Movie Sword Awesome Replica

Sosuke Aizen Zanpakuto Kyoka Suigetsu Sword Replica

2010-10-12T12:55:00.002+08:00

Sosuke Aizen was the captain of the 5th Division at the start of the series. He defected from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc, fleeing to Hueco Mundo. In the past he was the lieutenant of the 5th Division under Captain Shinji Hirako, whom he replaced sometime after converting Shinji into a Vizard.

Aizen's zanpakuto is Kyoka Suigetsu (literally "mirror flower water moon"). Suigetsu is activated with the command "shatter" (kudakero). Kyoka Suigetsu's Shikai ability is Kanzen Saimin (Complete Hypnosis). It controls the five senses to the point that it can make the target misinterpret another person's form, shape, mass, feel and smell to be that of the enemy. The initiation condition for the hypnosis is to show the enemy the release of Kyoka Suigetsu. After seeing it just once, that person will completely succumb to the hypnosis. After that, every time it is released, that person will fall under the thrall of the hypnosis. The hypnosis is apparently long-lasting, seeing as the Vizards are still affected by Kyoka Suigetsu even though they were hypnotized at least 110 years ago. Since the spell only works upon seeing the ritual, those who did not see it are consequently immune to the hypnosis.

When Aizen turns off the hypnosis by force of will, the image shown melts away/shatters. Kyoka Suigetsu's Kanzen Saimin technique is absolutely flawless, even if the target is aware that they are under the hypnosis, they cannot resist its influence. Kyoka Suigetsu's hypnotic abilities make it a highly useful tool in combat, as Aizen can quickly create simple or complex illusions to deceive opponents. For example, by creating a decoy of himself, or other illusions to distract his opponents, Aizen can hide his own movements and attack with impunity. His opponent, meanwhile, will remain focused on the illusion until it's too late to react.

While the illusions Kyoka Suigetsu creates are quite powerful, those with considerable power and skill themselves may be able to note slight differences in the illusions compared to the real thing, even if they are not able to determine what, precisely, is different. As discovered through decades of observation by Gin Ichimaru, the only way to stop the hypnosis before it is invoked is by touching Kyoka Suigetsu itself.

The Sosuke Aizen Zanpakuto Kyoka Suigetsu Sword Replica features a 440 stainless steel constructed blade 27" in length, 40" Full Length Katana and wooden scabbard (Saya). The blade itself is slightly sharpened, so beware. The handle of the katana is wrapped with dark green color nylon cords, made with imitation ray skin material. The guard (tsuba) is a hexagon shape, similar to that in the anime. Overall a great gift and low-cost entry for Bleach fans and anime weapon collectors.

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.

Izuru Kira Zanpakuto Wabisuke Sword Replica

2010-10-12T12:54:00.005+08:00

Izuru Kira is the lieutenant of the 3rd Division in Gotei 13. He was formerly a member of the 5th Division and 4th Division. Kira is a friend of Momo Hinamori and Renji Abarai from their days in the Soul Reaper academy. Though loyal to his friends, he often places his duties as a lieutenant above them. He defends his captain, Gin Ichimaru, from a grief-stricken Hinamori, and later calls himself a "monster" for raising his sword against her. Kira subsequently comes to regret helping Gin to defect from Soul Society, and develops more of a depressed and pessimistic demeanor.

Kira's zanpakuto is Wabisuke ("The Apologizer", translated in the English manga as "the penitent one"). The shikai command of Wabisuke is "raise your head". When released, Wabisuke takes the form of a sword with a square hook that has the ability to double the weight of whatever it strikes. The effect is cumulative, so each following hit exponentially increases the weight of the target (something that never happens to my bank savings interest). Consequently after seven or eight blocked attacks, his opponents are unable to lift their own swords or even move their body, leaving them on the ground with their head bowed as though begging for forgiveness. At this point Wabisuke's released form, a blade bent into a squared hook, comes into play, being used to decapitate the kneeling opponent, denying them forgiveness. Wabisuke appears as a freed zanpakuto in the "Zanpakuto Unknown Tales" anime arc, as a long-haired and darkly clad emaciated man carrying a large ball and chain. He is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in Japanese and Grant George in English.

The Izuru Kira Zanpakuto Wabisuke Sword Replica is non-sharp 440 Stainless Steel painted in part Black and Silver. It has an overall length of 36.5", blade length 26.5" and handle length 9.5". The guard is made from solid steel while the handle is wrapped with black nylon cord. The handle is also double pegged with white imitation ray skin, and there's a free Wooden Wall Plaque included.

Kuchiki Rukia Zanpakuto Sode no Shirayuki Sword Replica

2010-10-12T12:54:00.002+08:00

Bleach was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw a shinigami in a kimono, which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers. Due to this, Rukia was one of the first characters of the series to be created. Kubo originally thought of all Soul Reapers should use guns while only Rukia used a scythe. However, this was later changed as he created the Soul Reaper kimono. Kubo also mentioned that Rukia did not seem like a lead character, so he created Ichigo Kurosaki to be the series protagonist. Ichigo's initial design had black hair like Rukia, Kubo had to modify Ichigo's appearance to contrast with hers, giving Ichigo his orange hair and trademark scowl.

As for her name, Kubo stated that since Rukia looked like a shinigami, he wanted her name to sound like one. When deciding upon her family name he considered using "Kuchiru" (literally "to rot") because it sounded like a name a shinigami would have, and then decided to use "Kuchiki" (literally "rotten wood"). He adds that he once heard something that sounded like "Kuchiki Rukia" on Japanese TV, and liked it enough to use it as a name. Her first name was conceived as a result of Kubo hearing the Latin name for cosmos on TV, and later decided that the name really suited her since the Latin word means "light" and Kubo sees her as "a ray of light" for Ichigo.

Rukia's zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki (literally "Sleeved White Snow"), is released with the command "dance". In its released state the blade becomes completely white and a ribbon forms from the pommel, earning it the recognition as the most beautiful zanpakuto in Soul Society. During the anime's 13th season, Sode no Shirayuki manifests in a yukionna-like form, voiced by Mie Sonozaki.

Sode no Shirayuki utilizes ice to attack, each of its abilities being labeled as "dances" by Rukia. "First Dance, White Moon" (some no mai, tsukishiro) denotes a circular area around Rukia's target and freezes everything within the circle from the ground upwards until it reaches the sky. "The Next Dance, White Ripple" (tsugi no mai, hakuren) fires a massive wave of ice from Sode no Shirayuki's blade. "Third Dance, White Sword" (san no mai, shirafune), her third ability reserved only when her blade is broken, reforges her zanpakuto with ice particles, piercing through any object in its path and freezing anything in the vicinity. A fourth ability was used in the anime only, "White Tree" (Juhaku), in which she stabs the ground and creates a trail of ice in the direction of her intended target. The ice then freezes the target from the base up until they are completely frozen.

The Kuchiki Rukia Zanpakuto Sode no Shirayuki Sword Replica is exquisitely crafted to be an exact duplicate of the zanpakuto wielded in the anime. The sword replica has a white carved and wrapped handle, pure white plastic tsuba and highly polished blade. The zanpakuto piece includes a solid white scabbard and ribbon chain from the hilt.

Gin Ichimaru Shinso Zanpakuto Sword Replica

2010-09-24T23:01:00.001+08:00

Gin Ichimaru is the captain of the 3rd Division in Gotei 13 before he betrayed Soul Society and joined Sosuke Aizen's Arrancar army as a commander. During his stay as captain in Soul Society, he had a loyal lieutenant Izuru Kira. Gin's story started from the day he saved Rangiku Matsumoto from starvation when they were still children, and this resulted in the two being good friends ever since. Rangiku is the only person Gin seems to truly care about, although he tends to disappear often, as Rangiku puts it. He also very secretive about his movements and never shares much with her. Gin was considered a child prodigy when he graduated from the academy within one year. He was then assigned to a seated position in the 5th Division. There Gin killed the 3rd seat of the division with ease, which made Aizen truly interested in him. When Aizen was made Captain of the 5th Division, Gin was promoted to lieutenant rank.

Gin Ichimaru's zanpakuto is Shinso which literally translates to 'Divine Spear'. Shinso takes the form of a wakizashi (Japanese short sword) when sealed. The guard looks very similar to an 'S'. Shinso is released into shikai mode by the phrase ikorose or 'shoot to kill' (how cool is that?). In shikai form, Shinso's blade glows bright-white and extends at high speed to impale an enemy. This was first shown in the confrontation with Kurosaki Ichigo who tried to break-in to Soul Society. In addition to making it a deadly long-range weapon, Shinso's extending blade also carries tremendous force without affecting Gin, making it useful to dislodge heavy objects. Gin pushed both Ichigo and the giant Jidanbo out from under the Seireitei gate, despite the latter being firmly braced under it. Once extended, Gin can maintain the blade's length and swing Shinso in wide arcs, attacking multiple targets quickly and simultaneously.

While it hasn't been seen in the actual series, various Bleach console games have depicted Shinso as having additional abilities. In Bleach: The Blade of Fate, Bleach: Dark Souls, and Bleach: Shattered Blade, Gin fires Shinso into the sky and swords similar to Shinso's unreleased state rain all around him. In Bleach: Blade Battlers, Gin shoots Shinso into the ground and the blade hits the opponent from underneath, whereas in Bleach: Heat the Soul 5, a wave of blades instead shoots up from the ground to hit the opponent. Gin's bankai ability has not been revealed yet but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a huge long sword that can extend sideways too. Just my imagination.

The Gin Ichimaru Shinso Zanpakuto Sword replica from 247Swords have an overall length of 38", blade length 27" and handle length 11". The scabbard that comes with the sword is made of wood with a high-gloss black liquid finish. At the scabbard, a black cotton sage-o (hanging cord) is tied around a wooden Kurigata (loop for the cord). The Koi-guchi (open-end scabbard mouth) is black bull horn to match the sword's color. The blade is made of 440 stainless steel and comes factory sharpened. What's different with this replica is (I'm sure you guessed it too) - the length, it's more of a Japanese katana than a wakizashi. Maybe the manufacturer wanted to make it more worthwhile for their customers, give it the extra mile or inches so to speak. But the other thing is the hilt is wrapped in black rather than blue as in the anime. Most probably this sword was designed based on the black and white manga.

There is another version of Gin Ichimaru Shinso Zanpakuto Sword replica from TotalActionAnime. It is a bit longer with overall length at 40" and blade length 27". The blade's edge is not that sharp and is made of polished stainless steel. The handle is wrapped in black leather (again) and the sword replica comes with a high-gloss black scabbard.

Medieval Movie Sword - Braveheart William Wallace

2010-09-20T21:07:00.010+08:00

Braveheart is a 1995 American epic movie directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The movie was written for the screen and then novelized by Randall Wallace. Gibson portrays William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who gained recognition when he came to the forefront of the First War of Scottish Independence by opposing King Edward I of England, also known as "Longshanks". The movie won five Academy Awards at the 68th Academy Awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director, and had been nominated for an additional five.

The Classic Braveheart Medieval Movie Sword Replica is more than 51 inches long and comes with an authentic rough leather sheath that includes a strap to fit on your belt. The medieval blade is a polished stainless steel with double edge. The hilt and pommel are made out of chrome plated steel. What really makes this authentic though is the brown leather that is stitched tightly around the handle. Definitely a masterpiece movie sword for medieval enthusiasts.

Shunsui Kyoraku Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica

2010-09-20T16:16:00.002+08:00

Shunsui Kyoraku is the Shinigami captain of the 8th Division in Gotei 13. Shunsui's a laid-back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress: he wears a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake and napping. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant Nanao. Kyoraku is a peace-loving man who will always try to find a nonviolent solution, though he does not wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. He and his friend Jūshiro Ukitake are two of the oldest captains in the Gotei 13. They both trained under General Yamamoto, who Kyoraku calls Old-man Yama (Yama-ji). Though generally peace-loving he is an adept fighter, able to defeat the Primera Espada using only his shikai and shown in his skill at almost hiding the difference in the speed of his swing between his left and right hands.

