All the Gen2 swords (medieval and katanas)and knives are made from virgin 5160 or 1060 carbon steel, not recycled leaf spring steel as with other well known competition.  All tangs are a continuation of the blade that runs completely through the handle and connects to the pommel (not the thin rod used in most all swords). Although they are historically correct in appearance, specifications were set to produce a sword that could withstand the riggers of steel to steel and not produce a failure.

The first test was on several 2"x 4"s standing up and split them with no marring on the blade.  The second test was on a 2"x 4" cross ways resting on a solid rest and striking straight down.  It did not cut all the way through, but it did cut deep and again did not mar the blade or edge.  Then the ultimate test was Steel-to-Steel *, with 9 good blows. These tests resulted in NO  breakage or looseness developing in the blade, tang, or handle of the swords.

* Steel to Steel Swords is the Service mark of Generation2 / Imperial Co., Inc. Copyright © 2001 -2007 all rights reserved.

First Picture. Hank lining up the cut.	Second Picture. The cut!	Third Picture. A clean cut!
Fourth Picture. Hank relined the shoulder and placed the mail on top.  Here you can see the impact made. Great Shot!	Fifth Picture. You can definitely see the cut in the mail.	Sixth Picture. Very little nicking on the blade. There were a few spots but Hank said that would happen on any sword, no matter how well it is made.

A word from Hank:

I have had people question me regarding the affiliation with Generation 2 swords, since I never carried any Filipino made swords at MRL. The answer is very simple. The swords we looked at were case hardened and not fully tempered. Case hardening is where the surface of the steel is treated with carbon. The metal is heated up and soaked, and then quenched. This leaves a hard edge, but the interior of the sword is soft. After being sharpened a few times, the hard portion is worn away, and only soft metal remains. More importantly, the body of the sword is not tempered. 

However the Gen 2 swords are fully heated treated (tempered) all the way through. The swords I have looked at have all be a good quality sword, made with good steel and capable of being used. In reality they are better than the original, since the metal and the heat treating more consistent than swordmakers were able to get in the past.
 

So what you get are good quality swords at an affordable price.

In addition, the fit and finish that I have seen is better than a large majority of swords from other sources.

The swords, and the sword prices, should speak for themselves, and they do.
 

                                                                  Hank Reinhardt

"Historical Recreations"  (History Lives) Page 1

"Historical Recreations"  (History Lives) Page 2

"Stage Combat Line"

We are teaming up with Last Legend to make Pro Sword. How does that work you ask? Well mostly Last Legend will make the oriental portion of Pro Sword and Generation 2 will make the medieval aspect.

But, there is also in the works and I am sure many are busting to find out if it is true, but Last Legend, Generation 2 and Pro sword has the Hank Reinhart, yes the Hank Reinhart sending us designs to make a "Hank Reinhardt" collection. Both Last Legend and Generation2 have 3 drawings to start with.

Does this mean this deal is in the bag? No, we have to first make the proto-types and Hank has to approve. I will tell you he was impressed by our Crusader sword we sent to to inspect.

Also if you want to know more about how well Generation 2 swords are made and to read an interview I had with Paul Southren from Sword Buyers Guide www.sword-buyers-guide.com/ezine.html Click on the link. You will have to subscribe to his newsletter. But it is free.

Well that is all I have for now. But as new items or news come in you will find it posted on our web site and posted here.
 

Clyde Hollis