|
|
|
||||||||
Internet Sword Collectors Association (ISCA)
You may have jumped here from another organizations sword page. If you like the information and content here, you may want to see the whole ISCA website, so click here to Return to Internet Sword Collectors Main Page
Sword Related Links
These are links to sword and militaria sites on the web that offer sword information.
Note: These links are provided for your convenience. Placement of these links on the association site does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the association.
The Japanese Sword Index, Dr. Richard Stein
This is a highly recommended site for Japanese sword information. It covers nihonto (traditional Japanese swords) as well as the modern patterns. Both the beginner and the advanced collectors can benefit from visiting this site. Due to the excellent nature of this site, the ISCA will not be developing an extensive Japanese sword subpage, rather we will point you to Richards page. There is an excellent sword identification section dealing with swords of the Meiji era and WW II. If you have a basic question abut a Japanese sword, visit this site first. In addition to the extensive online information, there is also an interactive discussion forum where the experts can go to debate. Beware of the one-book experts and other pretentious collectors in the forum. Still a great site. Highly recommended.
The San Francisco Japanese Sword Restoration Society
This is another very helpfull site for Japanese swords. The group has several web pages, one of which has a test that you can take to judge your sword expertise. Most Japanese sword collectors will fail this testas miserably as I did. The group is the only group that I am aware of the offers sword study, and they freely provide information at local gunshows and Japanese festivals. The group offers mei reading and sword study classes in the SF Bay area. Very informative. If you attend the classes you will receive several hundred pages of very informative and concise information that will greatly assist the American collector in his or her Japaese sword study. I have three 3-4 inch noteboooks full, and the information is invaluable. Specific classes cover mei reading, sword evaluation, habaki construction, saya construction, cord wrapping, etc. They even teach polishing, but only to further the understanding of the technique. This is done on gunto blades to help the student to understand how to evalaute the polish on older blades. Currently there is only a limited page on AOL, but I hope they will link to their other pages.
There are also three additional educational web sites at the following addresses:
Swordbasics Additional info Additional info
Click here for Ethnographic Edged Weapons resource Site
Here is a very good site on ethnographic edged weapons. If you have a question about ethnographics edged weapons (african, pacific island, indonesian, east indian, etc.), go here first. Due to the excellent nature of this site, the ISCA will not be developing an extensive ethnographic sword subpage, rather we will point you to the Vikingsword page. It has a very good information / photo section describing the many types of ethnographic weapons as well as a bulletinboard where you can post questions for the resident experts. It seems like a good group of knowledgeable collectors on this board. Highly recommended.
Here is a very good site on edged weapons. All types and all periods are discussed, including modern made collectors swords. There is an online discussion forum for discussing sword topics, tips for new collectors, a section on sword ternimology, a trading post, and a section containing some very good articles on sword topics. In particular one on Klingenthal, and French sword production. There seems like a good group of knowledgeable collectors on this board. Highly recommended.
The Ames Sword Co. is an icon in American sword history, and they are still in business. Order a custom made sword today!
Espadas Y Sables (Swords and Sabers) - Spanish swords
This is Juan Jose Perez's Spanish sword site. It has a several articles on Spanish cavalry sabers.
A good site for sales of swords and some sword related information.
Ancient Edged Weapons of Java Island
Another VERY GOOD site on Indonesian and Javanese edged weapons. Check it out!
This is another commerical site that has some sword identification information. It has a good section on identification of regulation US sword patterns. There is also a section for sword sale ads and an interactive sword bulletin board for questions.
A very good site on the Keris or Kris. These are weapons of Indonesia and nearby islands.
Swordforum magazine
This is a very interesting site that is an online EZine all about swords, swordsmanship, and swordmaking. Much of the information relates to re-creation swordfighting and modern swordmaking, but there is a strong Japanese sword section as well as articles on ancient European. Well worth a visit ... and a monthyl re-visit.
A very good site on Rapiers! Many good clear pictures and descriptions.
A site for custom made swords ... rapiers, baskethilts, cavalry, daggers dirks, etc. Take a look.
Another site for custom made swords, rapiers, baskethilts, cavalry, daggers dirks, etc. Take a look.
Retailer of fine Swords, Knives, and replicas of guns and armor from worldwide manufacturers. A nice collection of reproduction items. Take a look.
A massive amount of information derived from hundreds of sword and Arms & Armor links. Alot of Knightly battle recreation, SCA, and swordfighting recreation info. A “must see” site. Take an hour and browse the links. Awesome!
A nice concise site on russian sabers. Illustrated with many B&W photos. Take a look.
A good site on Phillipine and Moro ethnic weapons.
Reproduction Swords Napoleonic, British & French
This site has good examples of unusual high quality reproduciton swrords. Collectors MUST look at these to see how good the fakes are out there.
A new weapons and sword related site. Take a look.
Has links to several arms and armor dealers. Nice swords.
Kelly's Military Antiques
This is Kalvin Kelly's militaria site. It covers both edged weapons as well as guns and militaria. A good site for swords. There is some photo based sword reference information as well as a bulletin board that you can post sword questions. Particular information on dating the US 1860 Staff and Field sword is quite informative. One nice feature is the online sword sales section where anyone can post a sword for sale. Take a look as there are usually 50 swords available. Some real bargains show up as well, so it is worth revisiting often.
Note that Kalvins site has not been very active lately. (06/03/01)
A new effort, we look forward to its evolution. It has an interesting sword seach engine which allows search by sword hilt style (boat hilt, D-guard, etc.) , Check it out. NOt much coordinated activity seen lately.
Fred Lohmans site for reproduction Japanese sword parts
All collectors of Japanese swords should be familair with Freds site. He provides sword preservation supplies as well as high quality repro sword parts. It is good to be able to recognize these parts so one can tell repro from period items.
Copyright 1999 Internet Sword Collectors Association
(The information contained in this website is the property of the Internet Sword Collectors Association and reproduction, copying and reuse is prohibited without prior written consent from the Association)