I couldn't find a steel replica of that size. Good news is the Stainless Steel Zabuza Momochi Sword replica from TopSwords which is a smaller 42" version of the sword. Overall I'd say it's a pretty marvelous looking piece especially the huge blade. The blade is made of 440 Stainless Steel with a width as wide as the guard. It features a hollow circle near the blade tip and partial hollow at the blade edge near the guard, similar to the design in the anime. The handle is made of metal and wrapped with leather. There are four exposed metal rings at the handle making the Zabuza Momochi Sword really eye-catching. A genuine leather sheath is also included with the sword replica.


If you're looking for Zabuza's costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They also have selections of other Naruto character costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

I'm not a big fan of Tom Cruise but I sure seen a lot of his antiques in real life and had a few good laughs. I'm sure Oprah did too. The Last Samurai (2003) movie starring Mr. Cruise, tells the story of an American soldier Nathan Algren who initially fought against the samurai led by Lord Katsumoto, but in the end joined forces and fought alongside them during the Meiji Restoration era in 1876 and 1877. The movie is not a true story but it does contain historical elements from the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion led by Saigo Takamori and the story of Jules Brunet, a French army captain who fought alongside Enomoto Takeaki in a previous Boshin War.


Historically, the only recorded significant event of foreigners assuming active role in Japanese civil war is that of French military advisors under Jules Brunet and this was during the Boshin War, not the Satsuma Rebellion featured in the film. They joined forces favourable to the Shogun under Enomoto Takeaki. The Last Samurai also replaced the key French figures with American characters.


In the real Satsuma Rebellion, no Westerners were ever recorded to have fought on either side of the rebellion. The battle was also more one-sided than what was described in The Last Samurai. The event happened in 1877,10 years after the Boshin War, and 10 years after the Imperial Japanese Army was formed. The Imperial Army sent a massive force of 300,000 soldiers under Kawamura Sumiyoshi to the island of Kyushu to crush Saigo Takamori and his 40,000 strong troops. The Imperial soldiers were equipped with modern weaponries including howitzers and surveillance balloons. In reality all sides of the conflict in both Boshin War and Satsuma Rebellion, used modern equipment to some degree.

Although the character of Lord Katsumoto (played by Ken Watanabe) is based on Saigo Takamori, the last battle in the movie is not taken from his final stand against the Imperial Army. The scene was actually based on a different battle where a group of disgruntled retainers attacked the new Imperial Army without any firearms or western weapons and that event took place somewhere around the same time.


In the ending chapters of The Last Samurai, Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) received a Japanese katana from the samurai. That katana has been reproduced by Musashi into an exact functional sword replica. The Musashi Handmade Full-Tang Last Samurai Movie Sword Replica from 247Swords has an overall length of 41", blade Length 28" and handle length 11". The fully-functional blade is made of 1060 high-carbon steel, hammered out to ensure the carbon is evenly distributed throughout the blade for a consistent hardness. A groove is added to the blade top to reduce the weight of the blade.


Inscribed on the Last Samurai Sword's blade is the Kanji "I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new". The blade features a kissake (blade point), hamon (temper pattern) and comes with a sharpened edge. A full-tang construction is built into the movie sword. The habaki (blade collar) is a one piece brass construction with two copper seppa (washer/spacer). The actual tsuba (guard) is blackened iron with a pin-wheel design. Black cotton cord wraps the tsuka (handle) over a white ray skin and secures the kashira (pommel) made of oxidized copper. The tangs of the Last Samurai Movie Sword are secured by two bamboo mekugi (sword peg) while the menuki (hilt ornaments) are copper dragons on each sides of the handle. The saya (scabbard) is made of hard wood with a high-gloss black finish. The koiguchi (scabbard mouth) is bull horn while the sageo (cord) is a black cotton cord wrapped over the kurikata (loop for cord). This Last Samurai Movie Sword replica also comes with a free wooden display stand and a beautiful gift box decorated with yellow silk inlay.


