How Much Will These Cost?
We aim to provide the swords at a price competitive with other such reproductions. How much each sword costs will depend on the final cost of materials for producing the sword, and the larger swords (Ice or Longclaw) will be more than the smaller swords (Needle). We aim for all of the swords to come in at $150-$300.
Are The Swords Functional?
As said in the original announcement, we’re making stainless steel display swords, not functional swords. High carbon steel functional swords of the quality we would want to release would be $600-$1000 or more each, this is out of the price range of most collectors. If there is sufficient demand we may go back and make functional versions of the swords on a very limited basis. It is understood there are many purists out there that disdain stainless steel display swords, however to make a sword at an accessible pricing level with the kind of quality we desire it has to be stainless. So for those who only want functional swords and nothing else please be patient, you may just get your wish.
Will There Be Preodering (a waiting list)?
Yes, just as soon as the first prototype is done and we have pictures to show you what you will be buying we will open things up for preorders for those willing to put down deposits.
Will You Make XYZ Sword?
We’re not just making Valyrian Steel blades. We plan to make all the popular arms and armor from the series. So yes, Dawn, Needle, the Kingslayer’s sword, possibly a Dornish spear, or the Hound’s helmet, these will all be made, assuming there is sufficient demand anyways.
Can You Ship to XYZ Country?
We’ll be able to ship most everywhere in the world, however many countries forbid the import of weapons and consider display swords to be weapons. Other countries require the recipient to have a special license. If you’ve never bought a sword before you should check the laws in your country to make sure you can buy one and have it imported.
Most excellent.
Here’s the question I would have … What process would be used to make the “Valyrian steel” look? It’s described as a very dark metal — it’s been described “smoke”, dark grey, nearly black, and so on, and of course it has the rippling.
I know the ripples in the steel are traditionally done with the pattern-welding techniques, or variations thereof, but I’d suppose that wouldn’t be the plan with stainless steel. And that wouldn’t really deal with the darkness of the metal…
I suppose one can apply a gun black sort of finish, but I don’t know how you’d get the rippling to come out then. Must be doable, of course, but I’m curious as to the technical process if you can share any information on it.
The FAQ in french:
#Combien vont-elles coûter?
Nous essayons de fournir les épées à un prix compétitif en comparaison avec les autres reproductions du même genre. Le prix de chaque épée dépendra du coup final des matériaux utilisés pour faire l’épée, et les plus grandes épées (Glace et Grand-Griffe) coûteront plus que les plus petites (Aiguille). Nous visons une fourchette de prix comprise entre 150$US et 300$US pour toutes les épées.
#Les épées sont-elles fonctionelles?
Comme dit dans notre première annonce, nous faisons des épées d’affichage en acier inoxydable, pas des épées fonctionelles. Des épées fonctionelles de la qualité que nous voudrions, en acier de haute teneur en carbone, coûteraient entre 600$US et 1000$US ou plus par pièce, et c’est hors prix pour la plupart des collectionneurs. Si il y a assez de demande, nous pourrions faire des versions fonctionelles des épées en petit nombre. Il est évident qu’il y a beaucoup de puristes qui dédaignent les épées d’affichage en acier inoxydable, cepedant pour faire une épée de la qualité que nous voulons à un prix accessible, elle doit être inoxydable. Donc, pour ceux qui ne veulent que des épées fonctionelles et rien d’autre, soyez patients, vous pourriez voir votre souhait réalisé.
#Est-ce qu’il y aura une possibilité de précommande (une liste d’attente)?
Oui, dès que le premier prototype sera fait et dès que nous aurons des images pour vous montrer ce que vous achetez, nous ouvrirons les précommandes pour ceux qui souhaitent donner un acompte.
#Est-ce que vous ferez l’épée XYZ?
