See the artistry and craftsmanship of seven custom swords from some of the best bladesmiths in the world.

Not only do swords bring out the best in some makers, those who make quality versions of them often seem to be among the best makers as well. Check out the long blades on this and the facing page and see if you agree.

Garbriel Turner: Jineta

The Jineta by Garbriel Turner has a 28-inch wootz blade, an ancient walrus ivory grip and iron/gold fittings. Blade grind: flat. Overall length: 36.5 inches.

Eric Estlund: Oak Themed Storta

Eric Estlund’s Oak Themed Storta is in a 17th-century Italian style. The 28-inch blade is 8670 carbon steel and the handle is oak burl. An acorn pommel helps complete the theme. A high-relief scabbard (not shown) and steel leaf chape with carved acorn finial add to the presentation.

Matt Parkinson: Arming Sword

The sword shown is an Arming sword with a complex laddered and mosaic damascus blade. Polished steel fittings and a spalted maple handle. 29-inch blade 36-inches overall, weighing in at 2 pounds 10 ounces.

Zack Jonas: Wakizashi

A Gordian core twist damascus completes the 22-inch blade of a Zack Jonas wakizashi. Fittings: W’s damascus and silver. The handle is interior mammoth ivory. Blade pattern: shinogi-zukuri. Overall length: 28 inches. The colorful scabbard (not shown) is by Matt Venier.

Ben Abbott: Viking Sword

A 26-inch blade of multi-bar damascus, a leather-covered wood handle and cast sterling silver fittings outfit Ben Abbott’s Viking sword repro. Ben carved the waxes for the guard and pommel.

Ryan Breuer: PhD Sword

We published a closeup of the handle of Ryan Breuer’s PhD Sword the September 2025 issue. Here’s the full-blown model. The 32-inch blade is a damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels. The handle is birch, leather and sterling silver.Overall length: 40 inches.

Jordan Borstelmann: Elmslie Type I

Jordan Borstelmann’s Elmslie Type I of a falchion sword boasts a 28-inch blade of 1075 carbon steel and a handle of leather, cord and wood. Blade grind: flat. Guard: 1045 carbon steel. Overall length: 35 inches.

Read More On Swords:

• Japanease War Swords
• What Are Menuki?
• How To Make A Hamon
• Japanese Swords Remain Iconic