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Links that lead to off-site pages for martial arts products and services. A few links will be listed in more than one category.

In addition to notes about the site, I will also make notes of my shopping experiences with them (syntax: "Shopping Experience:"), and I will include notes by trusted sources. For common items: Find the make and model you like, then Google/Amazon it to find the seller with the best price. For uncommon items: Good luck!

Archery

• Above Timberline Products [above-timberline.com]. Outdoor and hunting gear, but especially archery. Shopping Experience:
  • The Chicago Swordplay Guild has used H.T.M. Rubber Blunts, size 5/16", with a washer (#6, although I prefer an 8-32 hex nut for extra thickness) and some duck tap to cover rapier points.
  • 2011-06: I ordered 10 H.T.M. Rubber Blunts at $1.25 each. They arrived in a timely fashion.
• AusBow.com.au. 'Ausbow Industries, makers of high quality Australian archery equipment including crossbows, longbows and recurve bows'
• CrossBow.com. 'Team Realtree and Horton have teamed up to design a rock-solid deer hunting crossbow that shoulders like your most trusted firearm.'
• CrossBows.net
  • 'New World Arbalest ... David R. Watson, Proprietor ... We build only Medieval and Renaissance-style crossbows -- mostly light target and recreational bows. We can make bows anywhere from 50 to 200 lb. draw, 250 to 1500 inch-pounds of power. (Inch-pounds equal draw weight x draw length, thus 100 pounds x 8 inches = 800 in/lb.)'
  • Shopping Experience: 2004-09-25. Leo showed me a crossbow (with and aluminum bow) and book (Iolo's First Book of Crossbows)by Watson. The crossbow has been working fine for years and the book looked quite good.
• EastonArchery.com
• MartinArchery.com
• PSE-Archery.com. "Precision Shooting Equipment, Inc."
• Quicks.com. UK based.
• ThreeRiversArcher.com. "World's Largest Traditional-Primitive Archery Supplier"
  • H.T.M. Rubber Blunts. Useful as a rapier blunt.

Arms, Armor

• Chicago
  • KnightsEdge.com
    • 'Swords, Armor, and Medieval Weapons Catalog'
    • I like how they posted scans of their printed catalog online.
    • 5696 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL 60646-6136, phone 773-775-3888.
• Ancient, Fantasy
  • A2Armory.com.
    • 'A Squared Armory'
    • Fantasy plus medieval throuh modern arms and armor.
  • ArmsOfValour.com. Ancient thru fantasy. Mostly arms and some armor.
  • BrotherSmith-Swords.com
    • 'Medieval Swords, Bowie Knives, Fencing Foils, Historical Replicas of Guns and Armor'
    • Large selection.
  • Fantasy-Swords.com.
  • FireBloodArms.com.
  • ImperialWeapons.com. A few from DelTin.net too.
  • KultOfAthena.com. Ancient to Renaissance to Fantasy.
  • Lords-Armory.com, aka Swords-n-Stuff.com. Some fantasy stuff but also some sharps.
  • Medieval-Weaponry.com. Too many clicks to get to what you want but large selection. A fair degree of fantasy stuff.
  • MWArt.com. Medieval Weapon Art. Largely fantasy.
  • SwordsDirect.com. Ancient thru fantasy. Mostly arms and some armor.
  • TheWebCollection.com. Like SwordsDirect.com, but also with replica guns.
  • Schwert-Shop.de.
  • SWBlades.com. Southwest Blades. Like TheWebCollection.com, but also with crossbows.
  • Windrose Armoury [windrosearmoury.com]. Mostly armour, especially for WMA and the SCA. The item that catches my eye are their helms with strong perf almost like a fencing mask: http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=30_131&zenid=813862ac5b8096df55a0d33be17a7e58. These have been approved by CSG instructors for working with some heavier stuff.
• Antique, Serious Replicas
  • Arms and Armor [Armor.com]. Good replicas and sharps, not that "fantasy" stuff. Many of the pieces are based on museum originals.
    • Shopping experience: Some of the CSG people are associated with them
  • Celtic-Smith.cz/english/smithy.htm. 'Catalogue of blacksmith works by Petr Melc. All shown products are designed by Petr. Execution is based on traditional historical technology such as welding in fire, riveting and hand whetting. Knife blades, cutters, swords and hatchets are hardened either in water or in oil and forged from carbon steel. Headpieces, supplements and jewellery are made from iron, steel, copper and brass. The design comes from the study of originals and documentation and dates from the following historical epochs: Roman period and 5th century to the early medieval period - particularly the Viking era.'
  • Don Diego Arms Web. Antique swords.
  • HistoricalWeapons.com. Including antique.
    • Terminology.
  • Long-Sword.com.
    • 'Replicas swords & armor for martial artists, collectors and re-enactors'
    • Some of the usual fantasy stuff, but also some practice stuff and a few antiques.
  • Manning Imperial [manningimperial.com]. 'Manning Imperial is a premier manufacturer of historical reproductions. As an international supplier to re-enactors, collectors, museums and the movie industry, we pride ourselves on the high quality and authenticity of all our products. We prefer to use authentic methods of construction wherever possible. Rather than carrying a large range of products in stock most items are made to order and can therefore be customised to our clients most exacting requirements.'
  • MichaelDLong.com. Military and martial antiques from ancient to modern.
  • pcay [http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZpcay]. A variety antique weaponry on sale.
  • Seven Stars Trading Co. [sevenstarstrading.com]. Chinese swords: antiques and sharps.
• Active Use
  • By the Sword [by-the-sword.com].
    • Large catalog, including Iberia and Hanwei.
    • Sword Cases & Accessories
    • Shopping Experience: 2008-10: I ordered a ten sword standing rack and a pair of "hammered iron" arm bracers. Both were fairly priced, arrived in a timely manner, and were exactly as expected. --> Update. The leather ties on the bracers broke on the first use. Also ties are hard to tie with one hand. Apparently you need to get bracers with buckles unless you always have people around to help you.
  • Dark Knight Armoury [darkknightarmoury.com]. 'We design custom, hand-crafted legal SCA leather armor & LARP leather armour that will protect you in role-playing events or making you unique at a medieval fair.'
  • MandrakeArmory.com. Specializes in SCA arms and armor.
  • HanweiShop.com. Sells arms and armor by the Taiwan company Hanwei, operated by Chen Chao-Po (aka Paul Chen). Blunts and sharps, eastern and western. Part of NetLink Enterprises [netlinkenterprises.com], which also does ReplicaWeaponry.com and probably other similar sites.
  • Popinjay's [Popinj.com]. Small swords too.
  • Preferred Arms [preferredarms.com].
    • 'your best source for stage combat worthy weapons for theatre and film. Whether you are arming a mass battle requiring broadswords, axes and shields, an 18th century smallsword duel or a contemporary scene with a switchblade and a .357, we have the weapons for your production at prices that may even leave room in your budget to pay the actors!'
    • Stage Combat Worthy (SCW) weapons are better for practice than so called "battle ready weapons" which aren't even good as sharps for cutting practice or actual combat.
  • TherionArms.com. Hal Siegel. PO Box 187 Del Valle, TX 78617. (512)247-3578.
    • Reproduction, antique, and ethnographic arms and armor. Wide selection including gorgets. WMA orientation. I like how they clearly distinguish between blunts and sharps.
    • Links. Nice selection.
    • Shopping Experience: 2008-01: I ordered a pair of Milanese hourglass finger gauntlets. Custom made gauntlets are $300-600, so I thought I had nothing to lose at $160. After I got them, it was pointed out that a sword thrust could fit between the fingers and the knuckles, making them effectively unsafe for play with metal swords. Plus they weren't comfortable on the hand. The custom gauntlets that I have tried before felt very natural.
    • Shopping Experience: 2008-02: I ordered a Laced vertical dagger frog, a Rapier frog, and a Practical cup-hilt main gauche (Paul Chen). The last item was a closeout item. The items arrived in around 3 weeks. The vertical dagger frog was a perfect fit for my wooden rondel, and I like how I can vary the angle at which it hangs. The rapier frog holds my rapier quite well --even with the rubber tip on. The left hand dagger matches well with my cup hilt and it was approved for free play! I'm quite happy with all three purchases.
    • Shopping Experience: 2009-10: I ordered a Tinker Pearce longsword - sharp. It arrived in less than 3 weeks. I got this for my birthday. I intend to pair it with the Tinker Pearce longsword - blunt trainer since the two are supposed to be very similar in balance and proportions. I've handled both the longsword blunt trainer and the Tinker Pearce bastard sword - blunt trainer, both are good but with gauntlets on, the longsword makes more sense. The sword is quite nice -- it's a fraction of the price of an Albio or an Arms and Armor, but it will cut.
  • Triplette.com or ZenWarriorArmory.com
    • TCA (Triplette Competition Arms) or Zen Warrior Armory. 101 E. Main St.. Elkin, NC 282621. 336-835-1205.
    • Both OSF and HES equipment, including SCA.
    • Shopping Experience: The CSG got fencing masks for the beginners from Triplette.
    • Shopping Experience: 2005-11-03t23:05:53Z: They have no online order form --instead you merely call them up. I ordered the T-253 fencing jacket. The fellow seemed quite concerned about getting the right size for me. --> 2005-11-10t17:46:13Z. The jacket arrived just a week later and it was exactly as I expected. The collar is high enough to provide protection from a gorget. The jacket is nicely constructed with thick corduroy-like material.
  • Valentine Armouries [VArmouries.com].
    • 'Valentine Armouries has been carefully hand crafting historically accurate, custom fitted replica armours for over 21 years. As of April 2003, we've completed over 310 full suits of armour, and 1035 historical helmets. We continually work on new armour projects, and are often restoring historical armour for collectors and museums. We employ five full-time apprentices. Our video and book are available on making a historical suit of armour. '
    • Shopping Experience: The CSG used to recommend their Practice Weapons, but has found their aluminum swords too whippy and now recommends SwordCrafts.com.
• Miscellany
  • AncientArmor.com
    • Grass mats for use in cutting practice
  • AnshelmArms.com. Nice photos. Gorget too. No swords.
  • BattleOrders.co.uk. Lots of fantasy stuff but some good stuff anyway.
  • HistoricEnterprises.com. Lots of SCA stuff including clothing, arms, armor, and reenactment goods. Professional-looking site.
  • HollywoodCombatCenter.com.
    • "The art of looking dangerous. ... The Hollywood Combat Center is dedicated to developing and producing the finest equipment for the Theatrical and Historical Martial Arts Community."
    • A good source for training weapons.
  • Lancasters-Armourie.co.uk.
  • LeesArmoury.com
  • Licata Custom Knives & Guitars. Mostly fantasy stuff, lots of custom work.
  • LionGate-ArmsAndArmour.com. 'LionGate Arms Armour entered the Internet marketplace in 1995 with the goal of becoming the premier Internet source for fine antique edged weapons.'
  • Lutel.cz. ' We offer our services to the general public - not only to history enthusiast but to everybody who loves old weapons as decoration in castles, chateaus, houses or offices. 'MedievalRepro.com. Very nice reproduction armor.
  • Mayhawke.com. As of 2004-08-09, their products are not online but I saw their stuff in person and it looks pretty good. Mostly WMA stuff.
  • Members.iinet.net.au/~morrisrh/. 'Medieval Arms and Armour'
  • MuseumReplicas.com. Swords including "fantasy" stuff. Their printed catalog is much more accessible than their online catalog.
  • Raven-Armoury.co.uk. "Suppliers to the Royal Armouries, National Museum of Arms & Armour"
  • ReplicaWeaponry.com.
    • 'If you're a collector, participate in re-enactments, or enjoy martial arts, you've come to the right place.'
    • Replicas of guns, blades, armor, accessories, etc.
  • Silvermane.com
    • 'Silvermane has been offering an extensive selection of Roman to Renaissance merchandise since 1996. Our broad range of products include swords, daggers, historical weapons, armor, period clothing, belts, boots, leather accessories, sterling and pewter jewelry, figurines from dragons to gargoyles to skulls, banners, and home decor. '
    • Deerskin Fencing Gloves
    • Sheaths. Custom made from a tracing of your blade.
    • Early Gambeson
  • Stores.eBay.com/The-Kings-Lance. The Kings Lance.
  • Store.FastKnife.com/ascm.html.
  • SwordsAndArmor.com. Large selection.
  • SwordsOfHonor.com. Large selection. Costumes too.
  • SwordStaff.com. Hand made fantasy arms.
  • TheSteelSource.com. Including Hanwei swords.
  • topicool.com. Eastern and western blades, plus some other stuff.
  • WeaponsEmporium.com. Large selection. Swords, armor, misc. weapons, accessories, and collectibles. Fantasy stuff too.

