Frequently Asked Questions
If you ever have questions, concerncs, or comments, feel free to contact us using any of the methods in the contact page. However, if your question is routine, you can probably save time by finding the answer here. And, maybe you'll learn something you hadn't yet thought to ask. ;)
Also, see our Policies page for things like security, returns, privacy, payments, etc.
Quality Control
Do you inspect every item?
We inspect the inventory and special-order items only. Drop-shipment items are, by definition, sent directly to you from the wholesaler, so we have no opportunity to inspect them. Fortunately, we only drop-ship items that are very consistently good quality. If you prefer we inspect your drop-shipment item, we can make it happen. Simply contact us for details.
Are your swords battle-ready?
We carry swords made by several different manufacturers, so quality features vary. This used to cause confusion, so we divided them into two categories: "functional" and "decorative". (We avoid the term "battle ready" because it is so widely misused as to be almost meaningless.) Manufacturers tend to produce swords for only one category, with rare exceptions. Be aware that it is impossible to know if a sword is functional just by looking! The presence of mirror polish, sharp edge, or a scabbard does not necessarily mean it is a functional sword.
Functional Swords:
Swords in our "functional" category, unless otherwise stated in the detail description, always have tempered carbon-steel blades, not stainless steel, and properly proportioned tangs inside strong handles. They require a bit of regular maintenance. Hanwei, CAS Iberia, Windlass Steelcrafts, and Valiant Armoury make functional swords.
Decorative Swords:
Swords in our "decorative" category are intended for convenient display and not for actual use, so they are usually more ornate, have low-maintenance stainless steel blades, smaller diameter tangs, and sometimes a clear plastic protective finish. They are strong enough to swing through the air, but might not endure any impact or target cutting. Marto, Martespa, United Cutlery, Art Gladius, and Armaduras Mediviales make mostly decorative swords, but we identify the exceptions.
Stock Status types
What is "normally in stock"? Do you have it or not?
Bright Blades is a pretty small operation with a very large selection of expensive items, so we usually have only one of each item in stock. If someone else just bought it, we might be temporarily sold out. So, it is prudent to call us and ask about availability. Very popular items are normally stocked in larger quantities. If we can't fill your order, we will always contact you within two business days.
What is "special order"?
Our website has thousands of items, but we can't afford to stock them all. So, certain items that aren't extremely popular are only ordered on demand. This usually means a short delay of one or two weeks while the item is shipped to us from the wholesaler.
What is "drop-shipment"?
Drop-shipment is where we send merchandise to you directly from the wholesaler, bypassing our store and lowering the cost while saving a week or two of transit time. Some of our wholesalers are willing to do this, but some aren't. Usually, we drop-ship an item because it is something we don't normally stock. Items by Valiant Armoury, United Cutlery, Marto and Martespa are usually drop-shipped. Items by CAS Iberia, Hanwei, Armaduras Medeviales, Art Gladius, and Windlass Steelcrafts are usually inventoried or special order.
The item I want is marked "discontinued". Do you have any of them left, or do you know where I could find one?
We only mark an item as "discontinued" when we are completely sold out and we can't get it anymore. We keep it on the website is so that you can know the status, instead of just getting an empty search result. Since most items are drop-shipped from a wholesaler, you won't get much luck searching at internet stores. Your best bet is to try stores with a physical location and inventory. Skip the search engines and look in your local phone book for cutlery, comics, games, and other stores like that. Good luck!
Shipment Options
Can you ship my order using ___?
We can usually ship your order with your preferred method, whatever it happens to be. Our standard shipment methods are UPS or DHL Ground, or US Priority Mail, depending on the package origin, size, and weight. We can ship using all of the services offered by FedEx, DHL, US Postal Service, and UPS.
Do you ship to my country?
We ship to Canada, Denmark, Greenland, England, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, and UK. Due to customs prohibitions or insurance restrictions, we do not ship to countries in Central America, South America, Africa, Middle East, and many countries in Europe. If your country is not on either list, please inquire. Please check our International Orders page for details.
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