Forged Warrior Apocalyptic Xiphos Sword And Scabbard - Spring Steel Blade, Full-Tang, Steel Handle, Leather-Wrapped Grip - Length 37”

I purchased this sword on Sept 25 along with the Ebony Prince katana. Both swords arrived in a timely fashion. Unlike Ivan R's sword, my xiphos came sharp out of the box. It passed the paper slice and thumb nail test effortlessly. It made mince meat out of several milk jugs and water bottles. I also cut down a small tree about 1.5 in thick with no blade damage. The point of balance is about 2.5 in from the guard, which isn't bad for a heavy sword. The scales are tightly fitted and nothing rattles. The blade is a bit short for a two handed sword, and the handle would be more comfortable if it where octagonal. Ronnie James is correct in his assessment of this sword. It is very familiar and that's the problem. This is a blatant copy of the Zombie Tools Diphos, almost to the point of copyright infringement. The only differences I noticed between the two swords (based on the photos on the Zombie Tools website) is that the fuller of the Diphos runs all the way to the guard while the fuller on this sword ends before the edge terminates. Also the Diphos handle is ovoid in shape whereas this sword's handle is rectangular. Other than that, they're virtually identical. Both have the guard and pommel design, and both blades are treated with acid to give it a weathered, apocalyptic look. I don't know what kind of steel it's made of since the website just lists it as spring steel. If I were to wager a guess, it is probably in the 1055-1075 range considering the low price tag. I doubt that it's made of the same 5160 steel Zombie Tools uses to make their blades. All that being said, the sword is a mean chopper and you feel like a devastator when you wield it. If you want a Diphos-esque sword without the Zombie Tools price or waiting period, this is definitely a stellar option.

was shipped express, even though I did not opt to it so I got it very early. Heavier than I expected, make sure it’s in your desired weight class. Like all the other Forged Warrior pieces I have, the metal is solid and well tempered, but arrives butter knife dull. I could chop firewood with it out of the box. Like the others as well, the handle scales are metal (usable if you smith or weld, it’s good quality material for free). This makes their other pieces unnecessarily heavy but this piece needs them, wood scales would make it too blade heavy. The point of balance on mine sits right where the fuller ends near the handle, just about an inch above the handle. If it were one inch lower or just a tad bit heavier in the handle it would be spot on. The leather wrap is good leather and there is lots of it but they are usually just glued on. Plenty of leather to wrap traditionally if you prefer. The finish is nice, in a well worn sense, as advertised. The sheath is solid leather but the stitching tends to be weak for this brand. If you sew it’s worth salvaging or even craft cement is an improvement. In terms of raw materials or a beginner piece i strongly recommend it. I treat anything by this brand as a blade blank for a weekend project, cut my own handle and contour it, pin it on and wrap it, sharpen it and this thing becomes a functional tool that you won’t be afraid to abuse and after a little personalization it can become your favorite piece