Received my order today and finally felt compelled to write a review even though I have been a customer for years. My item was relatively inexpensive but they treated it like I had purchased an $800 sword. Each piece was separated, the metal was oiled and wrapped in plastic, brown paper was coiled around individual parts, then extra paper was added to the box so the sword and scabbard would not move at all. Took 4 business days to arrive from ordering. I'm surprise so many have had bad experiences, the one time there was an issue with my order 10 years ago the staff went out of their way to make it a good experience (email attached). If you are an arms and armor nerd you will love exploring their website and in my experiences ordering from them has been nothing but positive. read more

Kult of Athena - Customer support was great - Costumes Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

I purchased a sword, paid for sharpening and paid over $100.00 for shipping, but somehow they missed the heavy corrosion on the brass, like some kind of chemical was on it or water or something. I don't know how this could have been missed during sharpening or packing. Furthermore, they ignored the email I sent immediately after unpacking with pictures of the damage. read more

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Howdy! I am absolutely stunned at the quality of my sword. The package shipped quick. It came with a nice covering case to protect the sword while sheathed. 24/7 support with friendly representatives. The blade itself was flawless. Good weight, quality materials, very eye catching & came with a certificate of authenticity. For the quality the price is outstanding. The box provides a nice piece of history on the manufacturer & their legacy. Definitely getting another sword from this master crafted smith. 10/10 read more

Bought a couple pieces from Kult of Athena over the years and they've always been quality. They have a great selection and ship quickly as well. Bought a cutlass recently that was their "Blemished Grade". The cutlass had a brass wire wrap around the handle, which had snapped in the middle and unwrapped. All I had to do was simply remove the wire and now I have a fully functional and still great looking cutlass at a discount! Would definitely buy from them again. read more

After waiting over 2 weeks they sent me the wrong order and when I contacted them they wanted me to print a bunch of papers and send the item back the wrong order before possibly sending me what I paid for 2 1/2 weeks before. My buddy also had the wrong item shipped to him Be prepared to pay for a hassle of having to ship the wrong order back and hope for what you paid for. Will not order anything from them again read more

I last placed an order during COVID, when international sales were down, hundreds of thousands of people were not working. I would have thought an order at that time would be appreciated. I ordered a sabre and a throwing axe. The handle on the throwing axe split and the weapon fell to bits after half a dozen throws: I expect the handle had been painted black to hide pre-existing flaws. The sabre was horribly balanced, and came with a scabbard that didn't fit. The sword will literally not go into the scabbard. I didn't bother asking for a replacement because it was a $200 order plus $200 shipping and their replacement policy is "If you return it (another $200), we will replace it (another $200.)" $800 for $200 items is too steep. Frankly I was disgusted because how hard is it to check the sword fits the scabbard before shipping. I haven't bought anything since. read more

I don't know who is writing these poor reviews, but let me tell you something, Kult of Athena is the world's #1 outlet for those who are serious about collecting swords and medieval weapons. I have been a sword collector for many years. I buy ALL my swords through KOA. I have never been disappointed with their service or their commitment to me as a customer. KOA is a great company, obviously operated by people who have a passion for history and weaponry. They are simply the best. read more

This company is exceptional and the best of two wholesalers that I would consider. My first purchase from Kult of Athena was an Albion over ten years ago. The price was raised from the manufacturer on the day I ordered. Several weeks were required to obtain the sword from Albion, which is very fast for a quality sword. Kult of Athena charged the lower initial price since I had inquired about the product prior to the price increase. The sale was not concluded, but they gave me the lower price as an unexpected and undeserved courtesy. The product was inspected by the maker and again by Kult of Athena prior to shipping. Packaging was appropriate and everything was and remains exceptional. If a product is not in stock and must be ordered, these facts are communicated to the customer. Emails have always been answered and updates provided. Regarding the gentleman in another review that broke his sword on a sycamore log, such treatment of a sword is reckless, dangerous, and classically abusive. He's lucky the blade didn't strike him when the sword snapped due to abuse. Swords have a unique purpose that does not incorporate tree harvesting. Rocks are not suitable targets either. Most companies will not replace a product damaged by abuse. Many instructional videos and classes regarding safety and proper use are available for the novice. read more