Armor

Most of these sites are for active usage as opposed to for display only. I like idea of designating "armour" for stuff like maille, while using the "armor" spelling for stuff like modern tanks.

• Age Of Armour [ageofarmour.com]. Run by William Hurt. Beautiful stuff. His tutorials are also quite nice.
• ArmourWorks.com
• ArtOfChainmail.com. Kusari's Chainmail. In addition to armor, Kusari also makes chainmail into knick knacks and clothing.
• BlackKnightArmoury.co.uk. Greek, Roman, and Medieval armour.
• Clang.adkinssoftware.com. Clang Armory. 'Craftsmen of Leather, Armour, and Nifty Goods. ... I strive to provide quality armor and other nifty goods for reenactors and living historians.'
• CraftArmor.com. Buy instructions for making a full-sized suit of armor (for display purposes only) out of common household materials.
• DarkVictory.com.
• Eeldrytch.com. Leather armor, bracers, baldrics, and accessories.
• Forth-Armoury.com. Very good. Specializes in chain "maille", including kits to repair yours. Informative content. The make flat-link, wedge riveted maille instead of round-wire, butted maile. Run by Steve Sheldon.
• Gauntlets.org. Focusing on gauntlets of course.
• Griffin-Works.com. ' a fine selection of quality hand-crafted leather goods of ages past.'
• Illusion Armoring [illusionarmoring.com]. Run by Scott Martin. I've handled some of their stuff: very nice. Gauntlets too.
• Justus.pair.com. Tom Justus, Armourer. Good stuff. Nice photos of his shop.
• Lightlink.com/armory/. Robert R. MacPherson, Armorer. Some very handsome stuff.
• MacKenzieSmith.com. Including gorgets, frogs and garment patterns.
• Mallet-Argent.com. Mallet D'Argent.
  • "Specializing in 14th century European armour."
  • By Chuck Davis, Armourer. "known as Cadwallon y' Rhudd, or just Cad"
• Medieval Reproductions [medievalrepro.com]. Quite pricey but nice selections.
• Members.aol.com/knightsarmoury/knightsarmoury_001.htm. Knights Armory.
• Members.cox.net/IllusionArmoring/
• Members.socket.net/~bromine/
  • St. Eligius Armoury by Brian Romine.
  • ' Our goal is to provide the best customer service in the armor industry. Everyone has been frustrated about delays and armorers unable to keep up with their orders. We strive to be as honest about our production times as possible, to keep up with our orders, and to take the initiative to contact you, the customer if there is any delay. '
• OaksArmoury.com. 'I strive to create armour that both pleases the eye and serves as fully functional and long lasting protection from medieval style combat.'
• PlessisArmouries.co.uk. 'All pieces made at Plessis Armouries are made for the individual client, so, unlike the off the shelf armourers, the armour will fit correctly and will be finished according to the order, be that with brass trim, engraved or just highly polished.'
• Schmitthenner Armory [schmitthenner.com]. Leather armor.
• SN Exports [snexports.in]. 'a Dehradun India based manufacturer and exporter of quality antique items in Chainmail.'
  • Shopping Experience: 2007-03-03: The CSG did a group order of around 2 dozen boxes worth of chain. We ordered all sorts of pieces that used "Wedge Shaped Flat Riveted Chain mail" which is historically accurate. The outside is rough, while the inside is smooth. The maille was blued to to black. Everyone seemed to be impressed by the quality.
• That Guy's Products [thatguysproducts.com]. He hand makes two products. One, a particularly strong fencing mask with back of the head protection. Two, a flexible stainless steel gorget covered in leather. He takes around a week to make a mask.
  • Shopping Experience: 2009: The CSG is recommending Terry's "Top Hat" as the default fencing mask. It is strong enough for both rapier and shinai longsword.
  • Shopping Experience: 2009-02-11: I ordered a mask and gorget today. Given the the size of the waiting list, it be around a year before he gets to my order!
  • Shopping Experience: 2010-01-28: I just got my gorget today! My time estimate was almost exactly right. It's very nicely crafted and just the right size. It should be more comfortable than my current steel plate gorget. I decided against the mask because I have other priorities for my money at the moment.
• Toraba.com. 'authentic period Japanese Samurai armour and related components, restoration materials and re-enactment parts'
• Truehearth Armouries [truehearth.com]. SCA too.
• VistArmoury.com.
  • 'The Vistar Armoury was founded by Eric Slyter in 1995. With a keen interest in all things medieval since childhood, Eric's discovery of historical re-enactment groups, fantasy and role-playing events, the online armouring community and other similar activities sparked an immediate desire in him to participate. Quickly receiving acclaim for his historically based armour, unique fantasy armour and armour designs for women, pursuing the craft as a business came as an obvious next step. The fine eye for craftsmanship and detail that came with his degree in graphic arts, plus a business and marketing background, allowed for a swift ascension into the commercial armoury world. '
  • 1017 W. Gem Ave., Moose Lake, WA 98837. Armourer@VistArmoury.com.
  • Shopping Experience: 2004-07-06. I ordered my first gorget: a floating collar, rolled edges, 18 gauge mild steel, for $70. It arrived in a timely manner and it's been great.

