The mission of The HIGHLANDER Sword Shopper's Guide is to bridge the gap between Highlander fans and sword makers, manufacturers, and masters of the forge by means of informative articles, profiles, critiques, photos, and as well as our Sword Forum which provides a bulletin-board-style discussionary forum where fans and bladesmiths can exchange ideas and inspire one another.

The Guide was initially created to help fans identify real Highlander swords from the mass-market Taiwanese fakes, but has grown far beyond its original scope. The majority of traffic towards this site are Highlander fans who are interested in a little more than a "wall-hanger" replica. As you no doubt understand, Hollywood's depictions of swords are far from realistic at times. However, in the inescapable fact is that swords can be beautiful, battle-worthy, and be truly works of art. It is these qualities (and at affordable prices) that Highlander fans are seeking in custom-made swords that they would like to invest in.

Thus, this section on Sword Makers is for you. It will give fans a chance to begin touching the reality of swords and steel, and a better understanding of the art and work that goes into a blade. It will also make them feel that sword smiths are approachable people, and that having a truly well-made blade at an affordable price is not impossible.

In the past, we've made arrangements like small incentives for fans to approach people and companies as yourselves for business, such as small discounts and special promotions.

Unlike magazine advertisements where you have a small square area on a back page that only communicates so much, and unlike magazine articles on your work that don't get publish until 6 months to a year later (as was in the case of Bob Engnath), most of anything informational that you submit to The HIGHLANDER Sword Shopper's Guide can be published, thereby affording you free advertising, increasing exposure to your business, and hopefully generating profits for your enterprise.

What's the catch? None. What's the cost to you? None. Why is that? The goal for the Guide is not to make money, but to become continually richer in information, both textual and photographic. Your submissions will inspire and enhance other individuals and may even get them starting as knife, blade, or sword collectors. I only ask that you establish your presence on the Sword Forum - to the benefit of the prospective customer and you yourself. I recommend a twice-a-week visit to keep people's interests afresh.

I make no promises or guarantees as to the buying power of Highlander fans, nor how much business will be steered your way. The Guide has a lot of exposure, and is well known by members of the alt.tv.highlander newsgroup. Other Highlander fan-created web-sites have links to the Guide, and I am constantly posting new updates and artwork for fans to come and see. Each page will be advertised in search engines. The more articles and profiles, the larger the "fishing net", which means that anyone accessing the Guide from any point of the Guide will ultimately be able to navigate to your section.

I hope to be able to work with you in the near future. Please don't hesitate to e-mail me with any questions or comments. Some sword-smiths have joined up already and have begun participating.

"WarAngel"
Editor
The HIGHLANDER Sword Shopper's Guide
email: hsg@angelic.org

Click here to send an e-mail to the Editor.