Information

I started collecting swords about ten years ago. I wanted swords before that, but price and parental concern prohibited me from having them. The first sword that I bought was the CAS Iberia Lord of the Rings. It didn't take long for me to figure out that it was not "realistic" or high quality. It did, however, prompt me to start researching historical arms and armour.

At first, my research was mostly online. I found forums and began reading as much as was available; using interlibrary loan through the university my wife worked for to get books of interest. Luckily, Notre Dame University, located here in South Bend, has a large collection of rare and hard to find books of interest available for me to check out. Their collection has given me access to a great deal of research.

Shortly after moving to South Bend, I met up with Rick Barrett at his shop in Goshen, Indiana. At the time, I knew very little about Japanese swords. Working out of Rick's shop has introduced me to the Japanese arms, hence the Tantos and Katana. I worked out of Rick's shop for about two years, but have currently set up a small workspace of my own to do cutlery work.

Looking at the arms and armour pictured elsewhere on this site, it may not come as a surprise that I am most interested in arms and armour from the Celtic Iron Age through the Viking Age. However, I am fascinated with arms from around the world and through most time periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take custom orders?

Currently, I do not take full custom orders. I prefer to work closely with a customer to create quality, functional, and historically accurate reproductions. From start to finish a sword design will evolve. I don't like restricting that evolution to make sure it looks to some degree like the original concept. I also enjoy the research and design process and want to see them into reality. If you have a certain original sword in mind, contact me and we can see if something can be worked out.

What if I want to have a certain type of sword made?

Contact me and let me know. We may be able to work something out. Or,I might be working on something similar or plan to in the future. If that is the case, I'll let you know.

Do you make your own sword blades?

Sometimes I do make my own; other times I will have my blades made for me. At present I'm limited on fuller sizes and hollow grinding. So until I am able to do these, I will have them made. The other major reason I may use blades made for me is to increase turn around time. This way while I am finishing up current projects I can be having blades made that will be ready for mounting when the current project is finished. Several of my blades have come from Mark at Ollin Sword Design.

Where can I buy your swords?

If there is a piece available that you are interested in, send me an email at shaneallee@ironagearmoury.com or call (574) 234-9877.

How do I pay for a piece? Can you accept payments?

I can accept personal check, money order or credit cards through Paypal. I have in the past set up short payment schedules with individuals, holding the piece once an initial payment is made until complete payment is received. I usually will not take payments for more than two months on one piece.