Shunsui's zanpakuto is Katen Kyokotsu ("flower-heaven crazy-bone"). His zanpakuto is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, being as a daisho sword pair. In Katen Kyokotsu's shikai state, the daisho sword pair transforms into two large swords resembling dao or falchions. When released, Katen Kyokotsu gains the ability to "turn children's games into reality." One such game, Busho Goma (Lazy Spinning Top), involves spinning around wind like a top. Another, Takaoni (Mountain Demon), declares that whomever is the highest is the winner. A third technique, Kageoni (Shadow Demon), forces the players to alter their own shadows; whoever steps on a shadow, even their own, is declared the loser. The last known game is known as Iro-Oni (Colored Demon) and it involves the players calling out a name of a color and then slicing the enemy where that color is displayed. However, if the color is not on the body of the person who called it out then the damage given is minimal; the more that the declared color is prevalent on the declarer's body, the more damage the attack will commit. His bankai is still unknown.

The Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica set are Carbon Steel blades with two tone colors, black and silver which have an Arabian look. The spine of the blade has the cut-outs imitating the sword which seen in Bleach Manga. The guard and fittings are also made from Carbon Steel while the entire metal parts of this sword has been Electroplated to prevent from rust or weather damage. The handle has been wrapped with red nylon cord for extra grip followed by a red tassel attached to the pommel. The Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica set comes equipped with two black nylon sheaths with back straps for easy maneuverability

Katen Kyokotsu Twin Sword Replica Feature:
    * Overall Length: 26 inch.
    * Blade Material: Carbon Steel Black and Silver Tone.
    * Fittings Material: Carbon Steel, Electroplated to Prevent Rust and Corrosion.
    * Handle Material: Red Nylon Cord Wrap with Red Tassel Attached.
    * Includes: Two Sword with Black Nylon Sheath

Legend of Zelda Sword Replica

2010-09-20T15:36:00.007+08:00

Now for the first time in history comes the EXACT REPRODUCTION of the Legend of Zelda Link's Master Sword from the video game. This sword is not the cheap knock off you have seen with the flat guard and cheap leather sheet. Now you can own this LIMITED SUPPLY sword which comes with the Hard Scabbard. The design on this sword will blow you away and now selling at 60% DISCOUNT! So get yours today before its all gone.

Legend of Zelda Link's Master Sword feature:
* Overall: 42" (closed)
* Overall: 39 1/2 (open)
* 31" Blade Length
* 11" Handle
* Amazing Quality

A cheaper alternative selling at 74% DISCOUNT can be bought from 247Swords.

Talk about an item that will bring your video game collection to life. Another item that fans buy together with the Zelda Link sword is the all new Legend of Zelda Link Sword Belt Strap. This leather belt strap is made to fit your Link sword, recreated from real brown leather stitched and riveted to fit the actual life size sword. It is made to fit almost anyone of any size.

Another item to complete the fantasy is the Legend of Zelda Hylian Shield. It can be mounted on the wall for display or worn on your arm. Overall Length: 25", Overall Width: 19" with Leather Wrapped Back Handle. It's made of Stainless Steel with a good paint finish.

Kuchiki Byakuya Senbonzakura Sword Replica

2010-09-18T08:50:00.006+08:00

Kuchiki Byakuya is the 28th head of the Kuchiki clan, one of the four great noble families in Soul Society. As captain of the 6th Division, Byakuya wears the standard captain uniform along with a white headpiece called a kenseikan, symbolizing his noble rank as the head of the Kuchiki family. He also wears a white scarf made by the master weaver, Tsujishiro Kuroemon III. The scarf is made from silver-white windflower light silk (ginpaku kazahana no uzuginu) and is a family heirloom handed down through the generations to the head of the Kuchiki family. It is said that the cost of just one such scarf can build ten houses. In the anime, the scarf is shown to be light green.

Byakuya's zanpakuto is called Senbonzakura which literally means 'thousand cherry blossoms'. How aristocrat is that? Senbonzakura's shikai form is released by the command chire or scatter. The zanpakuto's blade disperse into thousands of tiny blades. The release has one weakness - it can be negated before it's completed. This was shown when Yoruichi Shihouin wrapped the blade with a cloth during Byakuya's short battle with Ichigo. After release, Senbonzakura's tiny blades are invisible to the naked eye. However they reflect light in such a way that they appear as cherry blossom petals. This is how the zanpakuto got its name. Byakuya can control the blades at will, allowing him to shred opponents at a distance and break through almost any defense. While Byakuya can control the blades with his mind alone, using his hands allows him to do so more effectively and making the blades move twice as fast.

Byakuya's bankai, named Senbonzakura Kageyoshi or 'Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms', is essentially a much larger version of Senbonzakura's shikai. To activate it, Byakuya drops his sword. The sword passes through the ground and two rows of giant blades rise up from the ground. These then scatter into millions of tiny blades. The number of blades is so great that Byakuya can use them for defense and offense at the same time. He commonly forms them into large masses of blades to crush opponents.

Byakuya's bankai has several attack techniques, achieved by arranging the blades in different patterns. They are activated by saying the name of the technique followed by the name of his bankai. Each form has its own distinct advantage. One of them is senkei or 'massacre scene', which unites the scattered petals into countless zanpakuto swords that surround Byakuya and his opponent. In this form, Byakuya has no defense and concentrates his bankai on killing the enemy. While Byakuya can control these swords as he does his regular blades, he usually attacks with just one in hand. He remarks in his battle with Ichigo that he normally only shows senkei to those he has sworn to kill by his own hand, Ichigo being the second to see this. After immobilizing an opponent, he can summon other blades to hit them while they're trapped. He can also use all the blades at once for an immensely powerful strike. In Bleach Movie 2 : Diamond Dust Rebellion, Byakuya surprisingly used Senkei as a barrier which only protects those inside it from an external barrage of Ceros blasts. He also displayed the ability to activate Kageyoshi from inside Senkei, shattering all rows of swords at once.

Another attack technique Byakuya used is gokei or 'pivotal scene' during the battle with Espada number 8, Zommari Leroux. This technique aligns every blade in a spherical formation around an opponent, which then collapses from every possible angle, leaving no blind spots and preventing any chance of escape. As a final attack Byakuya can use shukei or 'final scene'. This technique condenses all of tiny blades into a single sword, drastically increasing its cutting power. The blade appears bright white and its aura takes the form of a bird, earning it the name hakuteiken or 'white imperial sword'. Byakuya also grows white wings and a halo-like circle in the back, both made of spiritual power.

There are only a handful of Senbonzakura sword replicas, one of them is from Grey Eagles. The Kuchiki Byakuya Zanpakuto Senbonzakura sword replica from Grey Eagles has an overall length of 42" and blade length 26". The blade is made of carbon steel with a false edge. The signature guard is exactly as seen in the anime, with the shape of a double '8'. The sword replica has a simple blue-nylon wrapped handle and comes with a wooden scabbard. The scabbard has a black finish and tied to it is a blue nylon sageo (cord). Overall the Senbonzakura sword replica is simple in design, which is why the price is pretty affordable.

Zarroc Sword of Eragon Movie Replica

2009-01-04T15:42:00.017+08:00

Eragon is a 2006 fantasy-adventure movie with lots of CGI effects but it didn't come anywhere close to The Lord of The Rings success trail. Instead, it was named the 10th worst reviewed movie of 2006 on Rotten Tomatoes, and the 31st highest grossing movie of 2006 in the States. That aside, I was only interested in Rachel Weisz who lent her voice for Saphira the dragon. She'd make one hell of a hot dragon among their kind. The film is loosely based on the novel with the same name by author Christopher Paolini. The movie was directed by Stefen Fangmeier (his directing debut), who had previously worked as a visual effects director on Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

Eragon is a farm boy in his late-teens who lives in a small village named Carvahall in the fictional and magical country of Alagaesia, where dragons and other magical creatures wander. One day while hunting, Eragon finds a dragon egg from which hatches a blue dragon named Saphira. Eragon decides to keep Saphira a secret, but a pair of magical creatures called The Razac are sent by the King of Alagaesia, Galbatorix, to find Eragon and the dragon. Eragon flees home, and later returns to find his uncle Garrow murdered by the Razac. With vengeance in his heart, he sets out on a journey to avenge his uncle. Accompanied by a wise storyteller named Brom, Eragon and Saphira take up the legacy of legendary Dragon Riders. He learns magic, swordfighting, and dragon-riding to fulfill the legend of the dragon riders and his destiny, to help over throw the Empire and it's tyrant king, Galbatorix. Eragon is also given a mighty sword named Zar'roc by Brom. Frankly I slept through half the movie cause the storyline is so predictable. The only merit of the fantasy flick is the beautiful Zar'roc sword.

Zar'roc was originally created by an elf named Rhunon, the smith of the Dragon Riders. The sword belonged to Morzan, but was taken by Brom after his death. Before Morzan's death, Zar'roc was feared by many as his ultimate weapon. It also symbolized agony and betrayal, as Morzan had killed many Riders with Zar'roc. Brom gave the sword to Eragon, although he refrained from telling him the blade's history. The history of Zar'roc was eventually revealed to Eragon by Murtagh while they were traveling to the Varden. Eragon used Zar'roc to defeat Durza, a Shade of immense power, in the Battle under Farthen Dur. After defeating Eragon at the Battle of the Burning Plains, Murtagh claimed Zar'roc as his own, declaring that Morzan's sword should have gone to him, the oldest son of Morzan, and not Eragon, the youngest. "Zar'roc" in the ancient language means "misery".

As expected, there are several inconsistencies between the movie adaptation and the book. Zar'roc has a ruby embedded into the hilt, however in the Eragon movie it instead is a sapphire. Morzan's insignia appears on neither the sheath nor the blade in the movie. The sheath is also black rather than wine-red, like in the book. What's more is that the handle of the sword is leather-black, not silver-wrapped like in the book.

The Zar'roc Sword of Eragon Movie Replica by Top Swords is one of the most eye-catching movie swords ever created due to the colour combinations used in its design. Just check out the image below and you'll notice instantly the red blade with a central ridge and the striking blue crystal pommel. The guard is casted as two dragon heads with long horns, and its surface is engraved to replicate the dragon's scale. The Zar'roc Movie Sword replica has an overall length of 51 inch. Its blade is made of stainless steel with a central ridge. A wooden display plaque is included with the sword, not forgetting the cerfiticate of authenticity since it is a licensed reproduction from the movie. That alone will give you a hint of its price tag, get ready to part with at least $150.

If 51 inch is just too long for you (hehe), there is always the shorter movie sword set with a stand. And you get not 1, not 2, not 3, but 5 Mini Sword reproductions from the movie. This Eragon Mini Movie Sword Set comes with 5 extremely detailed miniature swords - Zar'roc, Sword of Galbatorix, Sword of Brom, Sword of Arya, and Sword of Durza. Each measures an overall length of 12.75 inch. A custom display stand holds all the mini swords in place and a certificate of authenticity is also included.

Star Wars R2D2 Interactive Droid Robot

2009-01-01T00:54:00.010+08:00

Happy New Year everyone! This is my first post for 2009, and it's not about swords for once. I was surfing for cool gifts for the holidays like everyone else and stumbled upon several stunning items. But I would have to say one of the coolest is the Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot. Check it out if you still have some budget left. Myself, I'm all dried out.

Bring Home Your Own Astromech Droid
Celebrate Star Wars 30th Anniversary by inviting this movie-accurate droid into your life. Once the loyal companion to Queen Amdala, this utility droid is programmed to be your devoted helper and friend. Help him get ready to serve you by snapping his steering legs into place and attaching the projector piece to his domed top. You'll need to use a Phillips screwdriver to insert four "AA" batteries and four "D" cell batteries in his side.

More than 15-inches tall, this sophisticated R2-D2 model boasts a secret cargo compartment, a unique swing-down utility arm that's also a beverage holder, a removable sensor scope, a working light beam, sound-processing microphones, and an adaptable droid mood-status indicator. Sonar navigational technology and infrared location sensors help make him one the most advanced droids around.

Take Advantage of Three Interactive Modes
Intergalactic missions will be more fun with a reliable droid at your side. In companion mode, R2-D2 responds to commands like "Go on patrol," "Light Beam," and "Play Message." Star Wars movie fans are sure to appreciate the accuracy of the messages, which are culled from famous missions he remembers.