Blades

• Chicago
  • Northwestern Cutlery [nwcutlery.com].
    • 810 W Lake St, Chicago IL 60607.
    • 312-421-3666.
    • 2010-04-29 I was walking by and I decided to drop in. Awesome place! Lots of knives! Lots of professional grade kitchen gear too. I was impressed by the 1 meter sharpening stone that they seem to have spinning all day long.
  • Babes with Blades [babeswithblades.org]. "a diverse ensemble of artists working together to expand opportunities for women in the world of stage combat".
• Antiques, Serious Replicas
  • See also Arms and Armor [Armor.com] above. By price, it's roughly Albion, Arms and Armor, and then Angus Trim.
  • Albion Swords [albion-swords.com].
    • Good replicas and sharps. Located in New Glarus, Wisconsin.
    • 'Albion features the finest swords by internationally famous swordmaker Fulvio Del Tin, as well as our own exclusive line of Albion Mark™ swords and scabbards.'
    • 'Recreated from Museum Originals ... Hand-Crafted ... Rigorously Designed Fully Functional'
    • 'Designed by noted Swedish swordsmith, author and researcher Peter Johnsson, these limited edition collectable swords are all painstakingly handmade to exacting design specifications, based on countless hours spent in the detailed study and documentation of original swords. They are not look-alikes or replicas -- we call them "re-creations" because they not only look like period originals, but feel and perform like them as well, just as on the day that they were newly forged. No short-cuts, no compromises. Just the real thing.'
    • Shopping Experience:
      • 2011-07-05 I ordered The Meyer, a steel blunt longsword for drills and freeplay. It is probably the best in sword in the category as far as balance, durability, beauty, and functionality. The sword was $490 plus $50 shipping. I put $150 down and was expecting delivery in 4-6 weeks. When it didn't arrive I emailed and discovered that they ran out of the specific steel needed and had it backordered, and thus adjusted the delivery to 12-16 weeks from order date. Then on 2011-11-18 the $390 balance showed up on my checking account. I had to call them and confirm the delivery date since it was close to Thanksgiving. The sword arrived on 2011-11-22 the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, after 140 days or 14 weeks.
  • Angel Sword [AngelSword.com]. 'hand forged custom swords unsurpassed in their combination of hardness, toughness and flexibility. All our blades are sharp!'
  • Angus Trim [AngusTrimSwords.com].
    • Aka ATrim. Sharps and good practice swords.
    • 'Angus Trim swords are the leader in the Western Martial Arts Performance Sword market. Angus crafts steel, knowledge, and art to form swords which perform like the historical originals, while taking advantage of the tools available a modern craftsman. Angus Trim swords are carefully designed in accordance with the best principles of modern sword design. Swords are offered in a variety of medieval and renaissance styles. These swords are not copies of existing swords, but are made faithfully in the style of the originals. while based on medieval designs, they are carefully constructed using modern methods and the best in modern materials. Blades are made from time tested 5160 spring steel and are carefully heat treated for optimum performance by the Mar-quenching process, which provides excellent flexibility, shock resistance and edge retention. The swords are balanced not only for quick handling and powerful striking ability, but are also "harmonically balanced" so as not to transmit shock to the hilt. This not only makes the sword more comfortable in use, it also means better cutting ability and longevity of the sword. Careful attention is paid to the geometry of the edge as well. Taking into account the intended use of the sword for optimum strength and cutting ability. These are real, working swords; not "wall hangers" or theatrical props; they are shipped sharpened.'
    • Angus Trim Direct [angustrimdirect.com]. This is their newer direct order site.
  • All Saints Blades [AllSaintsBlades.com].
    • Featuring Angus Trim European swords and daggers. They describe their swords in considerable detail. They make sharps. Western and Japanese blades.
    • 'a full line of Angus Trim swords, leaders in the Western Martial Arts Performance Sword market. Angus crafts steel, knowledge, and art to form swords which perform like the historical originals, while taking advantage of the tools available a modern craftsman. Angus Trim swords are carefully designed in accordance with the best principles of modern sword design.'
    • Shopping Experience: All members of the Chicago Swordplay Guild get a 10% discount!
    • Alas! They've gone out of business!
  • ASA Swordworks [ATrimASA.com].
    • 'a small group of dedicated sword craft people and enthusiasts dedicated to providing absolutely the finest production and semi production reproduction swords on the market today. We strive to produce historically accurate reproductions of Western and Japanese swords while delivering the highest level of performance and durability. We achieve this by coupling all the benefits that modern steels, heat treat and hi-tech manufacturing methods available today, with old world craftsmanship and sensibility.'
    • Featuring the Angus Trim line of swords. They make sharps. Western and Japanese blades.
  • Christian Fletcher [ChristianFletcher.com]. Swords. Nice thing is they sell matching scabbards and sword belts. They make sharps. They also scabbards and sword belts. They sell swords by Angus Trim and Albion Armorers as well.
  • Dikon Sword Company [DikonSword.com]. 'Manufacturers of Quality Assured Cutting Tools for the Martial Arts Community'
  • Reliks.com.
    • Swords and collectibles from London, Ontario, Canada. Some decent info too. Sharps, wooden, historical, east, west, fantasy.
    • 'dedicated to bringing the advanced and novice collectors everything they need and want from quality to pricing.'
• Japanese Blades
  • AOI-Art.web.sh.cwidc.net.
    • 'Our company is one of the leading professional dealers for the Japanese sword in Japan and our activity has continued more than twenty years.'
    • Antique Japanese swords and armor.
  • Bugei.com. Bugei Trading Company. Fairly informative as well.
  • BushidoJapaneseSwords.com
    • 'Japanese Sword Polishing & Restoration'
    • 'Robert Benson is one of a small number of American experts on Japanese sword polishing. He studied sword polishing & appraisal under three top teachers, including Koke Ono, a " living treasure" in Japan and at that time was head sword polisher for the National Museum in Tokyo.'
    • "Den - What does it mean, tradition, school, derived from and teachings of? Or (Now and Den)"
  • Dragonfly.net. Japanese sword supplies, including cleaning kits.
  • e-Bogu.com. Equipment for kendo and other Asian martial arts. Shinai.
  • Eguchi.net. Kendo equipment.
  • JapaneseSword.com. 'The Internet's Source for Antique Japanese Swords Since 1998'
  • JapaneseSword.net.
  • Jidai.jp.
  • Nipponto.com. Antique Japanese swords.
  • SDKSupplies.netfirms.com. The Sei Do Kai Supplies Catalog. Lots wasters using actual shiro kashi (Japanese white oak).
  • Tameshigiri.com. Tatami omote mats for test cutting.
• Miscellany
  • A.G. Russel Knives [agrussell.com]. Nice knives and a lot of info too.
  • AllKnife.com
    • Rubber Training Knife
  • AtlantaCutlery.com
  • Atar.com.
    • Salamander Armoury. 'Dr. Jim Hrisoulas aka "Atar" aka "The Dread Doctor J" is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles of the subject of bladesmithing. His work has won awards at most of the internationally acclaimed knife shows in the world. '
    • Mostly custom swords and daggers.
  • Belt-Buckle-Knife.com. 'The World's Fastest Knife'
  • Benchmade [benchmade.com]. Why have they stopped making the beloved Model 42 "Bali-Song" knife? If Hit Girl from Kick-Ass, liked it, then it has to be good!
  • BladeGallery.com. Specializing in all kinds of knives and daggers.
  • BladesUnlimited.co.uk. Half fantasy.
  • Bladez.com. Including some ceramic knives.
  • BuckKnives.com
  • ColdSteel.com. A lot of sharps especially modern blades, but also some nice blunts. Also a number of interesting alternative weapons.
  • CQC Knives [CQCKnives.com]
  • CutleryToGo.com. A large selection of international pocket knives.
  • Darkwood Armory [DarkwoodArmory.com].
    • Darkwood emphasizes rapiers, early rapiers, basket hilt swords, and daggers. Darkwood uses a variety of blades blades including house, Del Tin, Angus Trim, and Hanwe. In particular, the Del Tin and house blades are more historically accurate for WMA and HES. These blades are stiffer, heavier, and shaped in a more historically correct manner and thus are quite different from SCA and OSF blades.
    • Shopping Experience: Most of the practice rapiers used by the Chicago Swordplay Guild come from Darkwood.
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-05-01T07:58:10Z. I ordered a rapier: saber hilt, Del Tin blade, my logo etched onto the hilt, for $350. It took 4 months since he was very busy but it's an excellent sword.
  • DelTin.net. Del Tin Armi Antiche. An Italian sword smith. Excellent source for blades.
    • a-work-of-art.sitehosting.net. Is a site by a Del Tin fellow. He shows some of the swords by Del Tin in a sligthly more compressed manner.
  • eKnifeWorks.com or LaNavaja.com (same site but in Spanish). 'Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Large selection of all kinds of knives. You can order a low cost jar of lockback knives from them.
  • Extreme-Swords-For-Sale.com. New Japanese and Chinese swords.
  • FiocchiSword.com. 'My name is Tom Fiocchi and I am a sword cutler specializing in custom stage combat weapons. Fiocchi Sword was founded in the late 1980's when I needed to arm myself for the stage combat classes I was taking at the Shakespeare Theater. I began taking orders from my classmates and built swords for clients in the Washington DC area.'
  • HideAway Knife [HideAwayKnife.com]. 'The concept behind this knife: Something ultra-concealable, highly retainable in a struggle, and accessible quickly and easily.'
  • James the Just [JamesTheJust.com]. Focuses on SCA rapiers.
  • JodySamson.com
    • 'Most people know him as the creator of the "Conan™" swords '
    • Also does daggers and axes.
  • Ka-bar [Kabar.com]. Makers of the famous signature knife of the U.S. Marines.
  • KnifeCollection.com
  • KnifeOutlet.com. With a focus on modern knives.
  • KnivesOfSpain.com. 'Offering handcrafted, well-made and unique knives from the finest craftsmen of Spain!'
  • KnivesPlus.com. "Retail cutlery and cutlery accessories since 1987"
    • " FAQ: Liner Lock how to close"
  • Leatherman [leatherman.com]
  • MantisSwords.com
  • MedievalWares.com. 'Gaukler Medieval Wares makes jewellery and metalwork in ancient and medieval styles, using the methods and materials of the past. I do custom work, as long as the design is medieval or earlier. We also sell authentic ancient and medieval antiquities.'
  • RagweedForge.com.
    • Predominantly Scandinavian utility knives.
    • The site is proudly made for a Lynx browser!
    • Bookmarks. Lots of good stuff.
  • SaberSmith.com. Mostly fantasy stuff.
  • SOGKnives.com. Named after the Studies and Observation Group. Two of their more famous knives:
    • SEAL Knife 2000. 'WINNER of one of the most extensive testing and evaluation programs ever undertaken by the US Government for the Navy, the SOG SEAL Knife surpassed all others to receive the highest performance honors and become the chosen blade of the US Navy SEALs.'
    • Desert Dagger. The character known as "The Bride" uses one in Kill Bill (2003 & 2004 movies by Quentin Tarantino).
  • Spyderco.com
    • The most famous maker of 1-hand operated folding knives. They even make trainer knives.
    • Steel Chart. Fine steel chart but it doesn't explain the differences between the different steels.
  • SteeleArms.com. Fantasy and modern blades.
  • StirCraz.cnc.net/AxtionBladez.html. Aka Axtion Bladez Conceptez. Some cheezy blades, pouches, bags, and one SCA helm.
  • SuperBlades.com. Mostly fantasy MAs stuff.
  • SwordMania.com. A site that indexes sword links.
  • TodsStuff.co.uk. 'I make a range of goods from needle cases to swords, but specialise in replica knives of the medieval and early renaissance periods.'
  • ToledoSwords.com. Sword smiths from Toledo, Spain.
    • Sword Care
  • Victorinox.com and SwissArmy.com.
    • The official Swiss Army knife.
    • Some say that Wenger-Knife.ch is the real thing but I go with Victorinox. Both Victorinox and Wegner have the white cross on a red field but the Wegner cross is in a rounded square while the Victorinox cross is in a shield.
    • Their knives come predominantly in 4 sizes:
      • 58 mm = 2 1/4 inch. Their smaller knives.
      • 84 mm = 3 1/4 inch. Their efficient knives.
      • 91 mm = 3 1/2 inch. Their regular knives.
      • 111 mm = 4 3/8 inch. Their locking knives.
  • WorldKnives.com
    • 'World Knives features the highest quality knives available from all over the world. We specialize in knives that are difficult or impossible to find anywhere else. All our knives are hand picked for quality, design and innovation. We bring in new models nearly every week so there is always something new to see!'
    • Large selection.
    • Daggers
    • Blade Geometry. Nice piece.
  • WorldOfWeapons.com. Mostly bladed weapons, including "fantasy" stuff.

