The six blades that are most frequently mentioned by collectors are Ice, Longclaw, Oathkeeper, Widow's Wail, Needle and Heartsbane and each blade has a unique design of its own that you should be aware of before purchasing. Valyrian steel, the fictional metal these blades are made from, has a dark rippled appearance similar to what is achieved when one is hand forged, making the resin/cast alloy prop appear far less durable to show than a hand-forged piece complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. Longclaw and Needle are particularly well suited for newer collectors because they are not as large as a full greatsword such as Ice, and thus can be displayed more conveniently.
I've seen fake and authentic (cast) swords from 12 different franchises and the quest to find the Game of Thrones sword replicas is one of the tougher categories to nail down, as each house is uniquely associated with a sword style. Once you are aware about the poor manufacturing of the piece, it can be easily spotted.
What Makes a Sword "Screen-Accurate"?
Screen accuracy is the accuracy of the replica in comparison to the prop's proportions, engravings and finish, not only a similar silhouette. Some sellers take a nice shot at the angle and state that it is "screen accurate" when in fact the actual shape of the pommel or length of the blade is off once compared to one of the show's screenshots.
Specifics are the best check. If you don't see a listing that specifies either the length of Longclaw's bastard-sword or the oversized greatsword build of Ice, then the seller who studied the source material likely didn't.
Where Does Valyrian Steel Come From in the Story?
In the series, almost every sword with a name is made of fictional Valyrian steel. It is said to maintain a sharp edge for a long time and exhibit a rippled and smoke-blackened pattern on the blade. The forging process was lost centuries before the events of the show took place, hence the importance of possessing one of these swords for the noble houses in the story, according to A Wiki of Ice and Fire.
This detail is important to collectors because the rippled appearance of Valyrian steel is similar to that of a real pattern-welded forging after it is etched. It's probably the reason why many replica sellers go for the visible layered pattern, despite the show not going into any great depth about metallurgy.
Which Swords Are Worth Collecting as Replicas?
A handful of named blades come up again and again, and each one has its own look worth knowing before you buy.
Ice
House Stark's ancestral greatsword, carried by Eddard Stark, described as wider than a hand and taller than a teenage boy. A full-scale Ice replica is one of the more imposing display pieces in this category, and since it's a two-handed piece, it's worth measuring your wall or case space first.
Longclaw
The Mormont family's bastard sword, later given to Jon Snow. Its shorter length makes it a friendly starting point for a first purchase, and the wolf's-head pommel is one of the most recognizable design details in the whole lineup.
Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail
Both were forged from the melted remains of Ice, so they share a base design but differ in hilt details, with House Lannister's lion motifs worked into the fittings. Some collectors buy the pair together for that shared origin story.
Needle
Arya Stark's slim, lightweight blade and the smallest named sword in the main lineup, which makes it a good pick if you're short on display space or new to collecting.
Heartsbane
House Tarly's ancestral greatsword, close to Ice in size but a less common request than the others here, which can work in your favor if you want something a little less common for a themed collection.
How Do You Spot a Well-Forged Replica?
Most disappointment in this category starts here. A costume-grade piece is usually cast from a soft zinc alloy or resin, then coated to look like steel, and it's priced low enough to feel like an easy buy. It holds its shape in photos, but it lacks real weight and balance, and the finish tends to chip or dull within months.
A hand-forged replica starts from actual steel, shaped and heat treated the way a working blade would be, with real weight between the blade and the hilt, and you feel that difference the moment you pick one up even if it doesn't show in a photo.
I ran a simple test on two Game of Thrones replica swords from my own shelf, one cast and one hand-forged, bought years apart. I flexed each blade gently near the tip, checked how the pommel sat under light pressure, and looked closely at the engraving under a lamp. The cast blade flexed slightly out of true and didn't spring fully back, a sign of softer alloy, while the forged blade returned straight every time. The cast piece's engraving also had soft, rounded edges from the mold, but the forged piece's etching held crisp lines you could feel with a fingertip. None of that shows up well in a listing photo, which is exactly why it catches new buyers off guard.
What Are These Swords Usually Made Of?
However, the blade is not all that is built. Pommels and guards will usually be made of brass, zinc alloy or stainless steel and sometimes a heavier metal pommel will not only look good but will also balance a longer blade such as Ice so that the blade is not 'front heavy'.
Grips vary too. A wide variety of sellers have used these materials, all of which affect the feel of the piece in hand: wrapped leather, wire-wound cord, solid wood cores. If it does have a scabbard, it should fit the blade just right without rubbing off the finish on every pull so if you're going to use it a lot, read a few reviews or look up a few close-ups of scabbard quality.
How Should You Store Multiple Pieces?
With each additional sword, deciding which one to keep becomes a choice in and of itself. The more pieces you have, the more expensive it is, but after 3 or 4, it is a great way to keep several pieces from getting dusty without sacrificing the ability to see the detail of the hilts.
There's more to lighting than meets the eye. That one warm light that falls on a blade, the forgery marks, the fuller, all of this just looks better than an overhead light, and it can make a pile of swords into a real display.
What Mistakes Do First-Time Buyers Make?
There are a few common errors in this category. The one that is bought most is the one that has just a pattern, because if it looks great on the outside, it doesn't mean much about the inside steel, so determine what type of core steel is used first before checking the pictures.