You can even ask R2 about friends including Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, Darth Vader, and Jabba the Hutt. He has a different reaction to each name based on his "feelings" for the characters. And if you hit R2 on the head, he'll make irritated beeping sounds and try to move away from you. As you get to know your droid, you'll realize that the noises and motions he makes correspond to his "mood."

In game mode, R2 responds to more complicated commands. He'll act as a sentry to protect your important stuff, dance to cantina music, spin around, or play light tag. The third mode is the most complex. This command mode lets you give pointed directions that control R2's movements. Tell him to turn left and right or go forward whenever you want, or set a preprogrammed course for him to follow.

While R2 responded to simple commands with no problems, we had difficulty getting him to respond reliably to more complex requests. We trust that, like with any voice-operated electronic system, over time it will get easier to produce a wider range of commands that R2 consistently responds to. Until then, his movie-accurate look, the way he responds to simple commands, and the convenient beverage holder make him a fun comrade.

What's in the Box
Droid body, two steering legs, projector piece, telescope piece with sensory array, and an operation manual.

Luke Skywalker Lightsaber auctioned for $240,000

2008-12-15T16:37:00.004+08:00

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luke Skywalker's lightsaber has been on Star Wars movie fans' Christmas lists for more than 30 years.

On Thursday, one fan spent $240,000 to get the real thing: the movie prop that Mark Hamill used in the first two films in the original "Star Wars" trilogy.

The lightsaber highlighted several Hollywood memorabilia sold at an auction in Los Angeles by Profiles in History. The auction house said it sold about $3.5 million in memorabilia.

The droid helmet worn by Anthony Daniels to play C-3PO sold for $120,000, and the costume Marlon Brando wore in the "Superman" movie went for $72,000.

The first British edition of "You Only Live Twice" inscribed by Ian Fleming sold for $84,000. Roald Dahl's handwritten screenplay for the movie of the same title sold for $96,000.

Heaven's Fall Sword - Seven Swords Movie Replica

2008-12-02T22:52:00.020+08:00

I observed a few visitors to my blog were searching for The Heaven's Fall sword from Hong Kong's 2005 'Seven Swords' movie directed by Tsui Hark. Yes, I do monitor my blog's traffic profile to see what visitors look for and try to fill in the 'missing link' whenever I can. I hope they come back again and find this post useful. Seven Swords was the opening film to the 2005 Venice Film Festival. Adapted from the Chinese novel 'Seven Swords of Mount Heaven' written by renowned Wuxia author Liang Yusheng, Seven Swords is also a tribute movie to Akira Kurosawa's infamous 1954 film 'Seven Samurai'. The film is the first of a planned trilogy and was originally four hours long before edited down to 153 minutes. There's even a Hong Kong TV series version, I only watched a few episodes cause Donnie Yen's not in it. Otherwise I would be glued to my TV set instead of my laptop.

The movie starts with Master Shadow-glow who leaves behind the mundane affairs of the world and goes hermit among the peaks of Mount Heaven. After spending few decades there, he became a great master of sword-casting and made seven prized swords. They were given the names The Unlearn, The Dragon, The Transcience, The Star-chasers, The Celestial Beam, The Deity and The Heaven's Fall. The seven swords represent the seven states of period and mind that Master Shadow-glow experienced on Mount Heaven. Each one of them bears a different meaning.

The Heaven's Fall sword had a unique origin. Master Shadow-glow practices austerity by casting swords and had over a thousand swords with different styles and functions. However, when these swords are compared with The Deity, they are inferior in both shape and spirit. One day, as usual, Master Shadow-glow was watching the clouds and mountains from afar. Out of the blue, a stream of clouds plunged down like a waterfall, drawing a frozen line across the sky. Master Shadow-glow suddenly was enlightened with the fact that The Deity is too primitive and is thus restrained in both shape and spirit. In a bid to break the confines of The Deity, Master Shadow-glow melted a hundred swords to cast The Heaven's Fall. The sword was later given to Wu Yuanyin.

The Heaven's Fall attack form is free-style and follows the mind of the swordsman who wield it. Wu Yuanying was initially unable to control the sword until she learnt how to free her mind. The sword is an elemental sword of water especially unique with a handle that resembles a flute. The holes in the handle respond to different functions, used to slide the blade from one side of the handle to the other. With its affinity to water, The Heaven’s Fall is extremely deadly when wet, as energy can be channelled into the sword and the water droplets on it be directed towards enemies as projectiles weapons. It is used most effectively together with The Unlearnt and The Star Chasers.

The Heaven Fall Sword Movie Replica by Topicool has three circle cut outs which allow the blade to be locked in place in the handle. The blade slides from one end of the handle to the other just like in the movies. The movie sword can even be used with the handle locked in the center of the blade, so you will get the blade coming out of each side of the handle (like a short bo with blades). The movie sword has an overall length of 40", blade length 27.5" and handle length 12.25". Blade thickness is about 0.125" and the whole sword weighs approximately 5 lbs.

Video - Learn Japanese Katana Terminology

2008-12-02T13:31:00.004+08:00

This is my first video in YouTube. It's a simple visual guide to complement the previous post Japanese Katana Terminology for Movie Sword Replica Collectors.

Today I installed a new template for this blog, took me a while to get a hang of the hardcoded scripts but it's been fun and a great learning experience too. Let me know what you think and if there are any features that could improve your surfing experience here, please drop a comment.

Luke Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber

2008-11-26T20:19:00.013+08:00

Lightsaber week continues with the Luke Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber replica, the godfather of all lightsabers. Back in 77 when Episode IV: A New Hope opened, audiences all over the world was awestruck the first time Luke Skywalker ignited a lightsaber handed to him by Obi-Wan Kenobi. The lightsaber and its iconic humming sound has since became the most coveted sci-fi weapon of all times.

Luke Skywalker was played by Mark Hamill in the original Star Wars trilogy Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Hamill also lent his voice for The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. On 11th Jan 1977, a day before he was supposed to shoot one of the final scenes in Episode IV: A New Hope, Hamill was involved in a car accident and left with a fractured nose and left cheekbone. During his absence for surgery, a replacement double was used in the landspeeder pickup scenes. Later Hamill had a scar along his upper lip from the accident and this was clearly visible In Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. The movie creatively attributed the scar to Luke's encounter with the wampa on the 5th planet in Hoth system.

The Luke Skywalker Force FX Lightsaberby Master Replicas is an enhanced glowing blue blade with realistic power-up and power-down light effects, thanks to a string of 64 super-bright LEDs that ignite sequentially inside the blade. Similar to the lightsaber replicas featured in previous posts, the Luke Skywalker FX lightsaber also incorporates motion-sensor controlled sound effects digitally recorded from the movie.

There are a total of 3 built-in motion-sensors to achieve better sensitivity, with 2 dedicated to detect movement while the remaining 1 sensor to detect impact on the blade. Both the sensor and digitally recorded sound effects work together to replicate an actual lightsaber feel during power-up, idling, swinging, clashing and power-down action. You'll need to source three AAA batteries because they are not included with the lightsaber.

Master Replicas Mace Windu Lightsaber FX

2008-11-23T14:31:00.010+08:00

When I heard Mace Windu was going to be played by Samuel Leroy Jackson, the same SLJ who played Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction back in 94, my laughing nerve went crazy. It's just so awkwrd to imagine Samuel going from "You're my b**** !!" to 'I sense a disturbance in the Force'. And thank God he didn't have an apprentice in the Star Wars prequel. George Lucas must have known it was too big a risk to take.

Mace Windu is one of the earliest characters in the Star Wars universe. He started as a narrator for the original drafts of Episode IV: A New Hope. However his character was removed from the original trilogy before introduced again in Lucas' Star Wars prequel. Mace Windu is a Jedi Master and senior member of the Jedi Council, second only to Master Yoda.

Windu's origin is mentioned to be the force-sensitive Korun race from the planet Haruun Kal. Korunnai are subspecies of the humans, organized into tribes called Ghosh. Windu created Vaapad, the full 7th form of lightsaber combat. Vaapad creates a superconducting loop which reflects an enemy's attack, and grants great speed and power. The name is taken from a predatory animal on one of Sarapin's moons. The creature uses multiple tentacles coupled with highspeed attacks.

SLJ being a hardcore Star Wars movie fan, actually requested for a purple lightsaber so that his character would standout in the chaotic battle scene in Episode II: Attack of the Clones. And it's a pretty good choice of colour actually, one that will bear his name for a long time. That's star power. You too can get your own Master Replicas Mace Windu Lightsaber FX.

This FX Lightsaber is the official reproduction from Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The bright purple polycarbonate blade is permanently attached to the hilt and glows with realistic power-up and power-down effects. It also has authentic lightsaber sound effects digitally recorded from the movie itself. The various digital sounds are activated by motion-sensors installed in the lightsaber replica, each responds to power-up, power-down, idling and clashing movements. The durable yet light chrome-plated aluminum body looks and feels like a real lightsaber, with a display stand included. The only bad points are that the blade looks more bright white than deep purple when activated, and the lightsaber needs 6 "AA" batteries to operate compared to only 3 in the previous Master Replicas Yoda Force FX Lightsaber("AAA") and Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber Replica("AA").

Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber Replica

2008-11-17T20:11:00.014+08:00

Darth Vader's image was first created by concept artist Ralph McQuarrie when he drew the opening movie scene of Vader and his stormtroopers boarding a Rebel ship. Initially, Vader was imagined to fly through space to enter the ship which calls for a space suit with breathing mask. This suit was later made permanent and used throughout the film. The popular sound of Vader breathing through the mask was created by sound designer Ben Burtt, who recorded himself breathing through a scuba regulator. Darth Vader's costume draws from George Lucas' interest in feudal Japan, especially the samurai warriors. Vader's mask helmet on the other hand was taken from World War I German helmet widely known as the "Stahlhelm".

Ever thought of joining the Dark Side? With the Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber Replica,anyone will easily succumb to the Sith. This lightsaber replica features the same durable die-cast metal parts as the Master Replicas Yoda Force FX Lightsaber. It has a sturdy red polycarbonate blade which is permanently attached to the hilt and features realistic power-up and power-down glowing light effects (rather than the whole blade lighting up at once). When you toggle the activation switch, the blade's light light travels from the guard to the tip, thanks to the 60+ Strobe LED light tube.

Batteries are not included, so you'll have to source three 'AA' on your own. Have them ready beforehand cause the Darth Vader Episode V FX Lightsaber Replica comes with authentic digitally-recorded and motion-sensor-controlled sound effects that will give you goose-bumps. The same electrifying sound you heard from the silverscreen is built into the lightsaber to replicate power-up, power-down, idling, movement and saber clashing effects.

The Vader lightsaber replica also has an auto-off feature that saves battery life. Leave it for a few minutes and it automatically switches off. Overall the feedback from customers who bought the lightsaber have been overwhelming. It is durable, well-made and nicely detailed especially the chrome handle. I cannot imagine what future models will look like. Hopefully we'll all able to see the real thing in this lifetime.

Master Replicas Yoda Force FX Lightsaber

2008-11-17T01:18:00.028+08:00

This week I'll feature posts on ightsabers only, so it's officially Lightsaber Week. Whose lightsaber better to start off with than the Grand Master Yoda himself. Master Yoda is one unforgettable character from the Star Wars franchise (many English professors will concur to that). In Episode II : Attack of the Clones, it's puzzling how the Jedi younglings understand a single word coming from Yoda (I had to take an extra second just to rearrange the words in my head), and parents never worried about their gifted children grow-up talking funny.

Yoda first appeared in 'The Empire Strikes Back' as a Jedi Master in hiding. Before the Jedi was declared as enemies of the Republic, Yoda was a Grand Master of the Jedi Order. He is portrayed as a wise and powerful Jedi Master but in the end still fell short to the devious Sith Lord. George Lucas originally wanted Yoda to follow other characters in having a full name, Yoda Minch. But it was later decided to have Yoda's history remain a mystery. Yoda's alien race has never been mentioned in any media. He is merely stated as a "mysterious species" by the Star Wars Databank. The closest ever heard of was "tridactyl species" which simply means they have three fingers.

