Modern Swords

A modern sword is built for the world as it is now. Darkened or satin steel, grips that hold when wet, a scabbard you can wear. Call them tactical swords, combat swords or fighting swords; the name matters less than what the blade can do in your hand.

This collection gathers the Honshu broadswords and short swords, Battlecry’s blackened takes on history’s great blades, and a few oddities that earn their place. Battlecry swords come from Windlass Steelcrafts, a maker founded in 1943. Many arrive sharpened, and many carry a full tang. Looking for a Japanese pattern? Start with our samurai swords. Want something shorter for the belt? Browse the tactical knives.

  • Windlass Battlecry Kindjal Short Sword with darkened, sharp high carbon steel blade and leather scabbard

    Battlecry Kindjal

    # 501903

    This Battlecry offering is the military issue version of the Kindjal (or “Khanjali” in original Georgian) that served Russian armed forces well into the mid-20th century.   This Battlecry offering...
    $189.95
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  • Battlecry Grosse Messer has a blackened carbon steel clip-point blade, includes leather scabbard with metal throat and chape

    Battlecry Grosse Messer

    # 501863

    This sword has a sharpened, darkened 1065 high carbon steel blade with a broad fuller to lighten the full tang blade. Includes a leather scabbard with a metal throat and chape.
    $349.95
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  • Battlecry Cutlass modern day pirate sword includes scabbard with metal throat and chape and attached frog and belt loop

    Battlecry Cutlass

    # 501862

    Battlecry has added every swashbuckler's and pirate's favorite sword to its line - the Cutlass
    $229.95
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  • Spanish style hilt and faceted pommel with sharp, high carbon steel blade, includes leather scabbard with belt frog and stop

    Battlecry Espada Ropera

    # 501861

    After hundreds of requests, Battlecry has added a classic rapier to the popular line of blackened, uniquely finished versions of history's great swords. This rapier features a very complex...
    $349.95
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  • Rite Edge Night Guard Sword

    Night Guard Sword

    # 501842

    A fantasy quest requires a fantastic sidearm, and at this price, you can even afford some armor, too. Otherworldly good looks? Check. Wickedly cool blade to intimidate the toughest beasts in the...
    $94.95
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  • Rite Edge Dark Sky Falcata Sword

    Dark Sky Falcata Sword

    # 501843

    The medieval Falcata as it might be made in a galaxy far, far away. This “alternative universe” sword has a battle-worn finish and a full tang. The creatively shaped hilt features steel scales...
    $99.95
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  • Damascus Talon

    Damascus Talon

    # 404452

    Dagger or short sword - by either name, this is still one wicked blade. The deeply etched pattern in the Damascus steel is magnificent to behold. Full profile tang. The handle scales are darkly...
    $89.95
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  • Honshu War Sword

    Honshu War Sword

    # 601059

    United Cutlery's Honshu War Sword is another exceptional sword in the Honshu line. Its historically inspired, sleek modern look gives it a no-nonsense feel. The blade is 1065 high carbon steel with...
    $167.95
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  • Honshu Spartan Sword

    Honshu Spartan Sword

    # 501828

    United Cutlery’s blades are meant for real-world use so, their construction has strength and quality that cannot be matched! This Spartan Sword is part of Honshu’s rock-solid tactical weapon line...
    $89.95
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  • Honshu Gladiator Sword

    Honshu Gladiator Sword

    # 501826

    There is no better fusion of traditional ideals with modern innovation than the Honshu Gladiator Sword. It has a sharp, stainless steel blade with a fuller and weight-reducing thru-holes. The...
    $79.95
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What is a tactical sword?
A tactical sword is a modern production sword built for handling rather than for the display case. The word is a marketing label, not a historical sword class, and you will not find it in a museum catalog. In practice it means a sharpened blade, often with a darkened or coated finish, a synthetic grip that stays put in wet hands and a sturdy sheath. Many are updated versions of old patterns such as the Spartan sword, the gladiator sword, the broadsword and the Kindjal.

Are modern swords real swords or just for display?
Many are real, sharpened swords, and many are full tang, meaning the steel runs the full length of the handle. They are made to be handled, carried and displayed. They are not reproductions built for sparring, and they are not designed to take hard impact against other steel. For drills and sparring, choose a training sword from our Practice, Training and Stage Combat Swords.

What is the difference between a modern sword and a historical sword?
A historical sword reproduces a specific period piece, with attention to its proportions, hilt materials and finish. A modern sword takes an older pattern and rebuilds it for current use, with darker finishes, synthetic grips and a more practical scabbard. If you want a reproduction of a particular medieval or renaissance sword, see our Historical Swords. If you want an old pattern that handles like a modern tool, stay here.

What steel are modern swords made from?
Steel varies by model. The Battlecry Grosse Messer uses 1065 high carbon steel, as does the Honshu War Sword, and the Honshu Single-Handed Broadsword uses 1060 high carbon steel. The Honshu Spartan Sword and Gladiator Sword are stainless steel, and the Damascus Talon is Damascus steel. High carbon steel is tough and takes a keen edge but needs a thin film of oil to stay free of rust. Stainless resists rust with less care. Check each product page for the exact steel and construction.

Should I choose a short sword or a broadsword?
Choose by how you will use it. Short swords such as the Honshu Spartan Sword and Gladiator Sword are quicker to carry and easier to manage in close quarters. Broadswords such as the Honshu Single-Handed Broadsword, with its 30 3/8 inch 1060 carbon steel blade, give more reach and weight behind each stroke. If you are unsure, start with a short sword.

Can modern swords be used for camping and outdoor work?
A heavy blade can clear light brush, but a sword is rarely the best outdoor tool. A knife, kukri or machete is lighter, safer to carry and easier to control for camp work. Think of a modern sword as a piece for collecting, display, test cutting and occasional trail use, and keep a purpose built blade for the chores.

Are modern swords legal to own and carry?
Laws on owning and carrying swords vary by state, county and city, so check your local rules before you buy. Ownership is generally allowed, but carrying rules are often stricter. We ship only within the United States and Canada, and some items cannot ship to certain states; restrictions are listed on each product page. For a starting point on how blade laws work, see our guide to US knife laws, which covers knives rather than swords specifically. We cannot give legal advice.