If you prefer a decorative sword, the Stainless Steel Last Samurai Movie Sword Replica from TrueSwords is a nice alternative although it's not an exact replica. The sword has an overall length of 41.25" and the blade is made of 440 Stainless Steel. It does not feature a full-tang construction and the tsuba (guard) has a different design - a golden dragon figure encircling the solid guard. The handle is made of wood and the sword comes with a display stand inscribed "Bushido" in Japanese.

Just read this weird news on BBC: A teenager from Ayrshire who was caught posing with a sword on the social networking site Bebo has been fined £200 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court. Anthony Bowman, 19, pleaded guilty to displaying the image on Bebo between January 2006 and July 2008. His case came to light after police conducted a trawl of the internet in a bid to cut crime and disorder. Read more on Court fine over Bebo sword image.

Kisuke Urahara's zanpakutou in sealed form is a shikomizue called Benihime which translates to "crimson princess". Shikomizue which literally means "prepared cane" is actually the name of the mounting where the sword blade is placed in, to conceal the fact that it is a sword and thus provide the element of surprise. In Urahara's case, it is a walking cane stick and I guess it reflects Urahara's mysterious and reserved personality.


This type of mounting was used commonly by shinobi (Ninja) in ancient days and made popular by the fictional blind swordmaster Zatoichi. The sheathe of Benihime also has the ability to dislodge a soul from the body.

To release Benihime's shikai form, Urahara uses the command "okiro" or "awaken". In shikai form, Benihime's blade is wider and the hilt end bends at an angle. Its slim guard runs parallel with the blade which is rare among all zanpakutou. There are two red silk tassels attached to the guard and pommel. A short chain is also hangs from the guard.


Benihime has two known special abilities activated by the command "nake" or "sing/cry". It creates a polygonal "blood-mist shield" which defends against most attacks and hurl a crimson energy blast similar to a cero. Urahara being a former captain of Gotei 13 has achieved bankai but it is yet to be revealed. Amazingly he achieved bankai in only three days. His previous comments suggest it's either insanely powerful or not an offensive type.


The Kisuke Urahara Benihime Sword replica from RoyalArm is a beautiful decorative sword with great attention to detail. The sword has an overall length of 47". The blade is made of 440 stainless steel and features a full-tang construction. Benihime Sword's guard and pommel have polished copper-like surface similar to the anime design. There were some replicas I came across on the net having gray-weathered black guard and pommel instead, and priced higher than RoyalArm's.


If there are no stocks available at RoyalArm which do happens occasionally due to sudden high demand, you can opt for the alternative Kisuke Urahara Benihime Sword replica from Collectible Cutlery.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

Glamdring is originally the sword forged for the Elven King Turgon in the First Age. In The Hobbit, Glamdring went missing for six thousand years until Gandalf found it in the Troll-hoard of Bert, Tom, and William in the Trollshaws. The swords Sting and Orcrist were also found in the troll's cave. As with many First Age Elven blades, the swords glow blue in the presence of Orcs.


Glamdring along with Orcrist, its mate are described as having "beautiful scabbards and jewelled hilts" and are inscribed with runes which Gandalf himself couldn't read. He recognizes that "they are not made by any troll, nor by any smith among men in these parts and days." Later when the swords were presented to Elrond of Rivendell, he deciphers the runes and explains the swords' true origin and purpose. They were crafted by the Elves of Gondolin for the "Goblin-wars". Elrond calls Glamdring "Foe-hammer that the king of Gondolin once wore". The Goblins name it "Beater".


