Albion News Room

April 1, 2006
A Special April First Announcement --
A Fond Farewell
We are saddened to announce that after 7 great years, Albion will be closing its doors forever, as of the close of business today --
go here to read why.

We Are Having One Last Contest!

Paul Jozefowicz performing his award-winning "Dance of Discerner" (click on image to see the video) Please note: This is offered as an example only, and is not (luckily for everyone else) a valid contest entry. Paul Jozefowicz, his friends and family are not eligible to enter the contest, nor is the reuse or repackaging of his image, likeness, name or dance moves allowable in another contest entry. This is a large file and for best results, save the video to your desktop. We recommend that your turn your computer's monitor on its side for maximum viewing pleasure.

Send in a video* of of your rendition of your favorite Albion sword in interpretive dance, and earn a chance to possibly win one of the last Albion swords that will ever be made, free!

*All submissions shall become the sole property of Albion Swords Ltd and may be used in any manner in all media. Please remember we are not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected tapes or electronic submissions. You may submit more than one dance on a single videocassette. If submitting a videotape, please include a brief description of the video clip and try to cue the cassette up to the dance part. Make sure you include your name, address, and phone number with the cassette. Albion Swords Ltd reserves the right to at any time implement new eligibility criteria and/or modify existing eligibility criteria, including, without limitation, geographical and age restrictions. Persons under 18 may enter but written parental consent will be required before their entries will be considered. Entrants are encouraged to consult with a licensed physician before busting any serious moves. Entrants whose clips are chosen must sign a Release and Indemnity in the form presented attesting, among other things, to the fact that they are the rightful owners of the submitted clips and that the clip may be submitted and broadcast without obtaining permission from or making any payment to any third party. All persons appearing in the clips must sign consent forms and/or releases (which shall grant to Albion Swords Ltd the right to use such person's name, voice and likeness) before the submission can be eligible for prize awards. Entries containing nudity and inappropriate language are not encouraged, but will not necessarily be disqualified on that basis. Extra points may be awarded, at the judges' sole discretion, for tutus. Failure to provide all requested releases and/or consents will result in disqualification of entrant. These release and/or consent forms will be provided by Albion Swords Ltd . Dance moves will be judged on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to: originality, flexibility, dramatic content and total lack of shame, propriety or common sense. The judgement of the panel is final and not subject to appeal, either under legal (civil or criminal) or community moral standards (although Islamic Law may apply in certain specific cases.). All Entrants agree that Albion Swords Ltd is not responsible for any error, omission, interruption, delay, deletion or defect with respect to the transmission and/or broadcast of any entry. The submission of a videotape or electronic file constitutes the submitter's permission to use the videotape or electronic submission (and the name, voice and likeness of the submitter) in and in connection with the contest and all exploitations thereof, including, without limitation, advertising and promotion, in all media, and, further, constitutes the submitter's representation that all necessary consents and permissions therefore have been obtained. The submitter of the video releases all claim to any images, concepts and wicked-cool dance moves contained therein and specifically agrees to all terms and conditions of use by Albion Swords Ltd including, but not limited to: public and private showings, publication of still image captures, either in hardcopy print or electronically. Entrant totally releases and indemnifies Albion Swords Ltd and its duly authorized representatives, in perpetuity, from all criminal or civil liability and Federal, state or local charges arising from any premeditated unscrupulous use of the video and images contained therein for purposes of publicity, advertising, promotion, public education, extortion, community relations, bribery, or blackmail or any other charges arising from any perceived or actual potential threat by Albion Swords Ltd, and its duly authorized representatives, either implicit or explicit, overt or covert, to show or display the aforementioned video or screen captures to the Entrant's friends, family, bosses, coworkers, neighborhood bullies and current, former or future girlfriends unless the Entrant sends the required "donated" funds, in small unmarked bills, by a date to be specified, in an unmarked envelope to the address below. (Please remember that we are not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected funds.) Entries must be postmarked no later than midnight April 1, 2006 and must be sent postage-paid to Albion Swords, Ltd, 421 Second Street. PO Box 66, New Glarus, Wisconsin 53574.
See the complete contest rules here

3-23-06
Howy just found out that a childhood friend, Jeff Mariotte, has written the newly published Age of Conan: Marauders, Volume 1--Ghost of the Wall. Go here to read more about it.