The movies and Expanded Universe reveal that Yoda had trained quite a few distinguished Jedi, including Count Dooku who was his old Padawan Learner. Then there's Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi (before Qui-Gon Jinn took over), Ki-Adi-Mundi, Kit Fisto and the last Luke Skywalker. In the animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars, which is set somewhere between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Yoda mentioned that he trained one of the leaders in the Jedi Council, Master Oppo Rancisis. In the Star Wars prequel he was shown instructing all the younglings in the Jedi Temple before they were assigned a master.

Check out the Star Wars Master Replicas Yoda Force FX Lightsaber.This first-class Master Yoda lightsaber replica from the Star Wars prequel features tough die-cast metal parts that look and feel like a real weapon. Batteries are not included, so you'll have to source three 'AAA' on your own. Have them ready beforehand cause the Master Replicas Yoda Force FX Lightsaber comes with authentic digitally-recorded and motion-sensor-controlled sound effects that will give you goose-bumps. The same electrifying sound you heard from the silverscreen is built into the lightsaber to replicate power-up, power-down, idling, movement and saber clashing effects.

For the blade, a sturdy green polycarbonate is permanently attached to the hilt and displays realistic power-up and power-down glowing light effects. If you're wondering how bright the blade can go, just look at the image above. Many customers who bought the Yoda FX lightsaber love its weight and ease of handling.

No need to worry where to place your precious lightsaber when not in use, cause a handsome display stand is also included with every purchase. Last checked, the Master Replicas Yoda Force FX Lightsaber was on a 33% discount offer, while stocks last.

Heroes Takezo Kensei Movie Sword Replica

2008-11-13T13:12:00.021+08:00

In NBC sci-fi series HEROES, Adam Monroe is the same Takezo Kensei from feudal Japan who has the ability to regenerate his body making him almost immortal. He's like the Highlander MacLeod hybrid minus the Scottish accent and kilt. In Japanese history, Takezo Kensei is actually a revered hero - the word "Kensei" is a title which literally means "Sword Saint". Takezo Kensei lived his life as a swordsman who fought dozens of battles to protect the people of Japan and their freedom. In the TV hit series, Hiro Nakamura came to idolize Takezo from bedtime stories read by his father when he was a child.

Legend has it at a time when Japan was facing the threat of an impending war, Takezo found a sword frozen in the snow with mystical powers that helped him focus his strength and courage. To learn more of the sword's secrets and save Japan, he went to meet the Dragon of Kiso Mountain and asked for his help. The Dragon agreed but only in exchange for the love of his life. Takezo was deeply in love with a princess but he knew Japan would fall if he did not make this sacrifice. He finally agreed and the Dragon taught him everything he needed to know. With the knowledge and skills learned, Takezo became Kensei - a sword saint and won a great battle which saved the people of Japan.

After the battle, the Dragon came to Kensei’s palace to claim his prize but Kensei refused to surrender the princess. Instead he cut out his own heart, handed it to the Dragon and said, “My love is in here. Take it.” And then he died. The Dragon was deeply moved to see that Kensei was willing to sacrifice himself for his people and his true love. Impressed with Kensei's true and righteous virtue, the Dragon revived Kensei’s heart and breathed fire-life back into his corpse. Given a second chance, the Takezo dynasty went on to rule Japan with valor and love for a hundred years. Pretty nice folklore if I may say so.

There is a licensed reproduction of the HEROES Takezo Kensei Movie Sword Replica by United Cutlery. The sword reproduction is meticulously detailed and crafted with tempered, hand-forged high-carbon blade just like the actual TV prop. This stunning sword has an overall length of 42" and blade length of 28.5". It features a genuine leather wrapped handle, genuine rayskin covered grip, and solid brass helix ornaments. The widely-known emblem is inscribed onto the handle in gold. The movie sword includes a wooden shoulder scabbard and display stand. This adult collectable sword is individually laser serialized to ensure authenticity. Last checked, the sword was on 54% discount and avid collectors will know this is a bargain considering UC products are known to be pricey. Now you can save the world and your wallet at the same time.

If there are no stocks available or you prefer a cheaper alternative, check out the HEROES Takezo Kensei Movie Sword Replica from Heavenlyswords. Last checked, it was below USD100.

Halo Energy Sword Replica

2008-11-08T16:25:00.014+08:00

The Halo Energy Sword replica from the infamous console game Halo is one futuristic looking sword. Personally I'd rather call it a dagger but democracy means follow the majority. I was at an electronic store when I saw the Halo 3 video preview, and it was awesome. Really trying hard not to get that console cause I was once a PC Game addict. Still fresh in my mind are the 4 hours sleep days everytime a great game was launched, though having a day job which sometimes stretched late into the night didn't do much to stop me.

Since I'm not a Halo addict (yet), I dug for more info on the sword. Learned some old science along the way and refueled my games addiction even more. The Halo Energy Sword which is also known as the Plasma Sword is a close-quarter Sangheili melee weapon. It is mainly used by Zealot Sangheili in Halo 2 although Special Operations Elites have also been known to employ it in close-quarter combat. The Energy Sword is also one of the main weapons favoured by the Arbiter, whose race helped create the weapon.

The Energy Sword's plasma is conveniently shaped into a blade-like form by a magnetic-field generator built into the weapon's handle. The blade has two points due to the magnetic properties of the weapon where two poles need two points (bet you don't learn these from a light-saber). The hot energy of the blade can cut through most armor, so it's no surprise to cut an opponent in half with one sweep.

In Halo : Combat Evolved, if the Elite drops the Energy Sword, a fail-safe mechanism triggers and deactivates the magnetic field without dispensing the plasma, consuming the handle and thus destroying the weapon. In Halo 2, a similar fail-safe feature is active when not wielding the weapon directly. The handle must be under constant pressure from the wielder in order to be activated so that the weapon can be stored safely.

The unique Halo Energy Sword replica from GreyEagle is a twin Stainless Steel Blade coated with titanium plating to give it a rainbow finish electric look. The rainbow color reflecting off the blade is claimed to vary with the angle of light. Pretty cool idea to mimic the Plasma look, I guess it's something like the holographic sticker on my sedan's oil filter (supposedly prove it's not some cheap filter from Taiwan). I did come across a less pricey replica which received bad feedback from a buyer who complained the rainbow colour staying the same even if the sword was upside-down. In my opinion even if the rainbow thing is there initially, I wouldn't count on the shine to last forever. The Energy Sword replica from GreyEagle has an overall length of 27.5" and handle width of 10". The handle is made using custom-molded gray plastic and can be hung on a hardwood plaque that comes with the sword replica. It's a nice looking piece but if they could make the blade near the handle wider and bigger, it would look more like a sword.

Rurouni Kenshin Reverse Blade Sword Replica (Sakabato)

2008-11-03T15:21:00.019+08:00

Kenshin Himura is the popular character from the Rurouni Kenshin manga series created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Watsuki designed Kenshin to be the physical opposite of Hiko Seijuro, a character that appeared in his first one-shot manga - 'Crescent Moon in the Warring States'. Seijuro was later introduced into Rurouni Kenshin as Kenshin's mentor and master.

The manga setting takes place during the early Meiji period in Japan. Kenshin Himura is a legendary assassin known as 'Hitokiri Battosai' or 'Battosai the Slayer'. At the end of the Bakumatsu, he became a wandering samurai, wielding a Sakabato. The term Sakabato literally means 'reverse blade sword' which is a unique type of Japanese sword. The normal Japanese Katana favoured by the samurai has the outwardly-curved side of the blade sharpened, the Sakabato is sharpened on the opposite inwardly-curved side. This is why it is known as a reverse blade sword. It is non-lethal until it's turned over. Although many Sakabato replicas have been reproduced, it is purely a brainchild of Nobuhiro Watsuki and no such sword has ever been recorded in history.

A fan of the Shinsengumi, Watsuki designed the characters based on real Shinsengumi members and other historical icons from the Bakumatsu period. In actual Japanese history, the Four Hitokiri of the Bakumatsu (Bakumatsu Shidai Hitokiri) was a term given to four samurai during the Bakumatsu era. The four samurai were Kawakami Gensai, Kirino Toshiaki (also known as Nakamura Hanjiro), Tanaka Shinbei, and Okada Izo. Kenshin Himura's character was loosely taken from Kawakami Gensai. The four samurai were warrior elites who opposed the Tokugawa shogunate and later supported the Meiji Emperor. Along with the title of Hitokiri, they were also called 'The Four Butchers' (Shidai Nikuya) or 'Heaven's Punishment against enemies of Imperial restoration' (Teikoku Fukki no Teki ni Taisuru Tenchu).

The first sword replica featured here is the functional version. The elegant Rurouni Kenshin Reverse Blade Sword replica (Sakabato) from SwordDemon is constructed from one fine piece of high-carbon steel and buffed to a low polish finish. The Sakabato sword replica has an overall closed length of 40.75", overall opened length 39.25", blade length 27.5" and blade thickness 0.3". If you've always wondered what a reverse blade look like, check out the image below. Isn't that a sight for sore eyes? Unlike a conventional Katana, the reverse blade has its sharp edge on the inside-curve of the blade, which in the image is the top edge with a visible Hamon (temper pattern). Due to the razor-sharp edge, this sword should not be used by children and caution is highly recommended.

The outward-curve of the full tang blade is blunt, shown in the image as the bottom edge. You can see the bottom edge has a wide Shinogi (blade ridge) decorated with an even deep Hi (groove). Notice the entirely different Kissaki (blade point) at the blade tip. The Tsuba (guard) has a simple and elegant round design, just like the anime. The Tsuka (handle) has been created with traditional Samurai components and uses authentic Same (rayskin cover for Tsuka) with a real Ito (braid) wrapped cloth handle. With the antiqued Fuchi (collar on hilt) and Kashira (pommel), the full tang Sakabato makes a stunning addition to your Katana collection. You don't see a reverse blade sword everyday right?

The sword has been reproduced under the specifications of the Rurouni Kenshin anime series' and mangas. Included with the Rurouni Kenshin Reverse Blade Sword replica (Sakabato) is a black cotton sword bag and wooden Saya (scabbard) coated with a high-gloss black finish. Last checked, the Sakabato sword replica was on 49% discount, a bargain for Kenshin fans.

If you are looking for a decorative sword, then the 40" Rurouni Kenshin Reverse Blade Sword Replica (Sakabato) from RoyalArm is a good choice. The sword replica has an overall length of 40", handle length 10.5" and blade length 27.5". The blade is made of 440 Stainless Steel with a slightly sharpened edge. The Saya (scabbard) is lacquered in glossy black paint and stamped with a golden Japanese Kanji. Both guard and pommel have an antique silver finish.

Zabuza Momochi Sword Replica - Naruto

2008-10-26T19:31:00.014+08:00

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.

The Last Samurai Movie Sword Replica

2008-10-26T01:26:00.010+08:00

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.

No More Sword Pose?

2008-10-25T18:39:00.001+08:00

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 Benihime Sword Replica - Bleach

2008-10-24T18:34:00.016+08:00

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.

Gandalf Glamdring Movie Sword Replica - Lord of The Rings

2008-10-23T19:51:00.014+08:00

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 Sword Replica - Bleach

2008-10-23T02:13:00.017+08:00

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.

Frodo Sting Movie Sword Replica - Lord of The Rings

2008-10-22T10:47:00.011+08:00

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.

Abarai Renji Zabimaru Sword Replica - Bleach

2008-10-21T14:23:00.012+08:00

Abarai Renji is one of my favourite shinigamis in Bleach partly due to the voice of Toru Furusawa which really brought life to his smug, arrogant and brash character. Renji is the lieutenant of the 6th Division in the Gotei 13 and reports to captain Kuchiki Byakuya. He earned his eccentric nickname "red pineapple" due to the long crimson hair kept in a high ponytail. His upper body is covered with black tribal tattoos which seem to spread everytime he achieves an advancement. His zanpakutou's spirit Zabimaru also bears similar tattoos but in purple.