Nous ne faisons pas que les épées en acier Valyrien. Nous prévoyons de faire toutes les armes et armures populaires de la série. Donc oui, Aube, Aiguille, l’épée du Régicide, peut-être une lance de Dorne, ou le heaume du Limier, tout ça sera fait si il y a assez de demande.
#Pouvez vous expédier vers le pays XYZ?
Nous pourrons expédier vers la plupart des pays, cependant beaucoup de pays interdisent d’importer des armes et considèrent ces épées comme des armes. D’autres pays demandent que le destinataire ait un permis. Si vous n’avez jamais acheté d’épée auparavant, vous devriez vérifier les lois de votre pays pour être sûr que vous pouvez en acheter et l’importer.
I don’t have a problem with stainless steel replicas. I have several high-quality stainless swords that I really like. However, $300 seems a bit high for stainless steel (though until we see what that buys, I would not be opposed to buying them). There are several high-carbon blades for under $300 – the Drizzt swords, Wheel of Time’s Heron Mark, and the Slayer of Kings (all licensed versions). No criticism intended , just want the best quality/value available without breaking the bank.
$300 would be the very high end, probably just Ice, and just because of the size. Ice will be huge (it was melted down to form two entire separate swords remember).
Considering how utterly awesome the Dothraki are in A Song of Ice and Fire, surely you will be making Arakhs as well?
I am very excited about the line of swords coming out. I will definitely own one, but that depends on which one I like best. That is cool that Ice will be huge just like the books. I am thinking Ice, Dawn, or the Kingslayer’s Sword…really cool that it will be all golden. $300 is not too much for a high-end sword decoration. I know Longclaw is coming out in 2008 and I was wondering if any that I mentioned will be coming shortly after Longclaw? Also, I was wondering when in 2008….early, middle, end? It will be hard to wait.
Its hard to say when they will be coming out, this is a new business for us and already we’ve had unexpected delays. I think GRRM mentioned in his blog that he was been going back and forth with us for 6 months or more on the design. That for example took longer than we expected (we estimated 2 months).
As soon as Longclaw is finished and in production we’ll immediately start on the next swords (at this point, we’re thinking Oathkeeper & Needle), so we’ll be able to get them out as quickly as possible.
Longclaw we estimate, assuming no delays, for early 2008.
re: my question above, I’m particularly curious how Oathkeeper would be managed technically, because of it’s especially unusual looks — almost black blade with red ripples through it.
Thanks for the quick reply. I hope there aren’t much delays and I also hope that Ice, Dawn, and the Kingslayer sword come out quickly.
I’m curious if you’ll be offering any special display options, such as wall mounts.
Elio that is something we are still working on, there are multiple ways to do it and we haven’t picked a way yet. It will not be like pattern welding through which is almost impossible to produce in mass quantities (and it requires high carbon steel anyways).
Mostly it will be achieved with etching and exterior finishing.
SkywardShadow, all swords will come with a display plaque bearing a house (or other) crest. We’ll be posting a picture of Longclaw’s plaque within a week.
After having discussed the quality of the forthcoming swords with Valyrian, I am really looking forward to these now and 2008 won’t come soon enough. Their commitment to quality is very passionate and these will be a pleasure to own.
I’m really looking forward to these swords, I expect to buy at least one, so I hope they can be shipped to the Netherlands as well. As an amateur swordfighter I would also certainly be interested in owning a functional version, but it greatly depends on quality and design what I would be willing to pay for it.
Will they be shipped to Belgium. I really like swords and daggers. I even have a small collection. A sword from a song of ice and fire would be awesome.
If Ice is as described in the book then it will be enormous. That will be really cool to see, the blade should had more width and length with the handle and guard being huge. That will be the one I would like to purchase. A suggestion for the sword or any sword would be cutaways in the blade. The half circle cutouts on each side of the blade where the base of the blade meets the guard. I believe this gives a sword a nice fantasy look and there aren’t many swords you can buy out there with it. A good picture of one is on GRRM’s website under cover art, ASOIAF series, A Game of Thrones, under the Bulgarian cover. Just a suggestion….can’t wait to see Ice.
