How to Start a Sword Collection on Any Budget
Posted by Eric Meyer on Oct 18th 2026
Hello all, Eric from Ice Imports.
A lot of people think you need to drop serious money straight away to start a sword collection.
You don’t.
I’ve watched people build really nice walls over a couple of years by starting small and very shrewdly, only buying pieces they actually love.
Here’s the straightforward way I usually suggest it.
Under $60 — Start with foam
$60 - 150 — The Move to Strong display pieces
Once you know you want to keep going, this range gets you real metal replicas that still won’t wreck a budget. The Master Sword sits around $135. A lot of the anime and fantasy pieces land here too — Godric’s Sword is $65, Sauron’s Sword is $125, and several of the Solo Leveling and Demon Slayer style blades are in the same zone. The Gold Splatter High Quality Katana is $135 and looks better in person than the photos, like me…
These are still display pieces (most aren’t sharp), but they have real weight and detail. One or two of these usually become the centerpiece while the foam ones fill out the rest of the wall. Pick something that resonates with you personally; some things just feel and seem so very right.
$150 and up — Premium when you’re ready
The higher-end forged katanas and bigger fantasy pieces live in this range. Premium forged blades start around $175 and go up from there (some folded-steel ones are $400+).
These are the ones people buy after they’ve already got a few pieces and want something impressive.
Most collectors I know don’t start here. They get one or two mid-range pieces first, figure out how much wall space they actually want to use, then add a nicer one later.
A few practical notes
- Buy what you like looking at, not what you think you “should” own. I can’t stress that enough. What other people think doesn’t matter… A cheap foam sword of a character you love will stay on the wall longer than an expensive piece you don’t reall care about.
- Display hangers for the wall are cheap (we’ve got simple ones for under $10). Don’t lean blades in corners. We also have swords racks and tabletop stands.
- If you’re not sure, start with a foam piece. You’ll figure out the rest after it’s hanging up.
Full selection is at iceimports.com/swords. Free shipping over $35 on most orders. Or stop into one of the shops if you want to see how something actually looks and feels before you buy.
— Eric
Ice Imports
For related articles, check out:
Japanese Katanas and Demon Slayer Swords: Similarities and Differences
How to Properly Maintain Your Demon Slayer Collection: Tips and Tricks
The Unique Qualities of the Black Sasuke Uchiha Sword
9 Incredibly Cool Sword Art Online Weapons Besides Kirito's Sword Elucidator
How to Create the Perfect Mitsuri Cosplay
Cosplaying as Inosuke from Demon Slayer: A Quick Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Sword Collection
- How much money do you need to start a sword collection?
You can start a sword collection for under $60 with foam swords and fantasy replicas. As your collection grows, you can add metal display swords in the 60–150 range or invest in premium forged katanas and collectible blades costing $175 or more.
- What are the best swords for beginners to collect?
Foam swords and recognizable replicas from anime, video games, and fantasy series are great starting points for new collectors. Choose a design from a character or story you love, then consider adding metal display pieces or premium forged swords as your interests and budget grow.
- Are foam swords good for a sword collection?
Yes, foam swords are an affordable, lightweight option for collectors who want to display recognizable fantasy, anime, or video game designs. They are easy to arrange on a wall and can be a practical choice for homes with children or shared living spaces.
- What is the difference between a display sword and a premium forged sword?
A display sword is generally purchased for its appearance, collectible design, or connection to a fictional character. A premium forged sword emphasizes construction, materials, and craftsmanship. Both can be appealing to collectors, but the right choice depends on your budget, interests, and whether you prioritize appearance or how the sword is made.
- What are the best collectible swords under $150?
Popular options under $150 include Godric’s Sword, Sauron’s Sword, the Master Sword, and various anime-inspired blades, depending on the specific model and current price. Ice Imports also offers the Gold Splatter High Quality Katana for collectors looking for a distinctive display piece in this price range.
- How do you build a sword collection on a budget?
Start with one or two affordable pieces that reflect your interests, then expand gradually as your budget allows. Combining foam replicas with mid-range metal display swords can create an impressive collection without requiring a large upfront investment. Planning your wall space and display options can also help you avoid unnecessary purchases.
- How should you display a sword collection at home?
You can display a sword collection using wall-mounted hangers, dedicated sword racks, or tabletop stands. Choose a location with enough space for each piece, use secure mounts appropriate for the sword’s weight, and keep swords safely out of reach of children. Avoid leaning swords in corners where they could fall.
- Where can you buy affordable collectible swords?
Ice Imports offers collectible swords at a range of price points, from affordable foam replicas to mid-range fantasy and anime swords and premium forged katanas. Browse the complete sword collection, explore the foam replica collection, or visit the premium forged blades section to find options that fit your budget.