Zabimaru means "snake tail" and its spirit (or spirits) takes the form of a baboon with a snake tail. The baboon was portrayed as more dominant of the two. To release Zabimaru's shikai form, Renji commands hoero or "roar". Zabimaru then transforms into a 7-segment blade with a pick-like protrusion on each segment. There are a total of 7 picks, the one at the blade tip the largest. The blade can take-on another form where the segments break from one another, connected by elastic threads. This converts Zabimaru into a long-range weapon more like a whip. It's as if due to Zabimaru's 2 spirits, the blade can assume 2 forms.

Abarai Renji's bankai is called Hihio Zabimaru or "baboon king snake tail"). In bankai state, Zabimaru turns into a giant skeletal snake with a red lion's mane similar to Renji's crimson hair. Renji's outfit also changes with a fur coat over his shoulders and a skeleton on the left arm. Unlike its shikai form, Zabimaru's segments are now bound together by Renji's reiatsu (spiritual power) which can detach and attach again at will. The segments themselves are extremely tough and even if one of it is damaged, Renji can simply detach it and reform Zabimaru. Renji's bankai has the special technique known as hikotsu taiho or "baboon bone cannon" which fires an energy blast from Zabimaru's mouth. He can also use a more powerful technique higa zekko where all the segments detach and sharpen using spiritual energy.

The Functional Abarai Renji Unawaken Zabimaru Sword replica from SwordsSwords is a functional high-carbon steel katana (last checked all stocks were sold out). The Zabimaru sword replica has an overall length of 40", blade length 28" and handle length 12".The sword features a full-tang blade with razor sharp edge. The handle is nylon wrapped in beige red, ray skin and dual-pegged for full functionality. The wooden scabbard is painted in high gloss red liquid finish similar to the anime. Fittings are made of brass and blackened copper. The functional sword replica comes with a sword bag.

If you prefer a decorative sword, why not choose the Stainless Steel Abarai Renji Unawaken Zabimaru Sword replica from Hanzo Steel? The sword replica has an overall length of 41", blade length 27" and handle length 12". The sword comes with a wooden scabbard hand-painted in red with a lacquer coat finish. The tsuka (handle) is wrapped in a red cloth in the popular Tsumami Maki style. The stainless steel blade has a slight factory-sharpened edge with visible hamon (temper line).

If you prefer the shikai or awakened zanpakuto sword, bad news is there are no exact steel replicas available yet. Good news is the wooden 52" Awakened Abarai Renji Zabimaru Sword replica from SwordsSwords. This high-quality wooden sword replica is amazingly light for its size (3lbs) so toting it around the convention hall all day shouldn't work you much sweat. The blade is 35" long with an 11" wide protruding spike at the tip. It has a two-tone paint - silver along the blade edge while the rest is black. The 16" long handle is leather-wrapped for excellent grip. Great for cosplay events.

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.

Blade Sword of The Daywalker Movie Replica

2008-10-19T18:05:00.012+08:00

The Blade Trilogy was based on Marvel Comics character of the same name which was first brought alive by Wesley Snipes back in 1998. Four years later, Blade II made its way onto the silver screen followed by Blade Trinity in 2004. Blade’s human name was Eric Brooks and his mother’s Vanessa. In the original comic, the daywalker's mother was bitten by a vampire while she was in labor with Blade. This caused the vampire gene to be passed down to Blade turning him into a daywalker or dhampir (half-human half-vampire) and inherit the best traits of both worlds.

In the first film, Blade has a partner – an old man named Whistler. Although Blade is the worst anti-social dhampir there is and prefers to work alone, he developed a strong bond with Whistler who helps supply the firepower needed to blow-up or cause excruciating pain to the bloodsuckers before vanquishing them. The stunning Blade Sword of The Daywalker made its first appearance in this film and continued to be featured in the next two. The main story of this first release is the brewing feud between 'pure-blood' elder-vampires and Deacon Frost, a young upstart in the vampire community who happens to be the culprit that killed Blade’s mother and gave the daywalker his curse. Blade finally uncovers Frost’s mega plan to awaken the La Magra at the Temple of Eternal Night so he can take-on the vampire god’s powers himself.

In Blade II a rare mutation infected the vampires turning them into Reapers, a new specie of vampire with an insatiable bloodlust for both humans and vampires. They increase their numbers by infecting their victims. Blade and Whistler reluctantly agree to an alliance with The Bloodpack, a vampire SWAT team originally trained to eliminate the daywalker.

The third film Blade Trinity introduced Blade to the man on the street. The vampires managed to frame him for the death of several humans. With the daywalker now under the public's scrutiny and in FBI hands, a group called The Nightstalkers came to the rescue and later joined forces with him. This time the alliance is with humans instead and the main villain is Drake short for Dracula I guess. Drake is the first vampire and by far the most powerful. He is also a daywalker just like Blade and the only way to vanquish him is a biological virus.

So will there be a Blade IV in the pipeline? Hard to say. Back in April 24th 2008, Wesley Snipes was sentenced to three years prison for three misdemeanor convictions for willful failure to file federal income tax returns. In vampire language, he didn’t pay his taxes. The last news broadcasted was his temporary release from prison near the end of May. Now we know the daywalker's cryptonite - federal tax.

Here comes the interesting part. The Blade Sword of the Daywalker Movie Replica from Hanzo Steel is a stunning looking piece featuring an overall length of 36” and blade length of 27.5”. The movie sword replica's straight blade is double-edged and made of Stainless Steel. The handle is ribbed for better grip and definitely eye-catching with the raised silver over a black base. But grip it too hard, it'll leave a temporary mark on your hands.

The Blade Sword of the Daywalker has another surprise in store for buyers – a hidden 6” double-edged dagger fixed inside the handle. How about that? With a slight turn, the dagger locks and unlocks itself in place within the handle. The movie sword comes in the same scabbard seen in the film with adjustable shoulder-straps for a more comfortable fit. If you intend to wear it, better have a black leather outfit ready to match.

Another option you can consider is the Blade Sword of the Daywalker Movie Replica from United Cutlery. Last checked, it costs more than twice as much due to the UC brand and its known quality. And get ready for this - even with the higher price tag, the Blade Daywalker Movie Sword doesn’t come with the adjustable shoulder-straps scabbard but instead a display stand. Still, you can purchase the Imitation-Leather Scabbard from United Cutlery separately. If you have deep pockets or more concerned on the quality make, UC is a better alternative.

Lord of The Rings Costumes

2008-10-17T12:54:00.002+08:00

If you're looking for Lord of The Rings Halloween costumes, TolkienTown is a good place to shop. They've got costumes for both adults and children. You can find cool accessories as well to compliment your existing costumes. Moreover TolkienTown is offering 50% to 90% discounts on selected products in their Massive Overstock Sale drive. Worth checking it out. Just visit TolkienTown - your one-stop center for everything Tolkien.

Halloween Costumes Promotion

2008-10-16T23:25:00.003+08:00

It's that time of year again. Yep, Halloween is just around the corner and everyone's rushing in and out of stores, trying to get their hands on the right costumes for this year's theme. Well if you rather not jump into the sea of crowds and fight your way to buy your costume, there's an ongoing promotion on Amazon.

From now until Oct 23rd, you get Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more of Halloween costumes and accessories from Select Sellers (CostumeCraze, CostumeKingdom and CostumeSuperCenter) in Amazon's Costumes Store. There are over 10,000 costumes to select from, so feel free to browse-click all of it.

There's even costumes for your pets. But if you only have enough budget for yourself and your pet dog is white, I'd recommend the theme Kiba & Akamaru from Naruto. Just paint your pooch's ears brown. Maximum savings ;)

You can also find wigs, masks, hats, shoes and other accessories that you need to complete your look. Go check it out while stocks last. But take note of the fine print which states the Terms and Condition to quality for the Free Shipping. I've taken the liberty to list it here for you, so happy shopping :

1. Browse for costumes sold by Costume Craze, Costume Kingdom, or Costume SuperCenter at Amazon.com. Please note: Items from multiple sellers will not combine to qualify. The combined $25 must be in one order from one seller.
2. Add costumes to your Shopping Cart until the total amount before taxes, gift-wrap, shipping, and other promotions is $25 or more. The savings does not apply to purchases totaling $25 from multiple sellers.
3. Click the "Proceed to Checkout" button and purchase your products to enjoy free shipping.
4. Offer expires October 23, 2008.

In order to qualify for the Free Shipping, all items purchased must be sent to the same Shipping Address. If you violate any of the terms and conditions listed below, the promotion will be invalid and the rebate will be removed from the order. Limit one savings per order. Offer available for a limited time only.

Grimmjow Pantera Sword Replica - Bleach

2008-10-16T21:44:00.016+08:00

Finally the Bleach anime series is back on track to Hueco Mundo after the long exhausting filler episodes. It's about time cause the pre-filler episodes where Ichigo battled it out with Grimmjow was jaw-breaking and fans were all hyped-up with the increasing excitement, only to be killed off by weeks of filler intrusion. Now that it's all over, guess what?

Halloween is just around the corner and if you decided to be Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, all eyes are on you. Not everyone is worthy (or brave enough) to wear Grimmjow-sama's gear. Why? You got to have 6-packs and not afraid of mosquitoes. And most critical of all, you must have a Grimmjow Pantera Sword replica.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaques (pronounced Gurimujo Jagajakku in Japanese) is the sixth Espada acknowledged by the number "6" tattooed onto his back. His character is one that is proud, fearless and impulsive but honourable nevertheless. Before becoming an arrancar, Grimmjow was an adjuchas class menos with a panther-like physique. In his quest to become stronger and more powerful, Grimmjow wandered Hueco Mundo hunting other hollows and consuming them. Eventually he stumbled upon a group of hollows with the same purpose and due to his peerless strength, became their unwilling new leader.

Grimmjow's zanpakutou Pantera translates "panther" for Spanish but in Japanese denotes "panther king". To release Pantera's power, Grimmjow commands kishire or "grind". In his released state Grimmjow looks more like a were-panther, assuming the cat's features of jagged teeth, feline pointy ears, clawed hands, and a long tail. His speed and agility is greatly enhanced in this state. His roar alone creates shockwaves in the air and he has the ability to shoot 5 lethal darts from his elbow. Grimmjow's ultimate technique is called Desgarron or "laceration" in Spanish which projects energy claws at an opponent.

The Grimmjow Pantera Sword replica is a marvelous piece of work. The decorative sword has an overall length of 41", blade length 27" and handle length 11". The blade is made of 440 Stainless Steel. The striking feature of this sword replica is its metallic tsuba (cross-guard) which assumes the unique shape of a crooked "S".

The tsuka (handle) is wrapped with blue nylon cord and at the hilt end is the copper kashira (pommel). The sword replica comes in a scabbard made of solid wood and painted in blue. The sageo (cord) tied to the scabbard is in darker blue. You can purchase the Grimmjow Pantera Sword replica from 247 Swords.

Sasuke Sword of Kusanagi - Naruto

2008-10-11T19:27:00.019+08:00

Uchiha Sasuke Sword of Kusanagi made its first appearance in the manga Naruto chapter 308 and the sword’s name was highly debated among Naruto fans. In that chapter titled Sasuke’s Strength, Sasuke was quoted “You see, the sword of Kusanagi I hold here is a little special”. This caused some confusion because Orochimaru also had a Kusanagi sword when he battled it out with the 3rd Hokage but it looked more like a katana.

The Sasuke sword of Kusanagi is a chokuto which is a straight Japanese sword. The chokuto’s design originated from Japan’s neighbours – Korea and China. It was developed before the discovery of differential heat treatment or tempering technology which later gave birth to the Japanese katana. The chokuto is easily recognized by its straight blade compared to the curved katana.

The name Kusanagi or more accurately Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Sword of Kusanagi) actually came from Japanese myth. Legend has it the Japanese god Susa-no-o (ring a bell?) encountered Ashinazuchi who is the head of a family with 8 daughters. Ashinazuchi lost 7 daughters eaten by an eight-headed serpent called Yamata-no-Orochi. The serpent was coming for the last daughter Kushinade-hime so Ashinazuchi begged Susa-no-o for help which the Japanese god agreed in exchange for Kushinade-hime’s hand in marriage. Susa-no-o instructed Ashinazuchi to prepare eight vats of sake placed separately behind a barrier with eight gates. The serpent took the bait and slithered each of its eight heads through each gate. At that instance, Susa-no-o striked and severed all the heads before proceeding with the tails. Susa-no-o later discovered a sword inside the slain body of the serpent which he named Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi or “Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven”. He then presented the sword to the goddess Amaterasu to resolve an old grievance. That sword’s name was later changed to the widely known Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Sword of Kusanagi).