Books, Videos, Periodicals

• Amzon.com search for 'martial arts'.
• BudoVideos.com. 'The largest selection of martial arts videos on the Net!'
• ChivalryBookshelf.com.
  • 'Founded by Brian R. Price in 1992, the Chivalry Bookshelf has grown from a small journal publisher to a press that dominates the emerging field of Western Martial Arts and has a growing list of successful titles relating to medieval and Renaissance history.'
  • 'In 2001 Mr. Gregory Mele joined the company as Editor for the newly emerging field of Western Martial Arts.'
    • Chief Instructor at the ChicagoSwordplayGuild.com.
  • 'Committed to producing both new important works and reprints of hard-to-find, but critical texts relating to the broad spectrum of what is loosely classified as the "Chivalric Arts", its title roster can include Medieval/Renaissance History, Arms and Armour, Historical European Martial Arts, Courtly Love, Heraldry, and Medieval Arts & Crafts.'
• Directory.Google.com/Top/Shopping/Sports/Martial_Arts/Books_and_Videos/Videos/
• Dragon Association, Inc. [dragon-tsunami.org]
  • 'Since 1968 the source of the best martial arts books, video, and equipment. We publish Classical Fighting Arts magazine/Dragon Times and the complete Dragon Books line, produce Tsunami martial arts videos, and distribute Meijin Karate uniforms.'
• Christopher Caile's Fighting Arts [fightingarts.com]
• iKungFu.net
  • 'We are an Australian owned company which specialises in eBooks on Chinese Kung Fu forms in consultation with Masters in Mainland China. Our founders have had over 20 years experience in Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi.'
  • Shopping Experience: 2005-08-03t16:40:59Z:
    • I got a free eBook from them as part of a link exchange.
    • The only problem I ran into was that email server blocked the 1.24 MB zip file attachment for the eBook. However they seemed to follow up on it quickly via email. Luckily I have other email options so I eventually got the eBook. Their eBooks are executables that also concurrently run a guard.exe that disables the paste function across all apps. Simply close the eBook to regain pasting capability.
    • I got the Ba Gua Eight Palms Fixed Form book. It demonstrated the 135 steps of the form using text and pictures of a computer modeled practitioner. No interpretation of the form was given, which may be just what some people want.
    • Overall they seem to deliver exactly what they advertise combined with good customer support.
• Immortal.co.uk. Videos for a wide variety of styles.
• KarateVid.com. E/B Productions. Shotokan videos.
• KnifeWorld.com. 'home of the world's largest inventory of knife and cutlery related books and publishers of KNIFE WORLD magazine, the leading publication for knife enthusiasts.'
• Latourdulac.com/fencing/patri.html. 'Historical Fencing Manuals'
• MartialArts.com. Books, videos, DVDs, etc. Tendency towards popular American MA magazine 'styles'.
• MartialArtsBooks.co.uk. Books. Seems to lean towards the Japanese MAs.
• MattFurey.com. 'Politically Incorrect Strength Training & Fighting Instruction'
• Paladin-Press.com. "Home of the Action Library".
• Ryukyu.com. Books, videos, DVDs, etc. Tendency towards Japanese MAs.
• Shotokan Karate Magazine. A serious magazine.
• TacticalKnives.com
• TurtlePress.com. Books, videos, DVDs, etc. Tendency towards Korean MAs.