I placed an order for a sword from Kult of Athena. I had a similar sword that I had acquired from a competitor for roughly the same price, and I wanted to see what KoA had to offer. I received the sword within three weeks and tested it on a piece of sycamore wood. The "battle ready" sword snapped right in half. I sent an email to KoA regarding the break, complete with cross section photos of the sword pieces. No response. I sent a second email three days later, letting them know that I had spoken to some sword enthusiasts that I knew, who said that there likely was a crack. That got a response from KoA who asked for more photos. After corresponding with their rep, Matt, he agreed that it was a defect in the sword. After further correspondence, he said that I could put the value of the broken sword toward a credit with KoA. I decided that I would put the credit toward a different, more expensive sword, rather than get a replacement sword. I told him which sword and asked how I should pay the difference. Four days went by and I received no response. Two more days went by and I called the CS number. One day later, I received two emails, one from Dusty saying she received my call and was going to figure out how to deal with it with their "new program". The second email said that my complaint had been closed. I responded to Dusty, telling her about the closing, and she replied that it was an "honest mistake". She asked for patience while they figured out their "new program". A week went by, and I had to email back, asking if the purchase could go forward and again asking how to pay the difference. Dusty emailed back and said that I could pay via PayPal or CC. I responded that I could do Venmo or CC, and asked how I should proceed. No response. Three days went by, and I sent another email. No response. Three more days went by, and I sent yet another email. No response. The next day, I sent yet another email. Five days later, and I still have no response. The lack of regard KoA has shown to my complaint is absolutely unprofessional. It has been a month, and still there is no resolution. KoA's handling of the situation can't, in any reality, be called "customer service". read more

Kult of Athena - Broken "battle ready" sword. 1 strike to a piece of 3-4" sycamore wood. - Costumes Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

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I just received my Black Prince sword (Darksword Armory) from KOA today and I was very happy with the experience. Interestingly enough, my other Darksword Armory sword that I ordered directly from Darksword Armory was delivered about 5 minutes later -- The Duke. Both orders had the sharpening service added for an extra fee. They are roughly the same price but KOA did a much better job on the sharpening than DSA. It seemed like there was a thin film of grease left on the blade so it appeared more "dull" right out of the box compared to The Duke direct from DSA. However, that is a non issue because that can be cleaned up by me. I would rather have that than a bone dry blade that is prone to rusting during shipping. The packing from KOA was very thorough and better than DSA. I had no problems with either package but KOA wrapped the blade in a lot more material. I really appreciate the attention to detail to protect my sword during the shipping process. KOA was very responsive on social media and email with the questions I had. Very friendly in all exchanges. If and when I am in the market for another weapon, I will be coming back to KOA for sure. read more

ordered a sword for over $1000 last August. representative told me to follow up in a year to seek status since it's custom made. I have been emailing and calling for the past three months.. they won't answer or respond to my emails. I have no product that I paid in full or any type of stays updated. unfortunately, I looked at reviews after I ordered. I guess the BBB and FTC and legal are my next options read more

Done dirty by Kult of Athena. My wooden hilt on a Baselard came in chipped, & updates on tracking were unreliable. When the sword arrived, it came without a scabbard. I contacted them via email & voicemail, & it took them forever to get back to me. They first accused me of not knowing how to look in a box; said the scabbard was in the packing paper. I explained to them that I had spread out & flattened the packing paper so as to re-wrap the sword for my fiancée, so -- unless the scabbard was as thin as paper, it was not in the box. They then said they would ask the warehouse if they could locate the scabbard. Then, without admitting any fault, they suddenly had a scabbard for me. No apologies, nothing. I asked them about shipping, thinking that surely, based on their own mistake, they'd expedite the shipping, as it was a time-sensitive gift. I mean...it was an incomplete order! The onus was on them to make it right. But no, they had no intentions of getting the scabbard to me in a timely manner, shipped it out via standard, & that was that. No more contact; no offer of a discount; no apology. The scabbard arrived & was the worst quality I'd ever seen; cheap, thin wood wrapped poorly with the thinnest leather. The glue job was horrendous, with glue dripped out along the seams. The seams didn't even match up, so there is an ugly missing part along the length of the scabbard, where you can see the cheap insides. I will NEVER order from this company again. Turns out, they are not even the manufacturers of the products, merely a third-party sales/shipping facility with a markup on prices. What a sham. read more

Worst customer service, never answer phones go to medieval collectibles so much better

On 23rd September 2019 I purchased a blunt single hand sword blade from Kult of Athena for USD$98.95 plus USD$69.06 for priority shipping. As I was rechecking the shipping information on 26th September, I realised that I had put the wrong postcode in the shipping address (NSW instead of VIC postcode) and advised Kult of Athena. I was informed that the item had already left the warehouse (on 24th September) and the shipping address couldn't be changed at that stage. There were issues in shipping and the sword was returned to Kult of Athena - this is not their fault. I followed up with Kult of Athena on 30th October to see if the sword blunt had been returned to their warehouse, so it could be re-sent to me. The tracking website indicated that it had been returned to sender for around two weeks at this stage. I was advised that it hadn't been returned. I followed up again on 18th November asking if sword had been returned - it hadn't. I asked if I could get a refund for the sword instead and was advised that once the sword was returned to them they could refund me through my card. On 7th February 2020, Kult of Athena contacted me to say that the sword had been returned to the warehouse and asked that I pay the shipping again to have it sent out. I responded on 13th February, as I was quite frustrated and upset at this stage, that I wanted a refund instead. I received no response and followed up on 10th March with the same query - no response. I have double checked my credit card statement and I can't identify any payment from Kult of Athena in the range of USD$98.95. I'm now very frustrated, ripped off and feel as though I'm being ignored by the retailer. Atrocious customer service. Very passive, slow to respond. I still have no resolution and it's been 18 months. read more

