[Bill Ferny]

I was a little nervous. Boromir's Lady starting a thread about Boromir's sword? I didn't know if this thread would be appropriate for all ages. <P>Before you purchase a blade from United Cutlery, I would look for other alternatives. I’ve recently found out that they are made from rolled and pressed stainless steel. Rolled and pressed means that what you’re buying probably only costs about forty to fifty dollars to make (if that), and it is not hardened or tempered. Stainless means that it is way, WAY, too heavy. If you want a nice sword that’s worth the money you will spend, send a picture and description to this guy: <A HREF="http://www.castlekeep.co.uk/" TARGET=_blank>Rob</A> , and if he can't do it, he will find some one who can. He's the most honest sword smith I've found, and his prices are not only negotiable, but fair. All of his swords are as authentic as possible, at least in method of construction (of course, he uses mid to high carbon steels that take well to a forge). He will make to order, if possible, and can add a few personal touches, such as a subtle pattern weld. It won’t be cheap, and it might be even slightly more expensive than the United Cutlery ones, but I would rather spend ten or twenty more dollars for something that is worth the money, than a slightly lower price for a low quality product that is massed produced for about 15% of the selling cost.