3-17-06
In House Artisan Update
Eric McHugh is now offering a new hollow-ground Rondel dagger based on his research in England.



Go here for more information.

3-6-06
New On-Line Articles
We have added a few new feature articles that we know you will find both interesting and informative.

The Normans by Patrick Kelly
A look at the history, strategy and weapons of these famous warriors.

Pilgrimage of a Sword Geek -- Husbyborg by Eric McHugh
An inside look at one of Eric's research trips to European museums with Peter Johnsson, the first installment in a series of articles.

Next Generation Line Update
Congratulations go out to Peter and his wife -- they just had another beautiful baby girl! (talk about the Next Generation!) Despite this wonderful new demand on his time, Peter is currently working on waxes for the Chieftain, Knecht, Earl and Valkyrja.

New Staff
We have added two new staff people in the Cutlery department -- please welcome Rob Berrie (who started today) and Paul Jozefowicz (starting next Monday)!

3-3-06
In House Artisan Update
Eric McHugh is now offering a line of seaxes based on his research in Denmark.

Go here for more information.

3-1-06
We are offering our loyal customers an opportunity to join a special benefactor’s society we are forming and get a discount -- and at the same time help us build working capital to improve our business and bring you more new and exciting products and benefits:

The Albion Benefactor's Society

Go here for more information!

2-8-06
Next Generation Line Update
The Type XIX prototype hand-and-a-half blade has been programmed by Steve -- now it will be heat-treated and sent to Peter in Sweden for development of the hilt components.




In House Artisan Update
Shan-Aan has finished her first sword! Go here for more details.



2-2-06
Albion Goes Continental
There is something about February and Albion…

7 Years ago, in February 1999, we opened our web page for business for the very first time.

Shortly after opening the site, we hired our very first employee, Jason Dingledine (now the head of our Blade shop and film recreations R&D)

5 years ago, in February 2001, we moved to our manufacturing facility in New Glarus, Wisconsin, and Mike Sigman joined us to take over Customer Service.

4 years ago, in February 2002, Eric McHugh joined us full time (now the head of R&D for historical recreations).

In the last five years…

Peter Johnsson has visited Albion 10 times since 2001, and as a result of his research and hard work, and the tireless work of the staff here, we have 5 Museum Line sword models, 40 Next Generation sword models, 4 Squire Line models and 2 Special Limited edition swords in production, with many, many more in research and development.

Jody Samson, (who moved his studio from Burbank, California to join us in chilly Wisconsin in 2001), has designed and produced hundreds of individual custom swords (making him one of the most prolific custom makers ever in the business), guided the groundbreaking Conan project into production (the first accurate and fully functional film sword recreations ever in production), and has 6 of his exclusively designed swords in production, with many more in development.

And now…

This February, Albion is proud to announce the creation of Albion Europe, a sister company based on the Continent that will handle all marketing, customer service and distribution of Albion products for our European customers. Albion Europe will host websites in several languages and represent Albion at many festivals and trade shows throughout Europe.

Albion Europe will be run by our long-time customer and friend, Søren Niedziella.

We are thrilled to have a collector and western martial arts enthusiast of Søren's caliber representing us and sharing his knowledge with our customers and friends in Europe. Under Søren's leadership, Albion Europe will bring the same standard of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from Albion.

Albion has become known for its European research and European design, and now through Albion Europe, we will add a European presence, European representation and European distribution.

As Søren begins implementation over the next few months, we will give updates on the services Albion Europe can offer.

1-13-06
Happy Friday the 13th!

Next Generation Line Update
The waxes for two more models are in from Peter:


The Meister


The Sherriff


New items added to the Moat Sale page.

12-30-05
Museum Line Update
The prototype for the Saint Maurice of Turin sword is complete!
Go here for more photos.


Go here for archived news from 2005 and 2004