Hi Just wondering if any aussie members know if there are any sword shops/groups practicing in the Brisbane/SE QLD area or any other QLD cities? Fairly new to swords and would like to view or even handle a few varieties if possible. Not much info online, one store called Warsword in Brisbane though not sure if they stock decent blades or sword shape objects? Someone also suggested an Albion dealer called Ronin but appears his site is down...

G'day Michael,

Unfortunately it's going to be very limiting in Oz regarding being able to handle a sword. In Vic Global Gear stocks a handful of mid to low end euros and katanas from time to time, though I've not actually been into the store. Your best bet will be reaching out to members close by and seeing if they are happy to meet up.

Living is Australia we really have to rely on the reviews and asking as many questions as possible on the forums.


Cheers

Paul

Thanks gents will check them out. What are hanweis like?

Hanwei do OK stuff for the price. Some of their stuff is excellent, and some is so-so. They do lots of katanas, and some Chinese and European swords. You'll see a few reviews in the reviews section ("CAS Iberia/Hanwei").

Not being remotely close to your location (I live in the US in the state of Indiana), I can't offer any real input, but I did stumble upon this review once upon a time:

http://myArmoury.com/review_mi_xxa1.html

...At least you can be aware of quality arms being made on your continent! If you really want to try out a quality weapon, however, you may be looking at quite a roadtrip. Here's the website proper:

http://www.manningimperial.com/index