Another is to skip the check on the handle. A good blade on a bad handle is a big pain, not just a problem of looks, finding secure pins or rivets, and checking that the blade is fully tang. But for many new buyers, particularly if they buy high-carbon steel, maintenance is another problem that might get them into trouble if they don't consider it before purchase and find it too much work to wash their hands and lightly oil the steels.
What Should You Check Before You Buy?
There are a few details that make the difference between a good and a mediocre product.
Core steel. The most important part is the construction is made of a stated high carbon steel as opposed to being a "metal" or "alloy" as this is the most critical component of how long it will last.
Tang construction. A full tang is also found around the length of the hilt, which helps to prevent the pommel and grip from slipping just like a partial-tang or glued build does.
Hilt detail. House engravings such as the wolf's head or lion should be crisp and clearly defined, not soft and blurred from a mold.
A Certificate of Authenticity. This validates that the piece was hand-forged and not mass produced which could be important if it has a resale value or is for a certain reason of collecting for.
How Should You Display and Care for One?
If a blade is one statement piece, it can be mounted on a wall; if it's part of a collection, a vertical stand is better for a smaller blade such as a Needle or an Ice with a smaller pommel that has a better angle in the light.
To maintain the blade, clean it after use to remove oils from the skin, and lubricate with mineral oil every few months, if you reside in a humid climate; also, if you live somewhere that receives lots of sunlight, avoid placing the blade in sunlight for prolonged periods, as UV rays can dim the finish or over time fade some hilt materials. For long term display, keep it out of a scabbard as well, because moisture in a scabbard is a frequent source of spotting in high carbon steel.
Placing rooms is more important than one might think. A blade in front of a window with direct sunlight will fade quicker than one in an indirect light, and a blade in front of a kitchen or bathroom is exposed to more humidity than a dry hallway, or display room, so an interior wall away from direct sunlight is often the better long-term option.
Are These Swords Good Gifts?
If you are a long time fan of the person, you can put a choice of an appropriate blade to them but not what is in fashion. Needle is sure to be enjoyed by a fan of Arya's arc and Longclaw is a no-brainer for the one who always cheered for the Night's Watch.
This kind of gift is suitable for birthdays, a rewatch marathon, or a finale anniversary. If the person already has blades that have the screen design, ask him/her what's on his/her shelf first, because it's a weak gift when he/she has a second sword of a similar design.
Which Blade Fits Your Collection Style?
For one statement piece and wall space, Ice or Heartsbane will give you the most visual effect. For a smaller budget, Longclaw or Needle would be an easier place to start with a themed set while maintaining some of the detail. Then the story behind the piece is as important as the piece itself, and Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail pack a story that the others don't.
How Does This Compare to Other Fantasy Sword Collections?
Fantasy swords come in two forms: ornamental and fancy, such as the Lord of the Rings series; and functional and worn, which is closer to what the Thrones Costume Department used. Longclaw and Ice both show signs of wear, and have a "grounded" aesthetic compared to the more ornamental fantasy items on their shelf.
Many collectors, who have pieces from more than one franchise, tend to arrange the pieces by appearance and not by title, so the more basic, "grounded" blades go together, and the more elaborate, "fantasy" blades are grouped in another case. It's a minor thing, but it would make a mixed collection feel more purposeful.
What Should You Ask a Seller Before Buying?
If a listing is lacking in detail, a quick note to the Seller may save you the hassle of a disappointing purchase. If the person is not quite sure what type of steel the core is made from, they are likely to leave it up to you to guess, and if their answer is evasive or vague, it's a warning sign in itself.
Also consider whether the tang is the entire length of the handle or it ends short of the handle, as this detail is not always evident in photographs. Also if you're interested in the accuracy of the screen ask if the piece was modeled from actual reference stills or was constructed from a general description, as this will give a lot of information about the degree of research that went into the design.
Why Choose Smith's Blade?
Smith's Blade has forged blades since 2020, and their Game of Thrones collection follows the same standard across the lineup: high-carbon steel, full tang construction, and hand forged and heat treated rather than cast, with a Certificate of Authenticity shipped with every piece. Custom commission requests are also available for specific finish work or sizing. You can browse the full sword collection, read more on the About page, or reach out through the contact page for a custom order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valyrian steel a real historical material?
No, it's fictional, created for the books and show.
Which sword is easiest to start collecting with?
Longclaw and Needle are the most common starting points, mainly because they're more compact and need less display space than a full greatsword.
How can I tell if a listing is hand-forged rather than cast?
Check for a stated core steel type, a mention of full tang construction, and a Certificate of Authenticity. A listing missing all three is usually cast or stamped rather than genuinely forged.
Do these replicas come sharpened?
It depends on the seller. Many display pieces ship with a decorative edge rather than a functional one, so check the specific product description if edge sharpness matters to you.
What's the difference between a display piece and a functional replica?
A display piece is built and finished for looks and durability on a stand or wall mount, while a functional replica is built to actually handle and hold an edge. Most collectors buying for a shelf or wall want a display piece, so check the listing for which one you're getting.
Which One Should You Buy First?
Before you match it to your favorite character, match it to your space. A handcrafted product, no matter the design and its small size, as a compact Longclaw, or if you prefer a full scale Ice, will remain sharp long past its first year on display, while a cast product will be worn out after the first year. If you're considering a few different Game of Thrones replica swords at the moment, make the decision based on the steel and tang, rather than the character. The specifications won't change after you buy, but your favorite house might.
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