In the Misty Mountains when Thorin Oakenshield and his companions were attacked by Orcs, Gandalf came to their rescue with flash of fire and smoke. He used Glamdring to severe the head of the Great Goblin. The other Orcs fled when they recognized the legendary sword Beater. Gandalf continued to use Glamdring throughout the saga in The Lord of the Rings. In Moria, he wielded the sword against Orcs in the Chamber of Mazarbul. On the Bridge of Khazad-dum, Gandalf confronted Balrog with Glamdring. The blade gleamed with white light and shattered Balrog's red sword into molten fragments. After demolishing the bridge pass with his staff, Gandalf and the Balrog fell into the abyss but continued to fight until Balrog fled to the Endless Stair. In the Battle of the Peak, Gandalf finally defeated Balrog.

When Gandalf returned as the White, he still had Glamdring by his side. Then he left the sword in the care of Hama, the Doorward of Theoden at Meduseld. Gandalf later retrieved Glamdring and bore it throughout the War of the Ring. When the war was over, Gandalf returned to Bree with the Hobbits. It is not known whether Gandalf took Glamdring with him to the Undying Lands at the end of the Third Age.


The best price I could find at the time of this post was the United Cutlery Glamdring Movie Sword Replica sold by Efunctional. However there was only 1 unit of stock left. The United Cutlery Glamdring Movie Sword Replica is a premium quality reproduction using the finest grade materials and craftsmanship. The authentically detailed sword is presented with a hardwood wall display plaque and a certificate of authenticity. It features genuine leather-wrapped handgrip and an antique silver-finished solid metal guard and pommel engraved with an elvish writing. The blade is 36" long and made of 0.25" thick tempered 420 J2 stainless steel. The Glamdring movie sword has an overall length of 47.625".

If the remaining stock has been sold out, alternatively you can purchase the United Cutlery Glamdring Movie Sword replica sold by TolkienTown, the one-stop center for all things Tolkien.


If you don't have the room space for the 47" sword, you can opt for the Mini United Cutlery Glamdring Movie Sword. It has a blade length of 7.13" and overall length 9.5". The falsed-edged blade is made of 420 J2 stainless steel while the handle is cast metal with an antique finish. The mini sword is placed onto a cold cast porcelain display with hand-painted finish and brass shield.

Kenpachi Zaraki is the captain of the 11th Division within Gotei 13. His lieutenant is Kusajishi Yachiru. Kenpachi is the only captain who doesn't know the name of his zanpakutou and therefore he is not able to achieve bankai just yet. Even without a bankai, he was powerful enough to acquire the 11th Division captain position by defeating and killing the previous captain.


Although Kenpachi doesn't know his zanpakutou's name, it's always in shikai state due to his immense reiatsu or spiritual power similar to Kurosaki Ichigo's Zangetsu. His zanpakutou assumes the appearance of a worn-down dull blade with a guard that extends inward from its center. This reflects Kenpachi's practice of deliberately weakening himself to match his opponent's strength so he can prolong the fight and savour the battle for the longest possible time.


The sword's blade is much longer than a normal zanpakutou. Despite its worn out appearance, Kenpachi's zanpakutou easily cuts through most objects. This was proven when it pierced right through Ichigo's zanpakutou in a duel and effortlessly sliced a building in half after Kenpachi released the full force of his reiatsu. The sword was also featured in The DiamondDust Rebellion where it demolished a large section of a castle. Although Kenpachi's reiatsu is insanely immense, the disharmony with his zanpakutou causes the two's power to diminish each other. There's no telling how powerful Kenpachi could become once he successfully communicates with his zanpakutou.


The Kenpachi Zaraki Sword replica from TopSwords was the cheapest I can find at the time of this post. The sword replica has an overall length of 43" and blade length 28". The blade is made of stainless steel and the adjoining unique tsuba (guard) has the same design shown in the anime. White Cotton cloth wraps both the wooden sword handle and scabbard. The blade edge however is not worn-out and dilapidated like the anime, instead it looks brand new. If they could mimic the battle scars on the blade, it would have been an awesome wicked sword! Guaranteed!


If there are no stocks available, alternatively you can purchase the Kenpachi Zaraki Sword Replica from 247Swords.


