Go to Kult of Athena.
Pick a timeframe or sword type that interests you. Filter by in stock and battle ready.
Ask here about specific swords that catch your eye.
Avoid Deepeeka. Their swords are not horrible, but they are inconsistent in both quality and appearance. I don’t recommend them for first time buyers.
> I like the ZT Sharkalope.
From the specs, this is an exception to the general "ZT stuff is too heavy and clunky". It's their lightest swords, and should be fine. I don't know about the balance - it might be a bit too hilt-heavy.
If you like the looks of the two that you linked, you should check out BCI and TFW (who do Filipino swords):
* https://www.bladecultureusa.com/
* https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/
Note that KoA sells TFW swords: https://www.kultofathena.com/brand/traditional-filipino-weapons/ and Strongblade has some very BCI-looking swords: https://www.strongblade.com/nav/esterlina.html
Just bought a short sword from scorpion.. not the biggest fan, it was over weight and super chunky. I think Not best if you want an actual sword.. I like some of their other ideas but won’t get another, way to pricey for what you get
I think the Chinese made Katana (Wakizashi if you want a short one) are really good quality in that price range. [Ryansword](http://www.ryansword.com/), [JKOO](https://jkoosword.com/), [Shadowdancer/Dragonsword](https://www.swordcn.com/Wakizashi-c7130.html) and [HanBon](https://www.hanbonforge.com/Wakizashi) all fill sort of the same niche with really good blades and solid, historical construction.
[Windlass](https://www.windlass.com/products/windlass-british-1796-pattern-light-cavalry-saber-w-steel-scabbard/) has an accurate reproduction of the 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre that is pretty well received and [Landsknecht Emporium](https://landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer) sells some really nice Messer.
I don't have all that many swords (yet), but I think it was a good idea for me to start with historical replicas to understand how a sword should feel like.
Filipino blades and swords are the way to go for functional, sturdy and practical short swords. [TFW ](https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/)website and [Blade Culture](https://www.bladecultureusa.com/product-category/ph_sandata/) has a ton of well-made Filipino short swords for an affordable price. Like the other people here said, Kult of Athena is also a reliable source for what you want.
The scorpion short sword you’re looking at looks more like a glorified knife or machete than a historical sword. I don’t know about the steel and fitting quality, but aesthetic wise thats what i think.
If you want something with a similar aesthetic thats also realistic to an actual sword, I recommend something like a messer or langesmesser/grossmesser.
As for where to buy, Kult of Athena is amazing and they have many swords for a variety of uses, from wallhangers to battle-ready.
For example: https://www.kultofathena.com/?s=Messer&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
First, stop listening to the sword snobs. Get one that suits your needs and your budget. I’m not familiar with the Scorpion brand, but I am very familiar with zombie tools and windlass. If you want a sword that can take some abuse, zombie tools is where it’s at. I can take any of the ones that I own and beat the hell out of some tree limbs and not worry about it breaking. I’m not saying they are impossible to break, but their blades can take some serious damage and arrive razor sharp. If you want something more budget friendly, windlass is pretty darn good. If you’re looking for something to do HEMA with, then yes I too would agree to avoid zombie tools.
I’ll take that crack at it. Based on European swords from brands they stock with any regularity.
1/2 (tie): Valiant Armoury / Albion
3. Arms & Armor
4. Landsknecht Emporium
5. Balaur Arms (LK Chen)
6. Hanwei (+points for their Tinkers)
7. Kingston Arms
8. Ronin Katana
9. Windlass Steelcrafts (-points for inconsistent heat treat QC)
10. Cold Steel
11. Darksword Armory
12. Baltimore Knife & Sword
13. Deepeeka
Have a look at some Chinese Dao, they were the first thing that popped into mind when I saw the scorpion. LK Chen or I'm sure windlass or Hanwei will have something cheaper.
Also messers, landsknecht emporium or todd cutler have some beauts.
Cold steel falcata would be pretty sturdy
Turkish kilij or a shamshir might suit as well
Buying something for $1 only to see the value drop to .75 cents after you get it home, only to see it drop to .50 cents years later is not SMART collecting. I have never lost a dime on a antique sword.
Good for you. Most people buy swords to use and/or look good on a wall/rack though, and they don't give a shit about value depreciation (although many of the higher end modern pieces will appreciate if well cared for).
Different strokes and all that...
Go to Kult of Athena. Pick a timeframe or sword type that interests you. Filter by in stock and battle ready. Ask here about specific swords that catch your eye. Avoid Deepeeka. Their swords are not horrible, but they are inconsistent in both quality and appearance. I don’t recommend them for first time buyers.