Now comes the best part - the Sasuke sword of Kusanagi replica from TopSwords is a class of its own. With the blade sheathed in its wooden scabbard, the whole sword is white in colour with a black stripe along the middle just like in the manga. The anime however took a different colouring - the sword was black in colour with the stripe in the middle a deeper black. Hard-core fans can repaint the handle and scabbard if they prefer the anime design since they are both made of wood. Unsheath the sword and you will see a beautiful two-tone black and silver polished blade made of 440 Stainless Steel. The Sasuke sword of Kusanagi replica has an overall length of 40.2”, blade length of 27” and handle length of 10.7”. Overall it’s one elegant and stylish decorative sword that matches Sasuke’s cool and calm demeanor.

If safety is your concern, there's always the 40" Wooden Sasuke Sword of Kusanagi from RoyalArm. The wooden blade has 2 tones of colour, half-black and half-silver. The scabbard and hilt are white with a black stripe in the middle.

If you're looking for Sasuke'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.

The King of Beggars

2008-10-11T13:19:00.002+08:00

The Chosen One has been found! According to prophecy, return of the "King of Beggars" will revive the once noble Beggars Society and bring balance to the global financial turmoil.

Anduril Sword of Aragorn - Lord of The Rings Movie Replica

2008-10-07T17:57:00.015+08:00

I just watched The Two Towers couple days ago (yes again) courtesy of the local TV channel and felt like watching it for the first time (again). I'm sure you would have too. Half-way through the show, I recalled that the Lord of The Rings Anduril Sword of Aragorn had a different story told in the original work by J. R. R. Tolkien compared to director Peter Jackson’s. So I did some research and found more interesting stuff.

In Tolkien’s original work, Narsil was the sword of King Elendil of the Dunedain. The language Quenya created by the brilliant Tolkien as a language spoken by the Elves translates Nar as “fire” and Sil as “white light”, which represents the Sun and Moon respectively. King Elendil used Narsil in the War of the Last Alliance against Sauron and perished in the siege of Baraddur.

This is where the motion picture adaptation begins to chart its own course at will. In the book, Narsil was broken in two beneath Elendil as he fell in the battle against Sauron. Peter Jackson however felt the scene needed more drama, so he had Sauron crush Narsil with his foot breaking the sword into multiple shards (I counted six). Later the story came together again when Elendil's son and heir to the throne Isildur used the hilt-shard of Narsil to severe the One Ring from the hand of Sauron. Sauron's spirit was supposedly vanquished until Isildur himself got corrupted by the One Ring and claimed it for his own.

In another instance the book tells of Aragorn, Isildur’s heir was already in possession of the broken Narsil when he met the Hobbits at the Prancing Pony in Bree. The two shards of Narsil was shortly reforged in Rivendell during the War of the Ring and renamed Anduril (Sindarin for "Flame of the West"). Since then Aragorn carried the Anduril sword in his journey south as a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. On the silver screen however, Narsil was kept on a pedestal in Rivendell ever since the War of the Last Alliance. In one scene of the first film, Boromir was shown knocking the hilt-shard off the pedestal which Aragorn later picked up and placed back onto the podium. It was only in the third film later on that Narsil made its appearance again, being reforged to Anduril after Arwen persuaded Elrond to have elven smiths reforge the shards. Guess the Anduril sword lost a lot of screen time it deserves.

According to John Howe the conceptual artist, the Anduril sword was designed with a hollow pommel. An inscription in Tengwar engraved inside the hollow pommel reads "Narsil essenya, macil meletya, telchar carnéron navrotessë" which translates to "Narsil is my name, a mighty sword, Telchar made me in Nogrod". Tengwar is a script that was invented by J.R.R. Tolkien. The word tengwar is Quenya for "letters", the singular is tengwa for "letter".

Runes were also added onto Anduril sword’s blade which read : "Anar Nányë Andúril i né Narsil i macil Elendilo. Lercuvanten i móli Mordórëo. Isil", translating to "Sun. I am Andúril who once was Narsil, sword of Elendil. The slaves of Mordor shall flee from me. Moon." While Tolkien did write that there were runes engraved on the blade, both the inscriptions were made up by the filmmakers.

Now that Anduril sword's history is clear, let's get to the precious item. If you are both a hard-core fan of LOTR and a sword collector, the stunning full-size replica of Anduril Sword of Aragorn by United Cutlery is a must to add to your collection. It has an overall length of 52.875”, blade length of 40.625” and thickness of 0.25”. The blade is made of tempered 420 J2 stainless steel with a false edge. Therefore it is good for decorative purposes only, not to be mistaken for a functional sword. The runes as shown in the film are inscribed on both sides of Anduril sword's blade. The cross-guard and pommel are solid metal with an antique silver-plated finish. Metal fittings are plated with 24-karat gold (who says sword is not a good investment?). The pommel also has the Tengwar inscription engraved on it while the grip is wrapped in genuine leather. The blade fits into the hilt by a rat-tail tang construction. A wooden display plaque with symbols of the Kingdom of Gondor and certificate of authenticity comes together with the movie sword.

The best-priced Anduril Movie Sword I could find at the time of this post was from BladeShop. The scabbard is not included but you can purchase the Anduril Scabbard by United Cutlery separately. Although United Cutlery LOTR reproductions are pricey, the quality make and resemblance are impressive. It's worth every penny for die-hard fans. Alternatively you can opt for a cheaper version from 247Swords which comes with back-strap leather sheath.

If you have bought the Anduril movie sword, start saving now. I have a premonition there will be more stunning swords you will crave for after the release of the prequel Hobbits. Can't wait.

Kurosaki Ichigo Bankai Sword Replica Tensa Zangetsu - Bleach

2008-10-06T15:00:00.011+08:00

Ichigo’s bankai sword called Tensa Zangetsu won rave reviews from Bleach fans everywhere when it made its debut in the duel with Kuchiki Byakuya, the 6th Division taicho. Initially ridiculed by Byakuya due to its zanpakutou form, Tensa Zangetsu is actually the result of condensing all of Ichigo’s power into that small physical form enabling him to battle at lightning speed with the full force of his bankai. The sword no doubt looks stunning in black and makes a great collector item for Bleach fans. Only thing I wasn’t so much impressed with Ichigo's bankai ability. Just lacks the shock and awe compared to other taicho's bankai. Ichigo die-hard fans can blast my comment page for this.

The name Tensa Zangetsu translates into "heavenly chained moon cutter". In bankai state, the previous huge shikai cleaver shrinks into a nodachi (long 2-handed Japanese sword). The sword is black from blade tip to hilt, radiating the dark and mystifying aura it's associated with. The tsuba (guard) appears in the shape similar to a swastika. It's ironic the swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word svastik meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and objects to denote good luck. It may be your lucky sword. Also a short black chain takes the place of the overhanging white bandage cloth from shikai state.

For a functional sword replica with reasonable price and quality, the sleek Musashi Handmade Ichigo Bankai Sword Replica Tensa Zangetsu sold by Swords Swords is a good buy. Last checked, there were no stocks available even from other dealers. Made of high-carbon steel, the sword has razor sharp edge with a full-tang. Overall length is 41” while blade length is 30”. The guard is made of stainless steel with black liquid finish. Although Ichigo Bankai Sword does not have a scabbard in the anime, for a functional sword it's just wrong not to have one. Cool thing is the Musashi scabbard has the same high-gloss black liquid finish. The sword replica comes wrapped in a sword bag placed inside a dazzling Chinese red silk box. Nice touch actually but if you prefer to display it out in the open, there is a display stand included.

If waiting for available stock is too much for you, check out the functional 56” Ichigo Bankai Sword replica Tensa Zangetsu sold by Shopusmore. As its name implies, the overall length is 56” while blade length is 37”, much longer than Musashi's. The blade is made of high-carbon steel and the sword comes with a wooden scabbard, both having black liquid finish.

There is also another option - the 56” Ichigo Bankai Sword replica Tensa Zangetsu sold by Royal Arm which I believe is more of a decorative sword.

Or if safety is a concern, you can opt for the wooden 52” Ichigo Bankai Sword replica Tensa Zangetsu sold by 247swords, excellent for cosplay. The wooden blade has a solid black liquid finish and the guard is made of plastic with the same black liquid finish.

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.

Kurosaki Ichigo Sword Replica Zangetsu - Bleach

2008-10-06T13:43:00.022+08:00

Kurosaki Ichigo is the main lead of Bleach but lately I feel his character is overshadowed by the presence of other cooler shingami and espada as the story advanced. If the much-awaited Vasto Lorde were to make their appearance that would really hurt his popularity. Maybe this post can help Ichigo boost his votes.

Before we feature the Ichigo Sword Replica from TopSwords, a quick description : Ichigo's zanpakutou is called Zangetsu which translates "moon cutter". Unlike other zanpakutou, Zangetsu is always in shikai form which is a huge long cleaver (a butcher's dream come true). The sword doesn’t have a cross-guard (hey it’s an oversized cleaver) and the handle is actually the full-tang of the sword wrapped in white bandage cloth. Only in animes can you get a thin-tang that supports a huge blade without fail.

The cloth originally wraps the whole blade when not in battle, kind of like a scabbard. When Ichigo wield Zangetsu for a fight, the cloth mystically unveils the huge blade and shortens to just a meter or two overhanging from the handle end. Zangetsu has the ability to strike an energy blast in the shape of a crescent moon called Getsuga Tensho or "moon-fang piercer of heavens". The energy blast is blue in shikai state and black in bankai state.

Bleach fans will be keen to have their own Ichigo Ichigo Sword Replica Zangetsu from TopSwords. It is made of 440 Stainless Steel with a full-tang construction. The blade has 2 tones of colour – one black and the other polished steel. White cloth wraps the handle with a short excess overhanging from the hilt-end just like in the anime. The sword replica also comes with a leather sheath.

The Ichigo Sword Replica Zangetsu is not exactly the same size as that in the anime. I guess if it was, the cleaver would be one heck of a sword to wield – too much weight and unbalanced. The sword would wield you, not the other way around. Also the tang would probably fail after a few swings.

Some customers feedback that the cloth grip comes off after some time which is quite common in many decorative swords in the lower price range. So buyers just need to avoid abusive force on the grip. You may also want to be careful when sheathing the sword since the scabbard is made of leather and not wood.

If safety is your concern, there is always the wooden Zangetsu sword from 247Swords. It has an overall length of 52” and blade length of 40”. There’s also the 2 tone colours applied to the blade – black and silver.

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.

Toshiro Hitsugaya Sword Replica Hyourinmaru - Bleach

2008-10-02T19:00:00.016+08:00

I’m a big fan of Bleach created by Tite Kubo and after watching the second movie release The Diamond Dust Rebellion, I’ve upgraded myself to a die-hard fan. My favourite Shinigami Taicho (Soul Reaper Captain) is Toshiro Hitsugaya of the 10th Division in Gotei 13 whom I am dedicating this post to. If you are not a fan, check it out on the net for both the manga and anime. I guarantee you will be hooked.

Captain Hitsugaya's zanpakutou is Hyourinmaru which literally means “ice ring”. Hyourinmaru’s spirit is a giant winged ice-dragon. In its sealed state, Hyourinmaru looks like a common Japanese katana with a unique tsuba (guard) design similar to a flower with four petals.

To release Hyourinmaru’s shikai state, Hitsugaya recites the phrase "soten ni zase Hyourinmaru" translated as “sit upon the frozen heavens”. In shikai state, Hyourinmaru looks no much different with only an additional crescent blade attached by a long chain to the katana’s hilt.

To release its more powerful bankai state, Hitsugaya commands the phrase "Bankai Daiguren Hyourinmaru" which means “great crimson lotus ice ring”. The katana tsuba (guard) changes to eight petals from the original four. Ice partly covers Hitsugaya’s body to form two giant dragon wings on his back, a dragon tail, a dragon head frozen over his right hand and sword’s hilt, also dragon claws enveloping his left hand and both feet. Three huge flowers (with 4-petals each) similar to his sealed zanpakutou's tsuba appear behind Hitsugaya. Each of the petals fade away slowly as the bankai state prolongs.