Customer service is amazing. People want perfection and jump on to complain. Kult of athena has good kind helpful workers and great products. If your gonna buy a sword buy from them Even if another site is cheaper this is the place. God bless kult of athena. read more

They sell items that they do not have in stock. They held my money for two weeks and then suddenly cancelled the order. It seems to be a common practice of theirs. read more

Sword just arrived. So much better than I had hoped. Amazing value. Original order was messed up, but they followed through and got the sword to me in time for Christmas. Mistakes happen but they resolved it perfectly. Thank you so much! read more

BUYER BEWARE! Horrible customer service. Threats of lawsuit. Hostile, rude and oh so worried about their "bottom line". Coupled with their substandard, cheap knock-off wares this is a definite pass. Remember, these guys are only middlemen if you want any of the items on their website go to the manufacturer's page and save yourself a major headache. read more

Kult of Athena - Costumes Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

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Let me say that I love Kult of Athena! I have been collecting swords and medieval weaponry for a while now, and whether it be online or at the store, this is my go to place. They have a great selection, great prices, and a knowledgeable staff. The physical store is currently closed, as they are moving to a larger location, but the online shopping is still great. Whether you are looking for Eastern or Western swords, weaponry from different locations and time periods, costumes, costume weaponry, books, or decorations, this is the place to go. This is a one of a kind store in the Chicagoland area, so if you have any interest in weaponry, you need to check this place out. read more

Kult of Athena - Costumes Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

Kult of Athena is absolutely terrible. A defective sword stand was shipped to me that had scratches and nicks including the felt fabric misshaped and falling off the sword rack. It took their customer service rep Kay 3 weeks to inform me that they dont see that as a defect. After emailing him again explaining there were multiple issues with the sword stand I didnt hear back so I had to call to speak with a manager by the name of Ryan whom at first seemed reasonable, however turned out to be equally as bad with handling this issue having atrocious customer service skills and a bad attitude. I shipped the sword rack back and was told they were going to inquire about their new shipment of sword stands and they would contact me regarding next steps. No correspondence received and was arbitrarily issued a refund minus the cost of shipping. Called to speak with Ryan again and he stated all the sword racks were like the one I received and I had unrealistic expectations and legally they were in the right stating there was nothing wrong with the sword rack I received which is why I was not reimbursed shipping. Ryan was extremely unprofessional, disrespectful, and belligerent over the phone. To double down on a defective product and insult a customer informing them they were unrealistic about their expectations and in the wrong is not how you treat a customer! Pretty sure no customer would expect to receive a product and be okay with having to repair it upon arriving when you are paying for a new unused piece of merchandise. You wouldnt go buy a new car with the headliner falling down just to have the dealer tell you you can fix it with some bead glue so that blows that assaning theory out of the water. By far the worst customer service I have ever received. Do not risk buying from Kult of Athena, if there is anything wrong with your purchase they will make up every excuse that they are not at fault, and it's your problem. They are obviously receiving second hand merchandise and or factory seconds given the condition of the product I received, and their customer service was embarrassing and shameful. What is sad is I have had family members who have been long time customers of Kult of Athena who spoke well of their products and services which is why I thought I would make a purchase through them. However upon learning what this experience was like they stated the company has obviously changed and gone down hill. read more

Amazing service after i needed a return. Emails may take a few days but they fixed everything and are reshipping my new exchange items for no cost! Amazing company that sells everything s history fan like me wants to buy read more

My husband and I just bought a sword from Kult of Athena , great customer service , swords are perfect , really happy with them . Thanks !!!! read more

Kult of Athena - Hanwei and mushashi - Costumes Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

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I ordered two lower price swords with the natural understanding that it would need work on my end to tune it up. Not only did their site not update my basket properly when I added the second but the one that DID show up was BUILT wrong. The pommel was machined in such a way that it sits far to one side. Looks terrible and CAN'T be fixed without machining. The person I got on the phone ( who claimed to be "the top" when I asked for his supervisor due to his combative defensiveness) instantly tried the LAME defense that SINCE it was a cheaper sword I should've expected this. MAYBE, but I'd at least expect the product to match the pictures they post and at LEAST be put together properly. The person who boxed this sword up either 1. Saw the major flaw in design and simply didn't CARE or 2. never inspected it at all and just tossed it in a box. Indifference or an absolute lack of anything resembling a quality check are the only possibilities. Avoid this place, even if you want CHEAP swords they bait you with very nice product photos then -bait-and-switch- and sell trash. A total scam of a business. read more