If price is not an issue, there is the Kenpachi Zaraki Sword replica from Collectible Cutlery.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

Frodo Sting sword featured in The Lord of The Rings trilogy is an Elvish knife made in Gondolin during the First Age. Sting was originally found by Bilbo Baggins in a troll-hoard along with the swords Glamdring and Orcrist. By the standard of Men and Elves, Sting was more of a dagger than a sword. To a hobbit however, Sting makes a versatile short sword with the right weight.

Bilbo gave Sting its name after fighting off some giant spiders in Mirkwood. The spiders themselves referred to the blade as his "sting." Sting's blade glows in blue whenever Orcs approach and this was a common property of many First Age Elven blades particularly those forged in Gondolin.


In The Hobbit, Bilbo confronted Gollum with Sting under the Misty Mountains. Gollum hated anything that was made by the Elves and he was particularly afraid of Sting. Later on when the Fellowship of the Ring was about to set off from Rivendell to Mount Doom in their quest to destroy the One Ring, Bilbo passed Sting over to Frodo. During the battle in Moria, Boromir striked a giant troll with his sword which proved ineffective. Frodo's Sting was exceptionally sharp and it wounded the troll with ease. When Frodo was stung and paralyzed by Shelob at the pass of Cirith Ungol, Samwise Gamgee grabbed Sting and cleaved one of Shelob's claw followed by an eye. Victory was in hand when Shelob impaled herself upon Sting while trying to crush Sam.


The Lord of the Rings Frodo Sting Movie Sword Replica by United Cutlery is a premium quality reproduction. On the silver screen, the actual prop sword resembles a Roman gladius and United Cutlery meticulously reproduced it using the finest grade materials and craftsmanship. This 22" authentically detailed movie sword comes with a hardwood wall display plaque and a certificate of authenticity. Frodo Sting Movie Sword has a solid wood handgrip with a metallic elvish-vine design. The metal guard and pommel has an antique silver-finish, engraved with elvish writing. The 15" blade with similar runes is made of 0.25" thick tempered 420 J2 stainless steel. The runes in the Elven language of Sindarin reads ""Maegnas aen estar nin dagnir in yngyl im" which translates to "Maegnas is my name, I am the spider's bane." The movie sword however doesn't come together with the scabbard.


The Lord of The Rings Frodo Sting Scabbard by United Cutlery is sold separately. If you bought the Sting sword from UC, it's best to buy their scabbard for the best fit. The scabbard is also an authentically detailed reproduction of the actual prop featured in the Lord of The Rings trilogy. It has a solid metal collar and tip with antiqued metal finish, Elvish vine design and genuine leather wrap.


If you have deeper pockets, you can opt for the UC1424 Museum-Quality Lord of The Rings Frodo Sting Movie Sword Replica which originally costs over a thousand dollars. Last checked there was a 50% discount, a bargain for hardcore fans. The 20" limited edition museum-quality movie sword has its own unique serial number on the back of the blade and only 3000 pieces are manufactured. The blade is made of high-carbon Toledo spring steel and has a length of 14.625". The guard and pommel are plated in genuine silver, authentically weathered and worn. The distressed hardwood grip features a hand-applied,silver vine onlay. A hardwood display is included in the package.


There's also another version of Sting which glows and it received encouraging reviews from customers. The Glowing FX Collectible Frodo Sting Movie Sword Toy has a plastic blade which is made to look like real metal. The blade glows with a blue light, perfect toy for children and families. Batteries however are not included. Last checked it was on 80% steep discount.


And lastly is the Miniature Frodo Sting Movie Sword Replica (1/3 scale) by UC. It has an overall length of 6.875", blade length 4.75" and thickness 0.125". The blade is made of tempered 420 J2 stainless steel with laser-etched Elven runes design. A rat-tail tang construction fit the blade into the handle. The handle is made of cast metal with an antique finish. A cold cast porcelain base is included measuring 3.75x3x2.5", has hand-painted finish and a brass shield.