I was wondering when in 2008ish you will be finishing long claw. I ask because my fiance and I are very big fans of Martin and John Snow is his favorite character the Starks our fave family, and our wedding will be in Mayish 2008. I have decided to have a fantacy wedding matching my colors to the Starks family colors (I aleady bought a soft grey/white celtic braided cloak), so when I read that Longclaw was going to be replicated i Knew i had to have it for Eric, he will be so shocked when i present it to him for our wedding….that moment will create the most perfect memory. I’m not even going to tell him about Valyrian Steel till then. So now my only obstical is obtaining the sword before the wedding. Do you have any guess maybe as to what time of the year it will be released?
We hope it to be early 2008, assuming no delays. So, if all goes according to plan, it should be out before your wedding.
To reply what Brian said about the cutaways….there are many examples in The Hedge Knight of swords that have less metal around the bottom of the blade where it meets the guard to make the blade appear skinny. I also think it gives a sword a good fantasy look and I hope Ice or Dawn should appear like those sword examples in The Hedge Knight.
I’m extremely excited about this news. Ever since my first read of AGoT I’ve longed for ASoIaF replicas. Especially can’t wait for Longclaw and Oathkeeper, I’ll be purchasing those first thing. If the swords are each released within a month or so of each other I think I’d even be able to buy each one, and line them up along my wall. I drool at the thought. I’m also really interested in those high carbon blades as well, I’m sure they’ll be spectacular.
I do have a few questions, if you have the time:
Someone mentioned a Dothraki Arakh, which I would also like to ask about. I’d love to see one made. Also, what about Stannis’ Lord of Light blade? I’m also interested in Heartsbane, the Tarly family sword. I know it’s never seen in the series, but I’ve always thought it’d be cool.
Also, will you be making scabbards for the swords? I like ornamental plaques as much as the next guy, but I feel some of the blades (especially Longclaw) would just feel naked without a nice scabbard to accompany it.
Quick question about Longclaw. What will the wolf’s head be made of? In the book it was made from stone, but that might mess up the balance of the blade. Just wondering if you could retain the authenticity while keeping it “practical”. The design of Longclaw looks amazing, by the way. Exactly how I pictured it.
Finally, I’m interested in the size of Ice. The book states that it’s as wide as a human hand, which is just huge, and it would be great if the blade itself was really that big. Do you happen to have a rough estimate for just how big Ice is going to be?
Thank you for taking the time to respond to your potential customers’ questions. It really speaks for your dedication to the quality and authenticity of these blades. I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor. I will certainly be saving up for these!
This is the best news I’ve heard since the HBO series was announced. My excitement is exceeded only by my pleasure in the fact that questions are actually being answered, though I admittedly don’t have any.
The only question that remains is where I’ll hang them…
Just curious if there is any possible way to get some concept art on the various swords?
Will the weapons and armory you make also appear in the planned series?
Spare no expense on these swords Valyrian, you say their will be a wide varity of swords and armor made. Now, there are only four, perhaps five Valyrian Steel Swords spoken of. So, I recommend that your company really consider forgeing those swords with FOLDED CARBON STEEL. As a LIVE Katana collector I believe a forge could create the VALYRIAN rippled look and still keep the blade in the $300-500 dollar range. Although, a Folded Steel Blade is unique, the ripples, can not be duplicated in their pattern.
My question:
Will all these swords have Scabards/sheaths? or will they be cheap like all the LOTR swords?
Actually, for all those who think it should be folded carbon steel. We went through many iterations with GRRM for the blade texture, and the one he finally chose doesn’t much look like pattern welded or folded steel blade. It is much darker, and the areas of the pattern are lighter than the rest. Additionally he mentioned doing slightly different patterns and colorations with different swords.