Guns

• Gun Makers. There are many more but here are the big ones.
  • BerettaUSA.com
  • Glock.com
  • HK-USA.com
  • Remington.com
  • SigArms.com. Sig Sauer.
  • Smith-Wesson.com
  • SpringfieldArmory.com
  • TaurusUSA.com
• Miscellany
  • Blowguns Northwest [BlowgunsNW.com].
  • Blunderbuss-Antiques.co.uk
  • CobraGunSkin.com
  • FederalFirearmsLicense.com. "This site is dedicated to providing information to those who want to obtain a gun dealer license, better known as a Federal Firearms License or FFL License. This license, which is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF or BATF) allows an individual to act as a firearms dealer."
  • GalatiInternational.com. 'Your number one source for shooting and gun accessories'
  • GalleryOfGuns.com
  • GunAccessories.com.
  • GunsAmerica.com.
    • 'The Honor System Gun Classifieds'
    • A fair number of antiques.
  • GunBroker.com. "The Web's Largest Hunting and Sport Shooting Auction". An FFL license is needed to buy or sell here.
  • NEACA.com
    • 'Hudson River Trading Company ~ NEACA New Eastcoast Arms Collectors Associates'
    • Firearms, near-modern blades, antiques.
  • SoundTechSilencers.com
  • USAGunSales.com.

Military, Para-Military, Police

• ArmyNavyShop.us
• CopsPlus.com
• EliteSelfDefense.com
• Galls.com
  • Forced Entry Gloves, TE383
• DeptServices.com
• MDEnterprise.com
• Military Care Packages. Gift ideas for people in the military.
• PAndKMilitaryAntiques.com
• RangerJoes.com
• SafetyEnforcement.com
• SecurityAndSafetysupply.com
• SelfDefenseProducts.com
• TBoTech.com
• USCav.com. US Cavalry.
  • Shopping Experience:2003. I ordered #21608, Operator Gloves, designed by SWAT, made with leather and Kevlar, for $40. It was out of stock and was delayed by many weeks. The gloves were exactly as advertised.
• US Patriot Store [uspatriotstore.com]. 'US Patriot is a woman, veteran owned company based in Columbia, SC.'

Non-Strictly MAs

• Bags
  • Golf Travel Bags. Golf travel bags (a large, wheeled bag for transporting golf bags) can good for transporting long sword-sized martial arts equipment.
    • CaddyDaddyGolf.com. Specifically.
    • GolfBagPlace.com. Specifically.
    • The Golf Warehouse [TGW.com]
      • 2005-01-12: I ordered a Bag Boy brand "T-1 Travel Cover". Of the suppliers at Amazon for this particular product, The Golf Warehouse had the best price at $29.95+$7.95 shipping for a total of $37.90. The bag arrived by UPS on time. Initially I had looked at the "T-6 Wheeled Cover" ($79.95) and the "T-10 Hard Top/Soft Side Travel Covers" ($99.88), which led me to the T-1. I didn't realize that the T-1 does not have wheels! That, of course explained the low price. In hindsight, the T-10 would have been the best buy. I decided to keep the T-1 so it will serve as a perpetual reminder that will keep me humble. Otherwise, the T-1 is the perfect size for holding 120 cm = 4 foot weapons (like long swords, rapiers, jians, etc.) plus some loose items like gambesons, fencing masks, focus mitts, etc.
    • RDGolf.com. Roger Dunn Golf Shops. Specifically.
  • Miscellany
    • AllCases.com. Excellent hard body cases.
      • Expo Case. $250, hard body, wheeled, internal dimensions of 52"x25"x11" (132 cm x 64 cm x 28 cm).
      • Pelican Case. $165, hard body, wheeled, internal dimensions of 50.5"x13.5"x5.3" (128 cm x 34 cm x 13.5 cm).
    • AmeriCase.com. Gun and bow cases in particular.
    • AtlasCases.com.
    • BassPro.com. Outdoor sporting goods such as gun cases.
    • CasesBySource.com
    • eBags.com
    • HockeyMonkey.com. Hockey-Ice/Roller Bags are long, wide, and sturdy enough for transporting martial arts equipment.
    • Mezzi.com. A large selection of aluminum cases in particular.
• Mineral Oil. Buy it at drug stores instead of hardware stores.
  • Chemistrystore.com/mineral_oil.htm. Buy mineral oil in bulk.
  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) on mineral oil. ' Synonyms: Paraffin oil; liquid petrolatum; White Mineral Oil; Nujol '
• Renaissance Wax
  • RestorationProduct.com.
    • 'Restoration Preservation Conservation Products'
    • 'RENAISSANCE WAX is used in the following places in the U.S. - The Smithsonian Institute, Colonial Williamsburg Conservatory, Abraham Lincoln Residence, Vicksburg Military Park and Museum, Henry Food Museum, Academy of Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NRA Museum, Rockefeller Restorations, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Hilton Hotels, BYU Museum of Art, National Ornamental Metals Museum, as well as other museums, government agencies, craftsmen, collectors both professional and amature alike. In the United Kingdom it is used in the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Buckingham Palace, Military Museums at Aldershot, H.M. the Queens Royal Armourer, The National Museum of Antiquities - Scotland, Royal Armories (London & Leeds), The Imperial War Museum, Windsor Castle, and The Tower of London.'
    • '65ml (2.25 fl. oz.): $12.00. 200ml (7fl. oz.): $20.00 per can. 2.5 liter (s&h $8.00): $150.00 per can' [2004-09-14].
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-09-12. Ashley of the CSG said she's ordered from them before and that they were friendly and helpful.
  • WoodCraft.com
    • Renaissance Wax. 'Developed for use on the British Museum's priceless antiques, this special blend of micro-crystalline waxes will not stain or discolor with aging. It is acid neutral, water and alcohol resistant. Preferred by museums worldwide for protecting furniture, leather, marble, paintings and metal. 200 ml, 7 oz.' $20.99 [2004-09-12].
• Miscellany
  • AdamLeathers.com. Large leather selection including jackets, pants, and boots.
  • Be Prepared [beprepared.com]. Emergency essentials.
  • CowboyOutfitters.com. Lots of cowboy stuff including gusseted jeans, blank firing guns and rifles.
  • Croakies.com. Eye ware retainers.
  • eBay.com
  • Explore Products [exploreproducts.com]. Hunting, archery, camping, and golfing stuff.
    • Shopping Experience: 2007-02-25. I bought the 2SKB-4916PW Travel-Tek Staff Deluxe Bag.
    • Shopping Experience: 2007-02-28 14:15. The case arrived very quickly and was exactly as expected.
  • GGGodwin.com. ' a complete line of items useful to the military man; such as muskets, bayonets, leather goods, uniforms, cocked hats, diverse sorts of brazen sundries, &c., all done in the neatest manner '
  • GussetClothing.com. You need gusseted pants to move in martial arts.
  • Oregon Glove Co. [oregonglove.com]
  • Tandy Leather Factory [tandyleatherfactory.com]. Leather and leathercraft gear. As far as locations for Chicagoans, there's one in Elgin, IL and another in Peoria, IL.
  • Tough Gloves [toughgloves.com]
  • WesternStageProps.com.
    • 'For more than a decade Western Stage Props has been the premier source for Western Arts Equipment and Supplies!'
    • Esp. props like whips and guns for westerns.
  • WidgetSupply.com. 'Hard to find hobby and craft tools'.
  • Wikipedia.org/wiki/Denier. The denier value is defined as the mass in grams per 9000 meters of yarn, i.e. denier is a related of heaviness of fabric or thickness of fiber.

Olympic Style Fencing (OSF)

Aka modern fencing, collegiate fencing, Olympic fencing, and strip fencing.

"3 Weapon"/"Standard"/"Universal" masks are sufficient for WMA, SCA, and OSF training. "FIE"/"CE" masks are required for OSF tournaments. Consider masks with removable (hence washable) liners.

