More in-depth educational articles about swords, weapons, and other gear. These include historical articles, manufacturing techniques, and more.
We are proud to add another prestigious European Maker to our Site
We are constantly looking to expand our offering of swords with new, quality makers. This month, we brought the well respected Landsknecht Emporium to our site. We asked a few questions of our new friends in Hungary, and here is what we learned – What does the Name Mean? The Landsknecht was the archetypal mercenary […]
Read MoreAfter developing the Dark Ages and Medieval foundation of Balaur Arms, the KOA product development team has released the first portion of its Asian Line – a focus on the Japanese Katana and Shirasaya. The History of Balaur Arms A few months ago, we asked Matt – our development lead – to explain the origins […]
Read MoreWhen it comes to Japanese swords such as the katana, you are likely to encounter a lot of Japanese terminology to describe different parts of the sword. One such term, the niku, is often talked about when it comes to discussions about geometric blade profile, cutting, and durability. Here we take a closer look at […]
Read MoreThe traditional katana sported beautiful layers of steel that show off a beautiful tell-tale ripple-like pattern throughout the length of the blade. The ancient practice of folding steel played a critical role in the creation of strong and durable blades. But is this process still necessary today? Does this mean a blade without folds is […]
Read MoreThe Japanese Katana is a popular and sought-after blade, and Kult of Athena’s “healthy” arguments about our favorite type of sword always include one. We not only appreciate the katana’s long history but also its value as a beautiful work of art. Thanks to the big screen and rise of anime, most people recognize the […]
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