There are two special techniques Hitsugaya used in bankai state. The first is "ryuusenka" or “dragon hail flower” which freeze opponents that Hitsugaya stabs, imprisoning them in a cocoon of ice. The second technique is "sennen hyoro" or “thousand year ice prison” which envelops the enemy with pillars of ice and freezing them.

In this post, we feature the elegant Hitsugaya sword replica Hyourinmaru, manufactured by Musashi. It is a full-tang functional sword replica with overall length of 42”, blade length 29.5” and handle length 12.5”. The blade is made of high-carbon steel with razor-sharp edge so take caution. The tsuka (handle) is hardwood wrapped in ray skin. The wooden scabbard is attached to a black back-strap which should have been green as shown in the anime (that should be easily taken care of). The Hitsugaya sword replica comes delivered in a sword bag placed inside a stunning long gift box decorated in red Chinese silk. A display stand is also included and with the sword helps enhance the interior of your living room or study. If you are looking for a functional sword, the Musashi Handmade Hitsugaya Sword replica Hyourinmaru is a good buy for its low price and quality.

But if you just intend to use the sword as a decorative item, the 440 Stainless Steel Hitsugaya Sword replica Hyourinmaru from TopSwords is a better choice.

For cosplay events, I would recommend the Wooden Hitsugaya sword replica Hyourinmaru from RoyalArm which is safe to handle even for a child.

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.

High Elven Sword - Lord of the Rings Movie Replica

2008-09-28T16:03:00.014+08:00

Looking at the image I just realized something - unlike the Spartans, the elves are armoured from head to toe. Spartans protect only the most important part of their body and it’s definitely not the abs since they have to radiate all 6 packs in battle for that psychological effect on the enemies. The Spartans put everything else at risk including their manhood but not their heads. Persians, you can slice and dice anywhere you want but keep your hands off the pretty face. But what about the elves?

Elves are the high society aristocrats in ancient times. They are skilled riders and expert archers too. I can’t imagine the handicap they would have if golf existed back then. The male elves are very much like the metrosexuals of Middle-Earth in today’s context. They must have put great effort and painstaking hours to get that long silky smooth hair and fair soft skin. After all that investment, it’s a small price to pay to wear restricting full-body armour to protect these timeless assets from the blood and dirt of filthy orcs, not forgetting the sun’s merciless UV rays.

Enough said, the elven sword has to represent those genteel values and are thus forged long and elegant. The Lord of the Rings High Elven Movie Sword has an exceptionally long grip designed to enhance the elves’ sword dancing skill which involves a lot of whirling strikes. For the sheer size of the sword, the blade groove takes off some of the weight without sacrificing its strength.

From blade tip to pommel, the High Elven Movie Sword replica is forged in a seamless smooth curve. Produced by United Cutlery, this elegant elven warrior sword has an overall length of 49.75” and blade length of 24.125”. The blade is made of tempered 420 J2 stainless steel with a false-edge while the handle is made of solid metal parts with simulated-leather grip. There doesn’t seem to be a cross-guard in the design. Obviously a 2 handed sword, the elven sword packs quite a punch looking at the long grip which adds versatility to manipulating the sword. United Cutlery reproduce the movie sword with a display plaque measuring 23”x9”x0.75” made of wood with silk-screened design. A certificate of authenticity is included as with all United Cutlery products as proof of genuine make and quality.

At the time of this post, the best price I could find was at Amazon. If no stocks are available, alternatively you can also purchase it at eBladestore.

Witch King RingWraith Mini Movie Sword - Lord of The Rings

2008-09-26T14:20:00.013+08:00

If you don’t have the room space for the life-size Witch King of Angmar RingWraith Movie Sword or just looking for a small gift for friends, the Mini Witch King RingWraith Movie Sword by the same United Cutlery is a good buy. At first glance it does look a bit like the 'Sword in the Stone' though the Witch King ain't no King Arthur (unless the upcoming Hobbit prequel proves me wrong). Don't judge the Mini Witch King RingWraith Movie Sword by its size. The ideology 'size doesn't matter' not only applies to mortal or elven body parts so I was told. The meticulous details on the mini sword is impressive which makes you wonder how small can they shrink it further? Mini-Me would definitely have no qualms wielding this sword.

The Mini Witch King RingWraith Movie Sword is 1/5 the real size with blade length measuring 7.875”, overall length 10.875” and blade thickness 0.125”. The blade is false-edged made from tempered 420 J2 stainless steel. It has the same acid-etched surface as the life-size replica. The hilt is made of cast metal with an antique finish while the handgrip part has engraved detailed designs as well. The mini movie sword's blade is attached to the hilt by a rat-tail tang construction meaning it's pretty sturdy if you use it to cut vegetables (not saying you should). A display stand measuring 3.75”x3”x2.5” comes together with the mini sword. The stand base is made of cold cast porcelain with hand-painted finish and brass shield.

The best price I could find at the time of this post was from Amazon.If there are no stocks available, alternatively you can purchase it at BadBlades.

Witch King of Angmar RingWraith Movie Sword Replica

2008-09-25T14:45:00.015+08:00

It is so good to be bad, no let me rephrase that - it is so darn good to be the meanest and baddest dark lord in the greatest fantasy story ever written. Which villain in Lord of The Rings trilogy is most vile? My pick will always be Witch King of Angmar, Lord of the Nazgul. The name Nazgul already screams bad ass to start with. You probably know this already but I’ll just say it again for my ego’s sake - John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’s Black Speech translates Nazg as “ring” and gul as “wraith or spirit”, hence their British name RingWraith.

Take a look at the pose above. Are you scared?!! Are ya?!! (got to love Chandler). Hell no, I bet you just can’t wait to get into that costume for the next cosplay event or Halloween. Myself I don’t mind wearing that in broad daylight and get arrested for it cause it looks awesome with the grisly gauntlet and of course the wicked Witch King of Angmar RingWraith Sword. This is the movie sword replica blog so I’ll just stick to the sword part. It’s a 2-handed long sword but personally I think it looks more stunning if you wield it in one hand right below the cross-guard.

The Witch King of Angmar RingWraith Sword was forged in the dark land of Mordor. But in the real world it is mass-produced by United Cutlery. Another thing is unlike the one in Mordor, this is a decorative sword replica. The Witch King RingWraith Movie Sword has an overall length of 54.625” and blade length 39.75”. There is no fuller or groove on the blade but a long central ridge. The false-edged blade has a thickness of 0.25” made of tempered 420 J2 Stainless Steel. The sweet thing about the blade is that its surface is deliberately made to look acid-etched which gives it a menacing evil aura. So if you opened the box and thought you got ripped-off don’t scream like a Nazgul, yet.

The curved metal cross-guard has an elaborate engraved design unlike the plain straight guard of Anduril Sword of King Aragorn. The handgrip is wrapped in genuine leather in two sections separated in the middle, exposing another intricate engraved pattern. The pommel is solid metal with an antique finish. Also included in the package is a wooden display plaque with silk-screened Nazgul designs measuring 10"x14.75"x0.625”. For genuine quality proof and recognition, a certificate of authenticity is issued together with the Witch King RingWraith Sword.

Be prepared to fork out a bit more for this replica. The best price I could find at the time of this post was from Amazon.

If you are looking for a plastic sword replica, the Witch King RingWraith Movie Sword by Costume Craze is available. It is 45" long with a rustic look and the sword is more black in color than silver. Excellent for cosplay and no need to worry about involuntary manslaughter with this sword.

300 Spartan Movie Sword Replica

2008-09-22T00:24:00.015+08:00

Initially I expected 300 to be just another copy of Troy but boy was I wrong. Zack Snyder did a remarkable job in this visually stunning and innovative epic unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The fight scenes were beautifully choreographed and enhanced with the use of stop-motion to capture breathtaking battle moments. Most women though tend to agree the main aesthetic in the film was nearly naked men with 6-pack abs building walls and engaging in testosterone-driven onslaughts.

300 is a fantasy tale based on the real Battle of Thermopylae (pronounced ther-mo-pih-lee). Thermopílai in Greek it means ‘hot gates’ because of the hot springs in the area. The Battle of Thermopylae took place over a period of 3 days in mid-August 480 BC although the exact dates are unknown.

What’s definitely known is the 300 Spartan Movie Sword replica used by King Leonidas and his men bears no resemblance to the actual artifact itself. Still the sword’s shape and design was brilliant as many fans would agree. The unique blade is stunning and in the movie its metal surface was weathered rather than polished shine. Good call.

The 300 Spartan Movie Sword replica featured in this post is the brawny Deluxe King Leonidas Spartan Movie Sword from TrueSwords. It’s almost as what you see in the movie, only difference is the handle grip wrapped in brown and the pommel doesn’t extend as long (movie snapshow below).

The blade length is 26” while the overall length is 34”. The full-tang blade is made of carbon steel with a sharpened edge so take caution. A deluxe brown sheath with belt strap is included in the package although it was dirty black in the film (that can be easily taken care of I’m sure). Take care when placing the sword back into the sheath as its sharp point may pierce through. You might also want to be careful with the handle grip. It tends to come off under heavy swinging.

Overall the feedback and reviews from customers who bought the 300 Spartan Movie Sword replica are encouraging. So if you’re planning to get one, this is a highly recommended piece and you can place your order with True Swords.If no stocks are available, you can alternatively purchase the 300 Spartan Movie Sword replica from Hanzo Steelwhich has black cloth grip but without the sheath.

And no King Leonidas would be complete without his trusted shield. The Life-Size Spartan Shield Replicais 24" in diameter, made of Cast Aluminum with Rubberized Backing. It has a thick wooden handle for increased durability and an adjustable nylon strap for fitting. The awesome paint finish has it look like battle worn.

Japanese Katana Vs Heavy Machine Gun

2008-09-20T18:57:00.002+08:00

If you’ve watched the previous video Japanese Katana Vs Hand Gun and thought it was awesome, wait till you watch this clip. After proving that the Japanese Katana can slice an incoming 9mm bullet, it seems some dude is still not satisfied and convinced. So the same test team raised the ante and called-in the big guns and I mean really BIG guns. The Browning .50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun (HMG).

This time the M2 HMG is placed in position 5m away from the Japanese Katana (provided by good ol' Mr. Oda). Who do you think will win this time?

And the victory goes to – depends what the challenge was in the first place. The Katana did slice through the 50 caliber bullet - not one, not two, not three but a total of 6 bullets!! However the blade finally gave way at the 7th bullet. An amazing feat no less. But whoever’s behind the sword will still get riddled with bullet shrapnel.

So if you ask me, the Japanese Katana can slice through a heavy machine gun’s bullet but it can’t withstand a repetitive assault. As far as Mr. Oda is concerned - “I told you before, my sword still Rules!!” ^_^

Japanese Katana Vs Hand Gun

2008-09-20T18:51:00.001+08:00

This video is one cool showdown you don't wanna miss – Japanese Katana Vs Hand Gun. The MythBusters gotta check this myth out!! The demo is allegedly recorded at L.A. Gun Club’s indoor rifle range. Mr. Oda the owner of the Katana brought his sword to the gun club all the way from Japan to test if its sharp blade can slice through a speeding bullet (looks like a 9mm). I’ve only seen this in anime and manga, never on real TV documentaries.

They setup the Katana vertically in the middle of the shooting range with the Ha (sharp edge) facing the gun. Behind the Katana is a large piece of paper screen used to determine where the bullet shoots through. Check out how many holes appeared after the demo.

It looked real and since it was a Japanese documentary I guess it's genuine. At the end of the clip the Katana came out unscathed, its surface only stained by the bullet's metal residue. Guess Mr. Oda can rightfully claim “I told you, my sword Rules!!”

Kill Bill Bride Movie Sword Replica

2008-09-17T23:16:00.008+08:00

The functional Kill Bill Bride movie sword replica is similar to the Demon Hattori Hanzo Functional Movie Sword.The difference lies in the Lion Emblem engraved on the blade instead of the Demon Emblem. Also at the center of the Saya (scabbard), the Demon Emblem is replaced by another design hand-painted in gold.