• Brand Names
  • AllStar-Fencing.com. The German company's site also comes in English.
    • AllStar-Fencing.co.uk
    • AllStar-USA.com.
  • LeonPaul.com. "The most advanced fencing equipment in the world manufactured in the United Kingdom and delivered worldwide".
  • Negrini.com. The Italian company's site also comes in English.
    • Negrini-uk.co.uk.
  • Prieur-Sports.com. The French company's site also comes in English.
  • Uhlmann-Fechtsport.de. The German company's site also comes in English. See also their list of distributors by country.
• Miscellany
  • AladdinSports.com.au
  • American Fencers Supply Co. [AmFence.com].
    • Some WMA and SCA too. Includes Classical Fencing Weapons.
    • Shopping Experience: 2010-04: I ordered an "Italian foil, ambidextrous, true ricasso, practice-electric tip, Rockwell grip and pommel. (Last of the true ricasso blades, once this stockpile of blades is gone, there will be no more.)". I ordered it with "#5 Joseph Vince Blade Plastic (non-electric tip). 206 Leather Italian wrist strap.". They were all nicely priced, well constructed, and arrived in a timely fashion.
  • Blade-Fencing.com. They buy and sell used equipment.
  • Blue-Gauntlet.com
    • Decent prices, name brands, good interface. House brand available. A bit of theatrical rapier too.
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-09-03. I placed an order for #M1602: "BG 1600NW FIE Sabre Mask", i.e. the house brand, for $125 + 8.50 shipping. The beautiful house brand mask arrived 7 days later via UPS without a glitch. The inner lining is fully removable and washable plus I like how it has are ear holes.
  • Duellist.com. A UK shop. House brand available.
    • DuellistUSA.com. A watered down version of the UK store.
  • Santelli.com
    • 'Founded by Maestro Georgio Santelli, the "maker of champions", George Santelli, Inc proudly manufactures and distributes fine fencing equipment from our factory and from premiere suppliers like Leon Paul. For over 50 years, the Santelli name has meant the finest fencing equipment and service.'
    • They cater to SCA stuff as well as OSF. They also sell replacement bibs.
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-09-01. I placed an order for #48C: "3-Weapon Mask, Deluxe Insulated", i.e. an unknown brand for $85.
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-09-02. They sent an email saying that the item was Chinese made, out of stock, and no longer available. I cancelled my order.
  • TheFencingDude.com. A California fencing store.
  • TheFencingPost.com.
  • Sword-Masters.com. Everything but masks.
  • Triplette.com. TCA (Triplette Competition Arms).
    • Both OSF and HES equipment, including SCA. House brand available.
    • Shopping Experience: The CSG bought a batch of fencing masks from Triplette.
  • Zivkovic.com.
    • 'Zivkovic Modern Fencing Equipment, the most modern fencing equipment in the world'
    • A US company. Decent prices. House brand available.

Practice Weapons

• Airsoft
  • BackyardArtillery.com. Lots of fun stuff but also Airsoft guns which are good for MA training.
  • hobbytron.com
    • Airsoft Pistols
  • Multirole Frontline Innovations [mfiap.com].
    • MFI Airsoft / Replica Weapons
    • What Is Air Soft All About?. Ballistics, range, etc.
• Blades
  • ActionFlex.com.
    • 'ActionFlex™ full-contact weaponry includes knives, swords, staves, long- and short-range weapons, batons, and protective gear. These padded weapons satisfy the highest standards of the martial arts, law enforcement and sports industry and are simple to learn for those not so athletically inclined.'
    • They have Fumio Demura in a lot of their marketing.
    • Looks better than a boffer, but is it better?
  • AMAS.net
    • Rubber Practice Knife. This is the typical rubber knife, specifically a rubber tanto, that is sold by many distributors.
  • Arden Forge [http://www.ardenwoodforge.com/html/hilts.html]. For adding a longsword style hilt to a shinai. The CSG tends to use the hilt by Dino Crisanti [http://www.chicagoswordplayguild.com/c/links/suppliers.asp].
  • ColdSteel.com has several training knives.
  • Frank's Cane and Rush Supply [franksupply.com]. Rattan.
  • Den Trinity Guns [Dentrinity.com/shop/shop.htm]. Specializing in huge variety of Airsoft guns, including ones without red tips.
  • GungFu.com has several training knives.
  • H.H. Perkins Co. [HHPerkins.com]
    • Rattan Fighting Swords. Esp. for bulk orders.
  • HollowEarthSwordWorks.com.
    • ' We are a small family business devoted to producing the finest wooden swords in the world. We have reinvented the wooden sword, blending pure function and sleek styling to produce a superior practice sword that is beautiful and balanced, yet can withstand the rigors of serious sparring.'
    • More customizable than WoodenSwords.com.
  • KeenEdgeKnives.bizland.com.
    • 'Keen Edge Knife Works makes the best Aluminum Training Knives'
    • Bah. They only have 2 models online.
  • No Quarters Arms [noquarterarms.com]. 'Renting stage combat weapons for more than 10 years'
  • Real Fighting [RealFighting.com]. Lots of good articles but also some nice products like practice knives.
  • Sof-Stx.com. All sorts of flexies for swords, daggers, staffs, canes, etc.
  • TherionArms.com/reenact/swords.shtml. Therion has a good number of wooden wasters plus blunt metal swords (in addition to their sharps).
  • SwordCrafts.com
    • 'My swords were designed with the invaluable assistance of the senior instructors of the Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts (AEMMA), for the sole purpose of providing their students with a durable, safe training tool which handled and resembled as closely as possible its Medieval forebear. To that extent, they are replicas of their actual medieval counterparts in most every functional aspect. They are archetypal representations - the typical sword of their times in both appearance and handling. Utmost consideration has been given to 'the feel' of the sword.'
    • Shopping Experience: Some CSG members have bought aluminum wasters from this Canadian site by Charles Jevons and found them better than the stuff from VArmouries.com (Valetine Armouries).
    • Shopping Experience: 2007-04-10 15:07:16 Z. Buying my practice longsword.
    • Shopping Experience: 2007-05-18: I got the sword and it was wonderful. The center of balance was just before the bottom of the ricasso, so it handled quite well. The new gun bluing looked nice. The waisting on the grip was completely natural.
  • TrainingBlades.com. A lot of aluminum daggers and FMA swords.
  • VArmouries.com/weapons/practice.html. Valentine Armouries has aluminum swords and axes.
  • WoodenSwords.com or WoodenWeapons.com. Aka Purpleheart Armories.
    • Wooden wasters for both EMA and WMA. Wooden swords, daggers, staffs, and sticks. Also stuff like bucklers, gambesons, and books. Lately they've bee adding content too. EG: Info on pells. A pell is reasonably solid practice target that approximates an opponent.
    • Shopping Experience: Many of the CSG members have bought long sword wasters from them. The padded swords unfortunately are not suited for WMAs.
    • Shopping Experience: Some of the stuff they sell (like the gambesons) is made by members of the CSG.
    • Shopping Experience: 2006-03-02t16:10:04Z: I ordered three non-modified items: A longsword, an arming sword, and a rondel dagger. I'm getting a wooden arming sword instead of an aluminum on the assumption that the wooden one is probably in stock and will arrive quickly. I got an email confirmation (probably automated) almost right away.
    • Shopping Experience: 2006-03-17: Six weeks and five day later I still haven't received my order. I sent them an email and almost immediately Natasha replied with this: "These items were not in stock, we have worked on them and should have them finished shortly. You will receive an email when this goes out."
    • Shopping Experience: 2006-03-19: Hurrah! I got an email from UPS saying that my order is shipping.
    • Shopping Experience: 2006-03-24: My order finally arrived. The items are exactly as expected. The longsword cross guard does have a minor knot in it: I'm sure it'll be fine but I'm surprised that it wasn't screened out.

Recreationists

This section covers historical Recreationists, Revivalists, Reenactors, LARPs (Live Action Role Playing), LRP (Live Role Playing)m etc. The historical periods cover range from Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, U.S. Civil War, etc.

