Needle was especially made for Arya Stark, as a child's version of a bravo's blade. Our replica has a 24" inch long blade (30" overall) of high carbon steel with full tang. The hilt is cast metal with antique nickel plate and leather wrap. A heraldic display plaque featuring the direwolf of House Stark is included, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by me. This is a limited edition of 2500 swords, and the back of each blade will be laser etched in fine print with the edition number.
To get your own replica of Needle, visit the Valyrian Steel website at http://www.valyriansteel.com/ The sword is shipping now!
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Comments
The sword looks great. :D
As to why you might want to buy these... well, for the same reason you might want to buy a Valyrian resin of Ned that does not look like Sean Bean, or a Dark Sword mini of Jon Snow that does not look like Kit Harington. Do you want a keepsake of the books, or of the TV show? If the show goes forward, you will have your choice.
Also, in the specific case of these swords, I retained the right to license out high-quality steel replica swords, and that license is held by Valyrian Steel. HBO has the right to license inexpensive toy replica swords. So if you'd prefer something made of plastic that you can pick up at Wal-Mart, that may indeed be available at a later date... and will look just like the weapons in the series.
HBO also has exclusive rights to do lunchboxes, key rings, and bobblehead dolls, among other things. It was a VERY long and complicated negotiation.
Edited at 2010-01-17 05:22 am (UTC)
I love the books, and Mr. Martin worked together with Valyrian Steel to get the designs done. So I would always get one of those that are close to the original creator and creation (the books).
HBO might have different ideas, so from my point of view it would depend on whether you want to stay with the books or with the possible (probable - crosses fingers) pilot and series. Provided that HBO will indeed have a different idea about the swords.
But whatever sword you get... stick 'em with the pointy end.
I recall Valyrian Steel fielding remarks on the sword's hilt being cruciform, whereas some people have imagined that the true bravo's sword is somehow different. I never had that impression, myself, but I admit to wondering if the bravo's swords are supposed to have more encompassing hilts (swept hilts, bell cups, and those other sorts you see on rapiers).
In any case, Valyrian Steel responded that one thing GRRM pointed out is that Mikken's not from the Free Cities, he's just a Westerosi smith, and the design of the sword is very much influenced by that. Arya's sword is sort of his version of what he knows of Free City swords: a thinner, lighter thrusting-focused version of the swords he usually makes.
I have recently visited in Vienna (im Kunsthistorischen Museum) the exhibition about Charles the Bold and the 15th century Europe. It was great for a fan of your prose; a jousting aromur with all appurtenances, a whole suit of armour for a teenager (very rare!),crowns, ceremonial swords, maces (with an unfolding chess board in the hilt :-)) tankards, beautiful goblets (with magical characteristics),verdures, even little knight toys (on wheels and with movable lances) so the boys could learn the tacks of jousting.But the best, in my opinion, were the illuminated manuscrips; I can watch them for hours.
I would never have gone to this exhibition if I had not read your books. Frankly speaking, I am not so much happy that I have learned something about the Middle Ages as I am happy that my knowledge about Westeros is now much reacher. For example, the guide explained that it was a kind of duty for lords to flaunt with their wealth, and it was seen as a sign of piety by the folk. Charles the Bold had been unequalled in his extravagance, explained the guide, but he has certainly not heard about the Lannisters yet ;-).
PS.: sorry for all mistakes, I am not an English native speaker.
I'm now toying with the notion of buying the Damascus steel Longclaw... hm.
I have an interesting problem though. The website states that they are unable to
ship to japan as it has strict customs regarding swords.
Is there anyway to circumvent this? Is needle really considered an honest to god sword?
I know that as carbon steel it's closer to the real thing then stainless steel.
But is there no way to import it as a replica?
Any one have an idea or experience with this?