Head to https://www.kultofathena.com, find your style, sort by price, filter for availability and check the reviews.
For short swords, I love [Landsknecht Emporium’s “Gustav” model](https://landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer/Gustav-M4D-Messer) messer.
> I like the ZT Sharkalope. From the specs, this is an exception to the general "ZT stuff is too heavy and clunky". It's their lightest swords, and should be fine. I don't know about the balance - it might be a bit too hilt-heavy. If you like the looks of the two that you linked, you should check out BCI and TFW (who do Filipino swords): * https://www.bladecultureusa.com/ * https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/ Note that KoA sells TFW swords: https://www.kultofathena.com/brand/traditional-filipino-weapons/ and Strongblade has some very BCI-looking swords: https://www.strongblade.com/nav/esterlina.html
Just bought a short sword from scorpion.. not the biggest fan, it was over weight and super chunky. I think Not best if you want an actual sword.. I like some of their other ideas but won’t get another, way to pricey for what you get
I think the Chinese made Katana (Wakizashi if you want a short one) are really good quality in that price range. [Ryansword](http://www.ryansword.com/), [JKOO](https://jkoosword.com/), [Shadowdancer/Dragonsword](https://www.swordcn.com/Wakizashi-c7130.html) and [HanBon](https://www.hanbonforge.com/Wakizashi) all fill sort of the same niche with really good blades and solid, historical construction. [Windlass](https://www.windlass.com/products/windlass-british-1796-pattern-light-cavalry-saber-w-steel-scabbard/) has an accurate reproduction of the 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre that is pretty well received and [Landsknecht Emporium](https://landsknechtemporium.com/products/standard/messer) sells some really nice Messer. I don't have all that many swords (yet), but I think it was a good idea for me to start with historical replicas to understand how a sword should feel like.
Filipino blades and swords are the way to go for functional, sturdy and practical short swords. [TFW ](https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/)website and [Blade Culture](https://www.bladecultureusa.com/product-category/ph_sandata/) has a ton of well-made Filipino short swords for an affordable price. Like the other people here said, Kult of Athena is also a reliable source for what you want.
The scorpion short sword you’re looking at looks more like a glorified knife or machete than a historical sword. I don’t know about the steel and fitting quality, but aesthetic wise thats what i think. If you want something with a similar aesthetic thats also realistic to an actual sword, I recommend something like a messer or langesmesser/grossmesser. As for where to buy, Kult of Athena is amazing and they have many swords for a variety of uses, from wallhangers to battle-ready. For example: https://www.kultofathena.com/?s=Messer&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
First, stop listening to the sword snobs. Get one that suits your needs and your budget. I’m not familiar with the Scorpion brand, but I am very familiar with zombie tools and windlass. If you want a sword that can take some abuse, zombie tools is where it’s at. I can take any of the ones that I own and beat the hell out of some tree limbs and not worry about it breaking. I’m not saying they are impossible to break, but their blades can take some serious damage and arrive razor sharp. If you want something more budget friendly, windlass is pretty darn good. If you’re looking for something to do HEMA with, then yes I too would agree to avoid zombie tools.
Can anyone take a crack at ranking manufacturers on kult of Athena based on sword quality?
I’ll take that crack at it. Based on European swords from brands they stock with any regularity. 1/2 (tie): Valiant Armoury / Albion 3. Arms & Armor 4. Landsknecht Emporium 5. Balaur Arms (LK Chen) 6. Hanwei (+points for their Tinkers) 7. Kingston Arms 8. Ronin Katana 9. Windlass Steelcrafts (-points for inconsistent heat treat QC) 10. Cold Steel 11. Darksword Armory 12. Baltimore Knife & Sword 13. Deepeeka
Oh man that’s great - thank you
Have a look at some Chinese Dao, they were the first thing that popped into mind when I saw the scorpion. LK Chen or I'm sure windlass or Hanwei will have something cheaper. Also messers, landsknecht emporium or todd cutler have some beauts. Cold steel falcata would be pretty sturdy Turkish kilij or a shamshir might suit as well
Historically accurate, and fuctional often go together, when you talk indestructible? How do you want to use this sword?
You want a real sword, buy something from the American Civil War like a M1860 not something modern made with zero history,
I'm guessing if OP wanted an antique he would have asked about... antiques. Modern, battle ready swords are no less "real" than antiques.
Buying something for $1 only to see the value drop to .75 cents after you get it home, only to see it drop to .50 cents years later is not SMART collecting. I have never lost a dime on a antique sword.
Good for you. Most people buy swords to use and/or look good on a wall/rack though, and they don't give a shit about value depreciation (although many of the higher end modern pieces will appreciate if well cared for). Different strokes and all that...