When I heard that there were going to be arms and armor replicas created for this series, I was quite excited. However, when I found out they were going to be stainless my excitement diminished somewhat. I am still looking forward to seeing the replicas of course, but I was hoping for a somewhat more “authentic” replica. Purchasing something to simply hang on the wall just doesn’t fulfill one like a work of art that can truly be handled with its purpose in mind. I should mention that despite the “authorized” LOTR wallhangers that came out, there were some “enthusiastically inspired” similar blades produced for those who were looking for a more realistic item. I for one would hope we might see something at least along these lines in carbon steel. Also, I have to ask, where are these replicas going to be produced?
I agree that since this is all under production stage, Valyrian Steel should keep them affordable. I have a few stainless steel swords myself which I find sufficient for wall display. However I would be interested in waiting a little bit longer and spending a little more money for carbon blades. The finish looks just darn better overall, so some of the most connoisseur of collectors would agree to paying more. Especialy since this book is such a high quality product itself, it would be normal that the replicas share the same feeling. Would you guys consider releasing special edition blades with prime materials of the Valyrian steel blades like Ice or Oathkeeper? Just four or five kinds in limited numbers, so the value would go up (perfect for the real collectors).
Just passing along my vote for carbon steel. I own only sword that was above the 300$ range, but I don’t own any stainless, so I know it can be done. Take a look at Museum Replicas and CAS Iberia, they both have some fairly high quality stuff in the 100-300$ price block you mention. Personally, I would be happier paying 500$+ for good steel, I haven’t got the space for blades that can’t be used.
(On another note, I have, once, seen a perfectly usable piece of stainless. Didn’t hold an edge, and any exterior finishing or etching would have been ruined, but the thing held up).
It is possible to make cheaper “high carbon” swords. Typically those cheaper ones still aren’t considered functional and they’re definitely not of the quality we would want to release. If we release high carbon swords, we will want them to be as attractive in appearance as the stainless steel versions.
While neither a sword nor armor per se, one item that stood out to me foremost throughout the series was always the Maestar’s Chain Necklace, worn by all Maestar’s from Oldtown. Essentially it was just a chain necklace, each link made of a different type of metal, each type of metal signifying a different area of study. While the use of various metal types could be ponderous, is there any chance we’ll be seeing these made available as well? Seems like it’d be one of the easier things to make that would get a rather welcome reception amongst the fans. ^.^
That is something we had not considered, though it may be possible, even with many different earthly metals (pewter, gold plated, silver, bronze, brass, tin, aluminum, nickle, zinc, copper). However our license covers arms & armors, that I think is neither. We would have to discuss it with GRRM.
From what I recall off the top of my head, the category that the Maestar‘s Chain Neckless would fall in (“jewelry”) would likely not get very good quality because of the fact that there isn’t much talk about “jewelry” throughout the series. Therefore even if someone did pick it up I don’t think they’d do a very good job with it mainly because they wouldn’t have enough of a fan base to create enough profit. So I can see why there would be a request for you guys to do it. Personally I’d like to see it be produced well.
There are some inexpensive production range blades that are very functional and still quite attractive. Of course, that is depending on what your idea of inexpensive is. I would be suprised to see one at the price you are looking at for the decorative models, but I would say that $4-600 is very attainable. You might even look at producing some of the “lesser” blades in carbon steel. Obviously the valyrian steel isn’t very likely to be produced in usable form without considerable cost (well over $1,000), but Robert’s hammer, needle, Bron’s sword, and others would be fairly easy to produce in carbon steel. Either way, I am looking forward to seeing the blades…
Due to the fact that my apartment walls are paper thin and weaker than playdough, I was wondering how much these swords will weigh. I understand that it will vary depending on the sword, but it would be nice to have some idea. If at this time it’s still unknown, will you let the weight of each sword known when they’re finished?
Any update on picts/design drawings yet?
Re: the appearance of Valyrian steel,
Very interesting. Will we at some point get to see an “artist’s rendering” of what the texture of it will look like, or will we have to wait for pictures of a prototype or first production piece?