• Catapult Kits [CatapultKits.com] and its sister sites such as Trebuchet.com and Mangonel.com. Working small scale ancient engines of war such as onagers, ballista, etc.
• Garb the World [garbtheworld.com]. Inexpensive period costumes.
• GipsyPeddler.com.
  • 'Gipsy Peddler has been in business for 14 years and is well known for outstanding service and top quality products. We have the largest selection of SCA Rapier Armor on the market today with customers throughout the Knowne World. Our armor meets the rapier armor standards in all kingdoms of the Society for Creative Anachronism. '
  • They emphasize armor in the intro but they seem focused on the clothing.
• Higland Rags [HighlandRags.com]
• House of Anoria [HouseOfAnoria.com].
  • 'Lady Anoria Designs & Creates The Largest Selection Of Custom Quality - Individually Crafted - Made To Order & Ready To Wear Medieval Clothing - Renaissance Clothing - Historic - Fantasy & Movie Replica Costumes On The Net. Anoria specializes in LEATHER/ SUEDE & Fabric Clothing'
  • Lots of doublets.
• LawrensNest.com. 'historically-accurate Classical, Medieval and Celtic period clothing, arms and armor, accessories, feast gear, cloak clasps, jewelry, circlets, fantasy items and other miscellaneous gift items'. Their emphasis is on Roman reenactments.
• LRPstore.com. 'the UK's first complete online retail shop dedicated to the world of Role-Play. At LRPstore you can be assured that you will find anything and everything you could ever needed, including a vast choice of non LRP, but none the less essential items.'
• Marc Carlson's Homepage [personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson]. Some articles about Medieval clothing, shoes, etc.
• Moresca.com. Renaissance clothing and costuming, esp. for the SCA.
• Ravenswood Leather [RavenswoodLeather.com]
  • 'a purveyor of fine leather bodices, pants, jerkins, shirts, boots, belts, bracers, frogs, hangers, gauntlets, renaissance shirts, and more!'
  • Rapier Frog
• Revival Clothing [revivalclothing.com].
  • 'We started Revival Clothing because we saw a need for well-made, authentic, affordable, historical clothing. Our goal is to create garments that are flattering, functional, durable, and affordable while preserving a historical line.'
  • Some of the best gambesons available. Designed after historical examples by Nicole Allen, a member of the CSG.
  • "How a Man Shall Be Armed" By Greg Mele. 'Our arming clothes have been received with great success, but customers always want to know how to use them to mount their armour. Therefore, to help answer this question we have asked Christian Tobler of the Order of Selohaar to prepare a photo essay in conjunction with the text of the How a man schall be armyd, demonstrating how a man-at-arms, c.1390 would dress for battle.'
  • "Trial By Combat"
  • Shopping Experience: Obviously a site recommended by the CSG.
  • Shopping Experience: 2007-08: Ordered a linen gambeson and linen arming cap. Arrived in a timely manner. The material and construction of the gambeson is great. The size small (up to 40") is a little snug for my 40" chest. 2009-02: The buttons need to be maintained every 3-4 months. Washing is OK, but air drying takes forever.
  • Shopping Experience: 2009-02: Ordered cotton joined hose. Arrived in a timely manner.
• Revival.us. All sorts of medieval & renaissance arms, clothing, books, etc. This site is run by Brian Price and is blacklisted. See http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=129990 for a lengthy discussion against Brian Price.
  • Talhoffer_Poleaxe_Complete_or_Kit. Nice ash pole axe with rubber hammer/axe and thrusting tips.
  • Shopping Experience: 2009-02-03: I ordered Luxury Turnshoes. It arrived in a timely manner. It's a handsome, comfortable shoe of nice leather.
  • Shopping Experience: 2009-07-14: I ordered Light Sparring Gloves. It arrived in a timely manner. I ordered these because I had worn a hole in my old glove. Lots of people have these in the WMAW community and I can see why. These are thicker and quilted, i.e. more than just a leather glove. My hands are a US size 8 as in 8" around the palm, so I ordered size Small. It's a hair snug, so next time I'll try a size Medium, but that may be a hair too loose, hehe.
• The Inner Bailey [theinnerbailey.com]
  • 'Presenting Medieval, Renaissance and Fantasy Leathers'
  • Pretty good looking stuff.
  • Shopping Experience: 2007-08: After a nice email exchange where they answered some questions, I ordered a simple 1.5"x60" ring belt. It arrived in a timely manner and was a simple, supple, sturdy belt: Exactly what I wanted.

Suppliers

• Chicago
  • East West Martial Arts Inc. Martial Arts Supplier. 5533 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, 773-878-0686. Mon.-Fri. 10:00-5:30, Sat. 10:00-4:00. -->Sorry this place closed down.
  • Mid West Martial Arts Supply, Inc. [MWMAS.com].
    • 4821 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60641. 773-685-4133. One of the only MA stores in Chicago. A storefront for a tae kwon do school. There is more at the store than is listed online.
    • Shopping Experience: 2005-03-01: I bought a mouth piece, a Sharkee plastic knife, and a pair of martial arts shoes. All fairly priced and good quality.
  • Lions Oriental Inc. 5569 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60630, 800-582-LION, 773-774-9977, Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:30, Sat. 9:00-5:00.
  • Toguri J Mercantile Co. Japanese Gift Shop in Chicago, IL. They have Toakaido/Nozawa gis. A great place to get gifts too! Conveniently located under Sensei Sugiyamas dojo (JKA Chicago). 851 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657, 773-929-3500.
• Miscellany
  • Anshi Gis (AG). "Traditional" karate uniforms.
  • AMAS.net
    • Rubber Practice Knife. This is the typical rubber knife, specifically a rubber tanto, that is sold by many distributors.
  • AWMA.com. Asian World of Martial Arts. Martial Arts Supplier in Philadelphia, PA, including Tokaido/Nozawa gis.
  • BlackBeltShop.com
  • BLTSupplies.com
    • Lots of stuff but difficult to browse and not enough pictures.
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-11-30t19:31:20Z: The Kung Fu Boots at $10 were so cheap I couldn't resist. I ordered online.
  • Brazil Combat [brazilcombat.com]. 'Here you will find a large variety of products to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling and Capoeira with the BETTER PRICES and FREE SHIPPING for any international destination directly from Brazil.'
  • Bu Jin Design [BuJinDesign.com]. For traditional-style Japanese martial arts. Excellent stuff.
  • DoshinMartialArts.com. Martial Arts Supplier in Culver City, CA, including Tokaido/Nozawa gis and Toyo/Ki International gis A great site for Okinawan/Japanese karate in spite of their banner overkill.
  • Dragon-Tsunami.org. Good classical stuff
    • Classical Fighting Arts. A serious magazine.
  • Elite MMA [elitemma.com]. Gear for Mixed Martial Arts.
    • Shopping Experience: 2009-12. I ordered a pair of High Performance Pro Style Training Gloves, by my favorite boxing brand: Everlast. 14 oz, black. They arrived in a timely manner and have that good old leather smell --just needs the blood and sweat smell nexst.
  • Fairtex [fairtexgear.com]. Mostly Muay Thai boxing gear. Actual Thai brand.
    • Shopping Experience: 2007-01-24. I ordered sparring headgear (black, medium) and pro style shin pads (black, medium) online. All fairly priced.
    • Shopping Experience: 2007-02-05. I received my order in the time frame expected. Well designed sturdy stuff.
  • GungFu.com. Lots of stuff for a variety of martial arts.
    • Sword and staff cases too.
    • Filipino gear, including sparring gear for "full contact" stick fighting.
  • HDMartialArt.com. CMAs stuff including lion and dragon dancing equipment.
  • IISports.com. Paintball and FMA equipment.
    • Practice Dull Butterfly Balisong Knife
  • judogis.com
  • KaliEskrima.com. Stick, videos, etc. for the FMA (Filipino Martial Arts). Including sticks in rattan, bahi, kamagong, saru, and hickory. Related to DefensorMethod.com.
    • Shopping Experience: 2004-10-12. I ordered rattan sticks (28" $6x2, 20" $5x2, 6x12" $12, 6x6" $6), a bag $15, and shirt $12x2. Just a few hours after my order, they emailed me saying that they were out of T shirts. It's good customer service to do stuff like that before the order gets shipped.
  • Kamikaze.com. Karate, Judo, Ju Jitsu
  • Karate Depot [KarateDepot.com]. Good variety. Including medicine balls.
    • Shopping Experience: 2005-01-12: I ordered some Everlast brand "Mantis Mitts" focus mitts. Of the suppliers at Amazon for this particular product, Karate Depot had the best price at $37.95+$5 shipping for a total of $42.95. The mitts arrived by UPS on time. These punch mitts are great!
  • KarateKorner.com.
  • KungFu4Less.com.
  • Macho.com. Tae Kwon Do-ish style equipment.
  • MAOLS.com. 'Martial Arts OnLine Store'. Seems to have a judo orientation.
  • MartialArtsDiscount.com.
  • MartialArtsMart.net. Large selection.
  • Martial Arts Online [maols.com]. Name brands: Adidas, Mizuno, Tokaido, Kamikaze.
  • MartialArtsSupermarket.com. Large selection.
  • Martial Arts Supplies [MartialArtsSupplies.com]. A wide range of martial arts stuff.
  • matmanwrestling.com.
  • MMA Warehouse [mmawarehouse.com]
  • Official Safety and Security [officialsafetyandsecurity.com]. "Self Defense Weapons and Security Products ... Your official site for stun guns, pepper spray, hidden cameras and other fine safety and security products".
  • Ouano [ouano.com]. Known especially for making MMA gloves for the UFC, KOTC, and Shooto.
  • Oriental-Arms.com. ' A source for the study, understanding and purchasing of quality antique arms and armor. '
  • Philippine Martial Arts Supplies [PMASupplies.com]. Lots of stuff made out of Rattan, Palasan, Labsica, Bahi/Palm Wood/Coco Wood, Kamagong/Black Ivory/Iron Wood/Philippine Ivory/Mabolo/Diospyros philippinensis. They also have a lot of Japanese stuff too.
  • Shureido USA [shureidousa.com]. 'Shureido karate gis and products are traditional in style.'
  • SuperiorMartialArts.com. Equipment, books, videos, for EMAs.
  • Swordfodder.com.
    • 'Swordfodder, Inc. offers alternative products that allow our customers to decrease their preparation and clean up time and increase time focusing on mastering martial arts. Swordfodder, Inc. currently offers a range of patent pending, synthetic test-cutting (tameshigiri) targets suitable for test-cutting and -thrusting practice with any edged weapon from knives, to swords, to spears. Swordfodder, Inc. also offers a modular, height adjustable and storable, test-cutting stand that can be used either with our synthetic targets or with targets made of traditional materials such as tatami.'
    • Tips. These are so nice that I'm going to copy much of it here:

