The Relic & Reel Journal

Don Troiani: The Artist Who Gets It Right
Don Troiani: The Artist Who Gets It Right
Don Troiani is America's foremost historical military artist. Here's what makes his prints worth collecting, how to spot authentic editions, and why serious collectors seek his work. Read more...
Hand forged D2 steel chef knife set, black powder coated, 5-piece
D2 Steel vs. Damascus: Which Blade Material Should You Buy?
D2 steel and Damascus steel both get called "premium" but they're good at different things. Here's the honest, no-spin comparison to help you pick the right one. Read more...
Handmade Damascus steel kitchen knife set with exotic wood handles
5 Damascus Knife Care Mistakes New Owners Make
Damascus steel knives need different care than stainless. Here's exactly how to clean, oil, and store yours so the pattern stays sharp for decades. Read more...
Prismwood Rainbow Pakkawood Damascus Chef Knife Set
How to Choose a Damascus Chef Knife Set: A Buyer's Guide
3 pieces or 8? Rosewood or resin? A straightforward guide to choosing a Damascus chef knife set you'll use for a lifetime. Read more...
New Arrivals: Civil War Regimental Art from The Art of Don Troiani
New Arrivals: Civil War Regimental Art from The Art of Don Troiani
Ten new Civil War regimental art prints from The Art of Don Troiani have landed, featuring detailed portraits of Union and Confederate units. Read more...
"The Allies" General Washington and Rochambeau, 1781 by Don Troiani
History in Every Brushstroke: Introducing The Art of Don Troiani
Relic & Reel welcomes The Art of Don Troiani: historically precise military prints and canvas giclées from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. Read more...
Two Damascus-style knives laid side by side on a dark slate surface, one revealing authentic flowing steel patterns under warm directional light, the other appearing flat and unconvincing.
How to Spot a Fake Damascus Knife: Real vs. Imitation
Learn how to distinguish genuine pattern-welded Damascus knives from acid-etched, laser-etched, and printed fakes using physical tests, visual inspection, and the right questions to ask any seller before you buy. Read more...
Hand-forged Damascus steel Viking sword with leather sheath from Relic & Reel
Can't Find a Sword Shop Near You? Here's Where to Look Instead
Searching for a sword shop near you? Here's why specialty online retailers usually beat local options for swords, katanas, and collectible blades. Read more...
5 Everyday Carry Blades Worth Adding to Your Collection
5 Everyday Carry Blades Worth Adding to Your Collection
An everyday carry (EDC) knife isn't just a tool — it's a small, deliberate choice you make every morning when you decide what goes in your pocket. Whether you're breaking... Read more...
Testing Alt
How to Start a Sword & Knife Collection: A Beginner's Guide
Thinking about starting a sword or knife collection but don't know where to begin? Here's an honest, no-hype roadmap for building a collection you'll actually be proud of. Read more...
Compact titanium folding knife with everyday carry accessories
EDC 101: How to Choose Your Everyday Carry Knife
EDC, short for everyday carry, refers to the small set of tools people choose to keep on them daily. A good EDC knife sits at the center of most setups,... Read more...
Leather armor pieces displayed with dramatic lighting
Choosing Medieval & Fantasy Armor: A Buyer's Guide
Whether you are building a LARP kit, assembling a Halloween costume, or just want a striking piece for your wall, medieval and fantasy armor spans a huge range of quality,... Read more...
Close-up of ancient collectible coins on dark wood
What Makes a Coin Worth Collecting? A Beginner's Guide
Coins are one of the oldest collectible categories in the world, and one of the most approachable places to start a collection. You do not need a vault or a... Read more...
Damascus steel folding knife showcasing blade craftsmanship
What Makes a Knife "Collectible"? A Beginner's Guide to Blade Steel and Craftsmanship
Not every knife is a collectible. A $10 kitchen knife and a hand-forged Damascus blade might both cut a tomato, but only one of them is likely to hold value,... Read more...
Film reel and prop sword display
Movie Prop Replicas vs. Real Memorabilia: A Collector's Buying Guide
Movie and TV memorabilia is a big, messy category — everything from a mass-produced prop replica to a one-of-one item that was actually on set gets lumped under the same... Read more...
Wall-mounted sword display rack with katana
5 Display Ideas for Your Knife or Sword Collection
A great blade or sword deserves more than a drawer. How you display a collection changes everything — it turns a handful of individual pieces into a cohesive showcase, protects... Read more...
Close-up of a Damascus steel knife blade being cared for
How to Care for Damascus Steel: Cleaning, Rust Removal & Storage
A Damascus steel knife is one of the most striking pieces you can own — the rippling pattern in the blade comes from folding and forging layers of steel together,... Read more...
Decorative and functional swords crossed on display
Decorative vs. Functional Swords: What's the Difference (and Which Is Legal to Own)
If you've spent any time browsing swords online, you've probably noticed two very different categories hiding under the same word: "sword." Some are built to be looked at. Others are... Read more...