Every Armour Class sword, scabbard and baldric is handled personally by our small Scottish workshop. Our online cart is used to collect the details of your order – it does not take payment.
Once you submit your order request, we will review it by hand, confirm availability, calculate shipping to your address and email you with a personalised confirmation, payment instructions and an estimated lead time.
This page explains each step so you know exactly what to expect before you commit to purchasing.
| Step | What you do | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Browse the shop | Explore our sword ranges, scabbards, baldrics and accessories in the Shop. | Display current products, typical prices and descriptions. |
| 2. Add items to cart | Add the pieces you would like – including any matching scabbards or baldrics – to your cart. | Record the items, options and quantities you have chosen. |
| 3. Enter your details | Go to the cart, enter your contact and shipping details, and add any notes (for example deadlines or small adjustments). | Receive all the information we need to look after your order personally. |
| 4. Submit order request | Submit the order request. No payment is taken at this stage. | Review your request in the workshop and check stock, options and current lead times. |
| 5. Personal confirmation | Wait for our email confirming availability, final pricing including shipping, and estimated timing. | Email you with a clear summary of your order, costs, shipping method and expected lead time. |
| 6. Arrange payment | Once you are happy, we will arrange payment by sending a link to our card processor for your 30% deposit. | Confirm safe receipt of funds and book your order into our production schedule. |
7. Production, balance/dispatch | Relax while we craft or prepare your order. We will let you know when your items are ready to ship. And take the balance due. | Handcraft, finish and dispatch your order, then email you with tracking details where available. |
All payments for Armour Class orders are handled securely offline. Our website does not process debit or credit card payments.
When we email your personalised order confirmation, we will include the total amount due (including shipping) and clear instructions on how to pay. At present we accept payment by bank transfer and may be able to offer additional methods by arrangement.
Orders are only booked into our schedule once payment has been received and confirmed. If you have any questions about payment from your country, please mention this in your order notes or reply to our confirmation email.
Why offline payments?
As a small Scottish workshop we prefer to check each order by hand before taking any payment. This lets us confirm the details of your sword, scabbard or baldric, make sure we can meet any deadlines and give you accurate shipping costs.
It is a slower, more traditional way of doing business, but it helps us maintain the level of care and communication our customers expect.
Every Armour Class sword is handcrafted in Scotland and many items are made to order. This means there is often a wait while we forge, heat-treat, grind, hilt and finish your blade.
Stock items: Occasionally we have completed pieces ready to ship. These can usually be dispatched within a short time once payment is received.
Made-to-order items: Most swords, scabbards and baldrics are produced to order. Typical lead times can range from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the piece and how busy the workshop is.
If you have a specific deadline – for example a wedding, ceremony or event – please tell us in your order notes. We will confirm what is realistic before you decide to proceed.
We ship Armour Class swords and leatherwork worldwide from our workshop in Scotland. Your order will be carefully packed to protect the blade, hilt and fittings during transit.
Carriers and methods: We typically use reputable couriers or postal services appropriate to your destination and the size and value of the shipment. Where possible we will provide tracking details once your order has been dispatched.
Shipping costs: Because every order is different, shipping is calculated individually based on the items ordered, the package size and weight, and your delivery address. We will confirm the shipping cost in your personalised order confirmation before you are asked to pay.
International customers
Your shipment may be subject to customs checks, import duties or taxes set by your own country. These charges are your responsibility and are not included in our prices or shipping estimates.
Please check any local restrictions on importing swords or bladed items before ordering. If you are unsure, you are very welcome to contact us for guidance.
Alongside our regular ranges, Armour Class is known for historically informed custom work – from particular hilt styles and blade lengths to matching scabbards and baldrics.
For custom pieces we will usually discuss your ideas by email before confirming a design, specification and price. In some cases we may ask for a non-refundable deposit before work begins, with the balance due when the piece is ready to dispatch.
Custom work often carries longer lead times than standard items, as every detail is made to suit you. We will always give you a clear indication of timing and cost so you can decide whether to proceed.
The notes below highlight some of the most important points of dealing with Armour Class. They do not replace our full terms of sale, which are available on request.
Accurate information: Please ensure that your contact details and delivery address are complete and correct when you submit your order request. We cannot be responsible for delays or losses caused by incorrect information.
Inspection on arrival: When your order arrives, please inspect it as soon as reasonably possible. If there is any damage or concern, contact us promptly so that we can advise on next steps.
Returns and exchanges: We will always try to resolve any issues fairly. Standard items may be returnable or exchangeable by agreement; custom pieces are generally not returnable unless there is a clear fault in workmanship.
Safety and responsible use: Swords and related items can be dangerous if misused. They must only be ordered and handled by responsible adults over 18, in a safe environment and in accordance with local laws and event rules.
If you need more detailed legal or technical information, please contact us directly and we will be happy to help.