      Often, after attempting to cut a bunch of targets you will begin to identify the proper grip, angle, speed and draw necessary to effectively cut from each guard. For most people, some cuts will be easy and natural while others you never can seem to get right. For example, my rising cuts from the left side (i.e. Hidiari Kiriage/Sottano Roverso/Left Unterhau) are truly awful, while I'll can do clean, rising cuts from the right side all day long. Similarly, my left Zwerchhau (overhead windmill cut in the German tradition) cuts through Master™ targets with ease, but my right Zwerchhau is poor. When you just can't seem to make a cut work, try the following:

      1. Reduce the force. The most common problem is confusing your sword with an axe - your striking force is so much greater than the draw you are literally batting the target away before draw can cut into it. This is particularly evident when cutting the long (36") targets at the top. A good cut will balance the force with the amount of draw and should almost look effortless. If you notice your cuts are fine near the bottom of the target but awful at the top, you are using too much force for your draw.
      2. Increase the draw. Many swordsmen were not trained to swing the sword so that it has a draw at all points through the swing or, particularly for swordsmen that spar alot, at the point of impact. In this case, the swordsmen are essentially using a light axe. Katanas and scimitars, with their characteristic curve, have some draw built into them and are easier to cut targets with as a result. For straight swords to cut as well as a katana, the swordsman must add a draw to his swing to compensate. Swordfodder™ synthetic targets, similar to tatami targets, can not be cut cleanly without sufficient draw. In fact, because the resistance of a Swordfodder™ synthetic target to a cut comes from the mass of the cutting stand and not the mass of the target (as in tatami targets which use water to provide the mass), Swordfodder™ synthetic target are even less forgiving of poor form than tatami.
      3. Try different hand positions. If it isn't the force or the draw, then the problem probably is that the angle of the sword and the angle of the swing are not the same at the point of impact or during the cut. From personal experience, when cutting from different guards often the angles change without your knowledge so that even though your grip feels correct, the sword angle is actually off. Consciously try different angles of swing using the same grip (or vice versa) until you achieve good cuts.
      4. Try slow motion cuts. It is easy to saw through a Swordfodder™ Student™ synthetic target in slow motion when the angle, draw and force applied are correct and balanced. It is also hard to saw through a target if something is amiss. This is something else to try. Cut through slowly, then cut again faster, then faster still. This will help improve your feel for the proper balance.
      5. Take a Break. Cutting is similar to golf in that there are days that you can't get anything right. In addition, cutting is much more difficult in terms of concentration and effort than most people initially realize. As soon as you get tired, you get sloppy and the hands can not control the blade as well as when you are fresh.

  • Tozando.com
  • Wing Tsun USA [WingTsunUSA.com]. CMAs supplies.
  • WLE.com
    • 'Wing Lam Enterprises is your one stop Internet store for your Martial Arts Supplies. We have been on the world wide web since 1996.'
    • Kun Fu Shoes Boots. $30 with reinforced heels and toes.
    • Antique Weapons
    • Weapons
  • WrestlingGear.com. Shoes, headgear, kneepads, uniform, wrestling dummies.

Miscellany

• Boxing
  • AmberSports.com
  • BalazsBoxing.com
  • BoxingDepot.com
  • EverlastBoxing.com
  • Ringside.com
  • TitleBoxing.com
• Judo
  • Hatashita.com
  • Ippon-USA.com
  • JudoMat.com
• Mats. Rolls are nice, but if you do mats, it helps to get them in either a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio for easy tiling. FYI: A tradtional Japanese tatami is 90 cm * 180 cm * 5 cm (35.5"*71"*2" or roughly 3'*6'*2"), and weighs around 60#=27 Kg. Anti-skid bottoms are nice. The intended use should match thickness: From 40-50 mm=1.5-2" for wrestling/grappling/MMA to 15 mm=5/8" for striking/cardio/shoes; 25-30 mm=1-1.25" is a compromise for either. The material matters too. EG: Weight room flooring needs a higher density material, with 19 mm=0.75" hard rubber the most common. The surface texture/material varies from smooth (cleans easily but may be slippery) to a tatami-like finish to a carpet like material for gymnastics/wushu.
  • championmats.com
  • http://www.chopa.com/ShopSite/traditional_tatami_mats.html
  • dollamur.com. Especially large areas.
  • http://www.e-bogu.com/Martial_Arts_Tatami_Mat_p/con-tra-tatmat2in.htm
  • Hatashita.com/. DAX mats.
  • Interlocking Floor Mats [interlockingfloormat.com]
  • MuscleDriver USA [muscledriverusa.com]. Exercise gear, CrossFit orientation. There are other places that sell 3/4" rubber mats, but
    • Shopping Experience: 2010-05. I ordered and promptly received 4 mats: 3/4" x 4' x 6'. It turns out that inspite of the shipping costs, it's still cheaper to order these large sheets at $40 a shot than to get individual tiles 16" x 16" or 24" x 24" mats at the hardware store. The 4' x 6' mats don't move as much and are less likely to have gaps between tiles.
  • PaviGym.com
  • Swain Sports International [swainmats.com]. Even Dollamur sells Swain.
  • TiffinMats.com. Includes extra-thick mats.
  • tonmik.com. 19 mm=0.75" hard rubber tiles. Recycled rubber.
    • Shopping Experience: 2009. I bought their tiles for my garage gym for lifting (Olympic, power, CrossFit, etc.). It would've been cheaper to get 4'x6' rubber mats from tractor supplier or horse tacks, but I'm in Chicago and those places are not convenient and I hate paying for shipping. These Tonmik tiles on the other hand are conveniently sold at Chicago hardware stores like Lowes (24"x24" $14.95) and Menards (16"x16" $5.49).
  • Ultimat.co.uk
  • ZebraMats.com. Wide selection.
• Wrestling
  • SuPlay.com
  • WrestlingGear.com
  • WrestlingOne.com
  • WrestlingPod.com. "WrestlingPod has wrestling shoes, headgear, singlets and more. Doesn't matter if you wrestle in high school, college, freestyle, or are just a parent or fan, we'll help get you the wrestling gear you or your wrestler wants."
• Miscellany
  • Directory.Google.com/Top/Shopping/Sports/Martial_Arts/
  • DynaStrike.com. Their flagship product is an accordion-like focus mitt.
  • GymWebs.com
    • MAs
      • MAs Equipment
  • Harlequin Floors [harlequinfloors.com]. Serious flooring for dance, performing arts, etc. Serious sprung floors!
  • MartialArtsGear.com. Books, trinkets, and all sorts of stuff. From the looks of it, this is an old site on the Web.
  • RMax.tv
    • 'The leader in peak performance fitness technologies'
    • Parent company of ClubBell.tv and CircularStrength.com which makes modern versions of Indian Clubs.
    • The also do stuff like "Softwork: The Way of Transcending Technique: No Longer Substitute Speed & Power for what you lack in Flow".
  • Traditional Filipino Weapons [traditionalfilipinoweapons.com]

Page Modified: (Hand noted: 2008-04-18 20:18:56Z) (Auto noted: 2011-11-29 03:24:20Z)