As with the post on Demon Hattori Hanzo Functional Movie Sword, a friendly word of caution - before you decide to buy a functional sword it's best to think it over thoroughly. Keeping a sharp long blade that potentially severe a limb (or two) is a huge responsibility especially if you have kids in the house. A real katana looks much less threatening than a firearm, but in reality it's the next lethal weapon. Frankly I'd suggest you buy a functional katana as if you're buying a real gun.

When I first started surfing for functional swords on the net, I found many merchant sites do not caution customers on the responsibility and potential danger of owning these swords. So think it through, make sure you know what you're doing. If in doubt it's still satisfying to settle for a decorative sword replica with rebated (dull) edge, plus you'll sleep better at night.

At the time of this post, there were no stocks available at the merchant. Alternatively you can consider the Handmade Kill Bill Bride Movie Sword Full Tang from Hanzo Steel.

Demon Hattori Hanzo Movie Sword Replica - Kill Bill

2008-09-17T12:26:00.009+08:00

Now that you know the different types of swords and the basic terms used in a Katana, it’s time to put this knowledge to use (finally!). What better sword to start with than the Kill Bill Hattori Hanzo Sword also fondly known as Bill’s Demon Sword. This awesome and accurate movie sword replica from Musashi as shown above is a fine piece of work. The Hattori Hanzo sword is made of high-carbon steel and fully functional so you’ll need to be extra careful with the sharp edge.

If you unsheathe the sword from the hardwood Saya (scabbard), you’ll see an engraved Demon Emblem on one side of the blade. How cool is that? The blade is 27.5” long while the overall length is 40”. Good info to check if you got the room space for worship. The Demon Hattori Hanzo movie sword replica has a Kissaki (point) of Chu type which is medium in length.

Full-tang design keeps the blade and the handle firmly together under abusive force during practical use. However I wouldn’t recommend risking it on cutting hard objects. Although very tempting, resist from touching the blade directly because the acid from your skin can corrode the carbon steel over time. A strict no-no. It’s more forgivable if the blade was stainless steel.

The black Saya (scabbard) comes in a glossy lacquered finish with another Demon Emblem engraved at the center. A sycamore leaf emblem is also engraved between the Koiguchi (scabbard mouth) and Kurikata (loop for cord), hand-painted in gold. Initially I thought I saw the maple-leaf emblem of Canada.

The Tsuba (guard) is made of copper while cotton cord wraps the hardwood Tsuka (handle). The Kashira (pommel) has an intricate design silver in colour and all the fittings are metal.

You can dismantle the Demon Hattori Hanzo sword replica to reveal the full-tang but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you know what you are doing. Also frequent dismantling and reassembling exerts wear and tear to the fittings making them loose over time.

Musashi is relatively a newcomer in the sword manufacturing business but is aggressively making their presence felt, recognized to become one of the most reliable and reputable producer of budget Japanese swords. For the low price tags, the quality of Musashi functional swords are commendable which is a good combination for entry level enthusiasts. Most of their budget sword selections are in the $50-$149 range. If you have difficulty following some of the Japanese sword terms above, refer to this previous post on Japanese Katana Terminology.

Before you decide to buy a functional sword, it's best to think it over thoroughly. Keeping a sharp long blade that potentially severe a limb (or two) is a huge responsibility especially if you have kids in the house. A real katana looks much less threatening than a firearm, but in reality it's the next lethal weapon. Frankly I'd suggest you buy a functional katana as if you're buying a real gun.

At the time of this post, there were no stocks available at the merchant. Alternatively you can consider the Handmade Kill Bill Demon Movie Sword from Hanzo Steelwhich received encouraging feedback from previous customers.

Japanese Katana Terminology for Movie Sword Replica Collectors

2008-09-15T00:19:00.002+08:00

If you’ve read the previous post on basic sword terminology and think it was piece of cake, then you’ll certainly be able to digest the Japanese katana challenge. I tried to look for a cool pic of Hiro Nakamura’s ‘Takezo Kensei’ katana but none was detailed enough to describe with. So the one below will have to do. Since this is a post on Japanese sword terminology, all the terms will be in Nihongo (in roman letters of course). Yatta!

Let’s begin with the blade. Kissaki is the blade point also known as the most difficult part of a katana to be forged and polished. Both sides of the Kissaki surface are at a different plane than the rest of the blade and converges to the sharp blade tip. Therefore it’s no surprise one of the main factors that determine the katana value is the quality and condition of the Kissaki. It’s worthy to note here that there are 2 lines separating the Kissaki from the rest of the blade - Koshinogi and Yokote which will be explained in the following section. These dividing lines and the Kissaki tip determine the 3 types of Kissaki – Chu-Kissaki (medium), O-Kissaki (long) and Ko-Kissaki (short) as shown in the pic below. Feeling dizzy already?

Next comes the shinogi, the ridge line along the length of the blade. There’s also the Koshinogi which is the shinogi in the shape of a sharp arc that stretches along the Kissaki.

Yokote is the dividing line that separates the Kissaki (blade point) surface and blade plane.

Hi or Bo-hi is the blade groove designed to prevent the sword from bending and to reduce its weight without compromising strength. It’s similar to the fuller in European swords.

Yakiba is the tempered line with a particular pattern stretching across the blade. It’s the result of the different heat treatment applied to the blade to make the edge harder. The Yakiba comes in many different patterns known as Hamon. There’s the straight Sugu, wavy Notare, zig-zag Gunome and many others.

Boshi is the tempered line that stretches into the Kissaki (blade point). The Boshi also has various design styles.

Mune is the back ridge of the blade. There are 3 different types of Mune according to the design – Ihori (standard 2 surfaces), Mitsu (3 surfaces) and Maru (rounded surface).

Ha is the sharp cutting edge of the blade.

Hada is the visible design of the grain on the sword steel. The shape of the grain is a direct result of the way the sword was folded when forging.

Tsuba is the cross-guard made of steel, copper, silver or some other durable metal to prevent the hand from sliding to the blade during thrusting action and also to protect the hand from enemy attacks. Nothing to do with Captain Tsubasa ;)

Tsuka is the hilt or handle made of wood and normally wrapped in ray skin.

Kashira is the pommel at the end of the hilt.

Saya is the scabbard or sheath usually made of wood to protect the blade. If you’re an anime fan, Saya was the heroine character in Blood+. Now you see the connection.

Sageo is the cord used to secure the sword to the obi (belt).

Kurikata is the knob on the scabbard through which the Sageo (cord) is passed through.

Kojiri is the ornament at the closed end of the scabbard.

Koiguchi is the opened end of the scabbard where the sword is sheathed and unsheathed from.

Phew! So there you have it, a short marathon on katana terminology. But don’t let loose yet. All the above are just some of the basics. There’s still a lot more to it like the Nakago (sword tangs), Nakago-jiri (tang tip), various blade shapes, etc. Keep posted for future updates on some of these advanced terms.

What Types of Swords are there?

2008-09-15T00:16:00.001+08:00

You’re adamant to start your own movie sword collection. Great! But wait, what type of swords are available on the net and which one should you choose? Well if you search online you’ll find various opinions on the categorization of swords since there’s no clear line that separates them. So to make things simple, there are generally 3 different types of swords in the market.

First is the decorative sword also frequently referred to as display sword (which I think is inaccurate since a genuine antique sword can still be a display sword in some collector’s secret underground vault). The name decorative sword clearly states its purpose – making your fireplace, study or games room look ultra-cool. Decorative swords are generally made from but not limited to stainless steel making them more corrosive-resistant than common carbon steel. Even though meant for display purposes, they do come sharpened.

Just a reminder, decorative swords are not to be used in sword duels or cutting parties. But if you insist, top-up your insurance coverage and get a paramedic team on standby. Most decorative swords (99.99%) will break under heavy-force and worst case possibly land you an “involuntary manslaughter” charge.

The second type of sword is the practice sword used in beginner and intermediate sword training exercise. They help students to learn basic sword techniques (offence and defence), sword handling and balanced footwork. Practice swords can be made from a variety of materials mainly wood, plastic, latex, foam, aluminium and even steel. They do not have sharp edges for safety reasons especially during sword duel exercises where students apply the learned skills to the test. You probably heard of sword cutting exercise in advanced training where actual sharp swords are used to cut bamboo, plastic containers and roll-bundled newspaper. Skilled and experienced professionals use functional sword for this purpose which is described in the next section.

The final type is the functional sword, the real thing - designed and forged to withstand the brute forces from cutting, stabbing and metal-to-metal bashing. A fully-functional sword is one great piece of engineering sometimes termed “battle-ready” cause it really is. High carbon steel is used to make the blade and the tang as one single piece. The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the hilt. A full-tang extends all the way to the hilt end typical of many European swords. A partial-tang is more favoured in Japanese katana. The guard, grip and pommel of a functional sword are also carefully designed and made of durable materials. If you plan on having a cutting party, a fully functional sword is the best piece to use. Well actually it’s a must. You are less likely to worry about the sword breaking, just keep your eye on where the sword is going and make sure you’re gripping it firmly. If you don’t have any previous training on handling a functional sword, go get one. Remember “involuntary manslaughter”?

Well there you have it, or maybe not quite. You may be asking so where does movie sword replica fall into? The answer – any one of the 3 above depending on the sword’s purpose. For example, if you’re looking for a cosplay sword replica, a decorative sword made from wood, plastic or foam is best. It’s also easier to make decorative and practice swords exactly like the movie's design. Functional swords however are a different story.

Most awesome designs seen on the movie screens are just that - designs. If a functional sword is forged exactly as seen, it may not behave like a true sword - the weight could be too much to handle, there’s heavy resistance to swinging or the whole sword vibrates violently upon contact. Not so functional or practical anymore. But there are some manufacturers who apply design enhancements to make the replicas as original and functional as possible.

Sword Terminology for Movie Sword Replica Collectors

2008-09-15T00:00:00.003+08:00

So you decided to start a movie sword replica collection cause a room full of iconic swords make you look macho cool in front your friends and the girl next door (hell yeah!), that is until the girl next door starts throwing questions at you about sword features. There are many movie sword replica collectors who don’t know much about swords. Not to say a collector should have the PhD kind of knowledge, but just enough to appreciate and respect the make of a sword. Alright, it makes you look smart and sophisticated on top of avoiding embarassing situations.

So what should an enthusiastic collector know at least? Some basic sword terminology would be good to start with. For easier understanding, we have Anduril Sword of the King as our model. A typical sword is made up of 2 main parts – the blade and the hilt as labelled below.

Let’s begin with the blade section. At the tip end of the blade is the point, easy right? Then comes the central ridge which runs from the blade point to the fuller. Now the fuller is the groove that runs along the blade and there’s a widespread misunderstanding that the fuller is what many refer to as "blood groove”. It’s best if you know the actual facts from the beginning - the fuller’s function is not to lead off blood contrary to all the hype in sword-and-sorcery novels. The real structural function of the fuller is to strengthen and lighten the blade the same time. If you’re from an engineering background, you’d realize it has a similar concept to the I-beam structure used in construction. Spoils all the fantasy hoohahs right?

Next comes the sharp length of the blade called the edge and it’s designed for one purpose only - cutting. A sword can be single-edged or doubled-edged. The Anduril is a doubled-edged sword meaning both edges of the sword are sharp. A common Japanese katana is single-edged with one sharp edge and the other rebated (blunt). So far so good?

Now let’s continue with the hilt section. The part of the hilt that borders the blade is the cross-guard. It serves 2 purposes - the first is mainly to prevent the user’s hand from sliding to the blade during a thrusting strike, the second is also to protect the user’s hand but from an enemy’s sharp blade. The grip part of the hilt as its name implies, is where the hand grips firmly onto the sword. Finally at the end of the hilt comes the pommel. Sound familiar? In French, “pomme” means apple making it easy to remember, at least for those who know French.

So there you have it, a quick walkthrough on some of the basics of sword terminology. Please keep in mind that the terms posted above are by no means exhaustive. There are numerous sword designs out there each having unique features and parts not mentioned here (wait till you read about the Japanese katana terminology). So do come back to this blog to check out new posts on other sword replica designs.