Referring to Longclaw’s Family crest, I assume and hope it will be the Stark family crest. As Jon is a bastard and does not carry the Stark name I would hope you would not send the Mormont crest with Jon’s blade. I also hope that you do not invent a new crest for him as he does not have one in the book. A flag from the Nights Watch would be cool but I’m not sure they have an insignia. A scabbard would be just as well for me but kinda a moot point with a display replica.
Ice is what I really long for(pun intended) but I want it as a ridiculously heavy and functional great-sword.
I was wondering, because I am part of a re-enactment group, if these swords and armour will be made for actual use. for fighting steel on steel, and won’t break from battering them.
As it says in the FAQ, “we’re making stainless steel display swords, not functional swords.”
They do bring up the possibility of creating more limited (and expensive) functional swords, but the current plans are for display weapons.
I must admit that I’m one of the “purists”. As excited as I am about seeing non-functional replicas of these awesome weapons, I will only buy functional pieces. If such items are made, I would definitely buy one or two.
I am keen to purchasing a Valyrian steel sword. Having never imported one to Canada I have no clue as to the regulations or where to learn about them. What are my abilities or restrictions to ordering a sword from you with shipment to Canada? Please help. Thank you and I can not wait to seeing the designs.
There are no restrictions, but Canada does typically assess fairly heavy import duties (taxes).
I’d like to add a vote for real, functional swords. I have a small collection and I’ve been extremely disappointed in non-functional stainless models (the LOTR swords being especially poorly done). For quality, functional swords, I’ve paid up to $3000 and would not object to paying more for something of suitable quality as functional art, but if all you have to offer are stainless wall-hangers I’m not interested at all.
I understand making attractive display models for cost and profit considerations.
For these please, please, please, do your best to make them light weight without being cheap, I know they are hangers but nothin sucks like someone saying ” can I hold it?” and it falls on their toe.
Secondly do not make really off the wall fantasy swords, make them look like the beautiful but functional swords Knights or Kngs would use in battle.
And thirdly Consider making (even if its small in number) more functional blades versions Please?
I beleive the smaller volume of funtctional versions could be sold, I just showed this website to my brother and we said the same thing” if it was functional I would order right now”
I am very interested in functional versions.especialy dawn and stannis sword of light
Has anyone ever imported anything like this to Australia? I think I might struggle…
Will the Valyrian Steel line be available to resellers or Jalic retain all sale rights?
Also is there a planned release order? I’m guessing that Longclaw will be first, but what will be next? I know you’re unable to give a firm date but how about a month? A year, perhaps?
Yes, we will be selling wholesale to other retailers. Unless of course we sell out first.
Yes, Longclaw is first, Needle should be second.
They should arrive 2nd quarter of 08 (by April hopefully).
Is there any chance of you guys making a replica coin set? I realize that this obviously doesn’t fall into the category of arms or armours, however I personally would love to see a replica of a golden dragon, a silver stag, and a copper or even some other coinage, such as the iron coin given to Arya by Jaqen.
That is certainly something we’d like to make, but it doesn’t fall under our current license with GRRM.
Not to be late to this comment, but I do agree that the swords should be functional. This book series is NOT LOTR!!! It is more deep, intriguing, serious and mature (not to mention more enjoyable and better). Let LOTR keep their wall-hangers, but as comparision the GRRM series swords should also be more serious and mature.
Like was said above, Museum Replicas makes some great looking, and functional swords for a very reasonable price. I would really like to see it at a competative (but larger as needed) price that made the sword functional. I would just love to see quality over quantity for a great book license like this.
I know this jumps the price up again (but I am game) have you look at Damascus steel for both the coloring, pattern, and functionality of Valyrian blades? I think they are the closest real world equivalent.
How would you go about making Stannis’ sword?
I’m personally looking forward to Widow’s Wail.
i want to know the price of aluminuim