Hello all,

I'm new to sword collecting and I want my first one to be special so I decided to go with a customized sword. I have a limited budget but I found two smiths who would create the sword I'm looking for within my budget. The only problem is I don't really know too much about them. Does anyone know about the quality of work from:

Rob Miller of Castle Keep Swords, or
Mark Morrow of Morrows Blade and Blacksmith Shop

Thank you!

I've heard good things about Mr. Morrow, but you will not go wrong with Rob Miller. He makes fantastic swords. :D ....McM

It depends somewhat on the type of sword you want made. Do you want sharp or something you can practice / compete with? Some people specialize in fantasy swords, other historical. The latter people may specialize in particular eras or types.

I don't know Mark Morrow, but Rob Miller does great work.

I usually use Arms and Armor of Minnesota, which works at a price point similar or a bit less than Rob Miller, with similar quality, and no customs / overseas shipping issues for you in New York.

There are a couple of really good young Polish swordsmiths active these days. Maciej Kopciuch and Mateusz Sulowski.

Other Americans:
Michael Pikula is active again but not taking commissions last I saw.
Longship Armoury tends toward functional fantasy blades but also does historical work.

There are other amazing people, but above the price point you seem to be aiming for.

Whoever you chosse, be prepared to wait and to accept that it might not come out exactly as you predicted.

JD

Thank you very much for the input. Perhaps if I describe the sword I'm looking for it would be easier to give a fair description of the quality of work. It's basically a one-handed knight's sword (36 inch overall, 32 inch blade, ~2.5 lbs). Not looking for any fancy metal work, I like a classic and traditional style sword.

Hopefully that helps!

I'd suggest Minnesota's Arms & Armor or Poland's Maciej Kopciuch for what you have described. Mateusz Sulowski is a good suggestion, too.

Yes, I'm echoing JD Crawford completely!

How about the Albion Squire-Line 13th C. Knightly? That falls pretty well into the parameters you are looking for, and the price is not bad. Just a suggestion... :) .....McM

Hello,

I highly recommend Mark Morrow, his swords are tough, well made and I love the steel he uses.

However right now for the price the Eastern European makers are doing great work for less

I was looking heavily into the Albion Swords but after inquiring they told me time to ship would be about 9 months at the moment. Plus, I really want my first sword to be unique and made specifically for me and not a stock item (childish? Perhaps). But thank you everyone for the suggestions and feedback. I can't wait to be more involved in this community, everyone is super helpful and knowledgeable!

My point exactly, Travis. Albion will sharpen it up, albeit a secondary bevel....But for a first sharp...hey....it's an Albion! The custom grip and custom scabbard are just "gravy on the taters". :D ........McM

I agree with J.D., this is a pretty cool idea to ask for an unique piece. You can choose your own specific design, in terms of shape or dimensions, to perfectly fit your hand.

But yes, you'll need to be patient. Some craftsmen have quite a long queue - but the result is often worth the price and the waiting. It can exceed two years (look at Marco Danelli, for example).