FAQ

When will I receive my order?

In stock orders are generally shipped within 5 business days.
Larger orders with valid email addresses will receive a UPS notification email when the order is shipped. Small orders may be shipped USPS at our discretion. Please note that sometimes your order will consist of two or more packages, arriving at different times.
Orders to the West Coast, FL or TX will take 5 business days to arrive. Expedited shipping is available at extra cost. Please call or email for details.
SO ALLOW UP TO THREE WEEKS FOR DELIVERY. Most will arrive earlier.

How do I order?

The site uses a secure shopping cart program. Your credit card information is kept on a secure server and at no time is sent via email. All credit card info is periodically erased after your order is completed.
Orders can also be placed by mail, fax, or phone.
NOTE: Any order being shipped to a freight forwarder is required to pay by wire transfer. Credit card payment, even if issued by a U.S. bank, will not be accepted for such orders.

Can I order by phone or mail?

YES! We accept orders by phone at our store Toll-Free at 1-877-246-3073. To order by mail or fax, use the on-line shopping cart program and choose the mail check payment option. That will print out the order form. Include the order form with your payment and mail it in. Checks must clear before order is shipped, generally 2 weeks. Money orders clear immediately. For fax orders, use the mail check option on the shopping cart, then write credit card information on form, sign and fax to: 585-427-0332. Order payments are also accepted through PayPal.

Payments by check or money order - please send to:

The Steel Source
Henrietta Townline Plaza
3047 W. Henrietta Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623

Is everything on the website in stock?

No, we carry over 3,000 items. Not everything can be in stock all the time. If you place an order and we expect that the item will be out of stock for more than a week or two, you will be notifed by email. We get shipments daily, and as long as the manufacturer has it in stock, we can usually get an item within a week or so. If it's on backorder with the manufacturer, we have no idea how long it will take, and we will notify you of such.

Do you rent clothing or armor?

We do not rent out any items. Clothing and armor are NOT RETURNABLE except to exchange for a different size, if applicable.
All steel and leather armor has imperfections. This is not a defect, but a normal feature of hand-forged items.

My sword broke. I changed my mind and don't want my order. I didn't look at the item description and picture carefully and decided I don't like the item after I received it. I found it cheaper somewhere else. I want to return it. Return Policy:

Swords and knives are not guaranteed against breakage when used inappropriately. Inappropriate uses include, but are not limited to, cutting down trees, striking other swords and weapons, prying, digging, and hitting people. Swords are for display only unless item description specifically states "battle ready".
Under special circumstances, saleable merchandise returns accepted minus 20% restocking fee, prior approval required. Shipping charges non-refundable. Any refund for non-authorized returns will be at the company's discretion. No refunds or exchanges, for any reason, after 30 days of receipt.
Defective items must be reported within 48 hours and returned within two weeks of receipt. Call or email for RMA number.
Costume-type items (clothes, armor, belts) are NOT returnable except for a size exchange. We do not rent clothing or armor.

How much is shipping? What about international orders?

Shipping is just $7 for any order within the continental U.S. via UPS. If your order must be shipped USPS because of a P.O. Box address, actual shipping cost will be charged. Orders to Alaska and Hawaii must be shipped air at additional charge. Email for cost details. Orders to APO and FPO addresses must be shipped USPS and are subject to additional shipping fees. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. Call or email with details for a cost estimate.
Canadian orders pay actual shipping costs based on weight and size of items and are generally shipped via USPS. Minimum shipping to Canada is $20.00 U.S. For all non-U.S. orders, actual shipping charges and Customs regulations, taxes and any fees are the customer's responsibility. Canadian customers may be asked to fax us the front and back of the credit card they are using. This is to help combat fraud and protect both the cardholder and our company. Thank you for understanding.
PLEASE NOTE: REPLICA GUNS AND CROSSBOWS CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO CANADA
Company policy is no international shipping other than Canada due to international credit card fraud, high shipping costs, laws and regulations, Customs, and other difficulties. Any international orders we receive will not be processed without special approval. However, exceptions can be made if order is paid by wire transfer ($25 fee). See international orders for details.
No international credit cards are accepted, no exceptions. Email for wire transfer details.

Do you wholesale?

We are a retailer only, not a manufacturer or supplier. We do not wholesale. We do not make any of the products, nor do we do any customization or engraving.

How do I get a catalog?

Our catalog is on-line only. Printed catalogs are not available. We carry an ever-changing inventory of items. Please shop from the website.

Are the swords sharp?

It depends on the sword. The Marto and Gladius lines are for display only, they are not sharp.
Some of the swords have a factory edge, somewhat sharp. A few are very sharp. We try to say in the description. Please email and ask about any particular one if it will make a difference to your purchase.

What steel are the swords and armor?

420 steel - A hard steel, less flexible, more prone to breakage when used. A polished 420 J2 sword makes a gorgeous display piece. 420 steel blades can be sharpened with care. Sharpening can scuff a polished finish.
440 steel - A common steel used for most swords. A bit more flexible than 420. 440 steel blades can be sharpened. Sharpening can scuff a polished finish.
Carbon steel - A flexible steel, generally non-polished, used more for battle-ready items due to it's durability. CAN RUST. Spots of rust does not make a carbon steel item defective. A good metal polish and gentle care will help maintain your carbon steel items. Carbon steel blades can be sharpened fairly easily.

Folded steel and damascus steel are the most flexible carbon steel and the most expensive.

What about my privacy?

We do not sell or rent our customers names. Occasionally we may send out email or mailers with new items, specials, etc. to previous customers. You can easily unsubscribe by following the directions in the email.

Why was I charged sales tax?

All New York State customers must pay 8% sales tax because our company is based in NYS.

I'm not 18. Can I place an order?

Only for gift items. If you're under 18 you cannot purchase knives, swords, or martial arts equipment. A parent or other adult may place an order in their name. By placing an order, you are certifying you are 18 or older.

Prices:

Prices are subject to change without notice. Not responsible for errors or omissions.

The required legal fine print:

RELEASE, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
By purchasing any item from The Steel Source, whether by mail, in person, or through the internet, the buyer warrants that he/she is in compliance with his/her federal, state, and local laws and is legally able to purchase these items. The Steel Source may not be held responsible for any non-compliance with these laws or misuse of the product.

Any order placed by any means is an agreement to these rules, regulations, and policies.